Testing and Commissioning Manager - Rail in England

• Testing and Commissioning Manager – Permanent Way
• Hybrid Role

We are seeking a Testing and Commissioning Manager to join the HS2 Track infrastructure project at the initial design phase which will run concurrently with the completion of main works contracts, which are now at their peak.

The team operate under a collaborative Rail Systems Alliance structure, designed to manage interfaces and resolve any program conflicts.

The members will work together on design, access, resources, and logistics to achieve shared goals for cost and schedule.

The role will ensure testing and commissioning requirements are embedded in the design to enable efficient construction, testing, commissioning and successful handover.

Key responsibilities

To lead the development and coordination of testing and commissioning strategies, plans and processes for the railway systems during the design stage, ensuring designs support efficient testing, verification and commissioning while maintaining technical consistency, safety and integrated assurance across all interfaces.

• Responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining the Testing and Commissioning Management Plan, Commissioning Strategy and associated processes and procedures for the railway systems.
• Lead the identification and integration of testing and commissioning requirements into system specifications, Functional and Architecture Specifications and Interface Control Documents from the earliest stages of design.
• Manage the development of comprehensive Master Test Plans, test specifications, commissioning procedures and sequences to support a logical and efficient progression from design through to handover and trial operations.
• Implement efficient Verification and Validation (V&V) processes, including preparation for static and dynamic testing, integration testing and operational trials, in compliance with CDM, CSM-RA and relevant standards.
• Be responsible for the consistency of T&C deliverables across work packages and contribute towards the standardisation of test methods, acceptance criteria and commissioning specifications.
• Coordinate with Rail Systems, Main Works and Stations contractors, the Client, Designers and internal teams to identify, document and resolve T&C-related design interfaces and dependencies.
• Act as the primary point of contact for technical coordination of testing, commissioning and handover planning across all project interfaces.
• Support the development of progressive assurance evidence for T&C activities and contribute to formal submissions and reviews with HS2, As Bo and other bodies.
• Direct and oversee the work of T&C Leads, Test Engineers, Validation Specialists and Commissioning Coordinators to ensure coherent test planning, procedure development, requirements traceability and assurance evidence collection.
• Support and/or conduct design reviews, testability and operability reviews, HAZID/HAZOP workshops and formal assurance reviews and submissions (e. g. to HS2 and As Bo), ensuring commissioning requirements and risks are addressed early.
• Manage resolution of T&C comments, queries and interface issues across stakeholders.
• Programme and Information coordination
• Ensure T&C milestones, test windows, access needs and commissioning sequences are identified early and integrated within the design delivery and overall project programme.
• Coordinate the supply chain and design teams to incorporate T&C requirements, support design for testability and buildability, and evidence progressive commissioning readiness during design, construction and handover.
• Maintain close liaison with the design supply chain to deliver T&C strategies, plans and procedure inputs within programme and budgetary constraints and in accordance with client requirements.
• Coordination with the broader interface management team, assurance team, design delivery team, construction and logistics teams to align T&C planning with construction sequences and site access.
• Attend weekly meetings with the broader design, systems, safety and construction teams and client in Birmingham / London.

Participate in or chair regular testing and commissioning coordination meetings.

• Support the client with identifying T&C-related change, risk and opportunities and constantly striving for efficiencies that reduce commissioning duration and cost while maintaining safety and quality.
• Support the link and coordination with construction teams for management of T&C interface and handover issues.

Provide technical input and support to relevant commercial communications (SNCs, NCRs, CEs, Departures, etc).

• Key Skills and qualifications
• Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Railway Engineering (or related discipline)
• Chartered Engineer status (e. g. IRSE, IET, IMech E or ICE) desirable
• Significant experience in testing and commissioning management on major multi-disciplinary rail projects. High-speed rail, and UK projects are highly advantageous.
• Proven experience leading testing and commissioning activities during the design stage, including early integration of T&C requirements into specifications and designs.
• Strong knowledge of railway systems, operating requirements, and available equipment, with particular experience of track, S&C and depot systems.
• Demonstrated experience developing and managing Inspection & Test Plans (ITPs), Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), Site Acceptance Tests (SAT), and System Integration Testing (SIT).
• Excellent understanding of Verification & Validation (V&V), system assurance, RAMS principles and relevant standards (e. g. EN 50126 series, CSM-RA, TSI).
• Knowledge of UK rail regulatory and assurance frameworks, including experience supporting submissions to clients, As Bo or No Bo bodies.
• Strong communication, leadership and stakeholder management skills, with a collaborative and pragmatic approach.
• Enthusiastic team player with the ability to engage, influence and motivate across disciplines and organisations.
• Focus on efficiency, safety and delivery. Practical experience of balancing design, quality, testability and buildability requirements.