Contractors Engineering Manager (CEM)- Telecoms in Stockport

Contractor\’s Engineering Manager (CEM) – Telecoms / Software-Focused Systems

Contract Details:

• Contract Length: Minimum 9 months
• IR35 Status: Outside IR35
• Start Date: ASAP
• Location: Predominantly remote with occasional travel to Cheadle, Stockport

Overview

An experienced Contractor\’s Engineering Manager (CEM) is required to take over an existing role due to retirement. The role supports a rail‑based programme currently at GRIP 6, entering SIT/SAT testing, and centres on an Online Key Management System (OKMS). The OKMS is a software‑based, cyber‑secure telecoms system used by train drivers to log into operational systems. While the solution has strong software and cyber‑security elements, this is not a pure software role. A telecoms engineering background is essential. Civils or signalling‑only backgrounds are unlikely to be suitable. The OKMS scope represents approximately 40‑50% of the workload; however, candidates with a strong telecoms background will be able to support the role full time.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as Contractor\’s Engineering Manager, coordinating all engineering activities in line with the project programme and GRIP lifecycle
• Coordinate design and documentation deliverables to Network Rail
• Review and sign off all documentation submitted to Network Rail from delivery partners
• Manage and coordinate responses to Design Review Notes (DRNs), ensuring timely closure or document updates formally accepted by Network Rail
• Coordinate As‑Built documentation where required
• Provide all required documentation for the Network Rail Health & Safety File, agreeing formats with Network Rail
• Provide IDC/IDR Certificates for GRIP stages 5, 6 and 7 (and 8 if required)
• Provide Engineering Completion Certificates (ECC)
• Update and maintain the System Definition
• Update the Service Interface Register (SIR) with input from DDaT stakeholders
• Produce HSM performance reports to support NRAP Product Approval (templates provided)
• Maintain document control via JIRA, SharePoint and OneDrive
• Coordinate with TÜV (Independent Auditor) regarding Subset compliance reports
• Respond to auditor queries and provide supporting evidence as required
• Ensure progress towards compliance with applicable subsets, supporting independent assurance for handover
• Support completion and acceptance of SIT/SAT Safety Letter
• Run checks on outstanding LDO actions prior to certification sign‑off
• Attend Monthly Network Rail Contract Review meetings
• Attend Monthly Human Factors Working Group meetings
• Chair Twice‑weekly Engineering Delivery meetings
• Chair Monthly Security Working Group meetings, reviewing security documentation, residual risks and emerging issues
• Provide a monthly metrics pack
• Provide a monthly technical debt report
• Maintain awareness of project security classifications, procedures and controls
• Identify, manage and escalation any security breaches promptly
• Support updates to security briefings and alignment with current organisational security marking systems
• Consult and adhere to Network Rail security correspondence and requirements
• Obtain and use access to the following systems: Network Rail eB (document control and DRN status), Network Rail Standards Portal, Network Rail Teams, JIRA (document control and WPM), SharePoint / OneDrive (OKMS documentation)
• The CEM will work closely with a multi‑organisation delivery team including project management, service delivery, safety assurance, systems engineering, architecture, and security specialists.

Essential Requirements

• CEM Certification (mandatory)
• Strong telecoms engineering background
• Experience delivering software‑based, cyber‑secure systems within regulated environments
• Proven experience working through GRIP stages, particularly GRIP 5-7
• Experience with IDC/IDR, ECC, DRNs, and Network Rail governance processes
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and suppliers
• Comforta