ERTMS Programme Manager

Freightliner

14h

About The Position

Freightliner is a UK intermodal logistics provider offering rail, road and terminal solutions. The ERTMS Programme Manager will represent and deliver Freightliner Limited’s (IML) interests in the European Rail Traffic Management System programme. The role will lead development and execution of Freightliner IML’s ERTMS strategy, align it with Network Rail’s rollout plans, and protect and advance Freightliner’s commercial and operational position. It carries accountability within Freightliner governance for planning and delivering the IML ERTMS programme, including building and leading the IML ERTMS team and coordinating internal capability and third-party partners. This is a high-profile, safety-critical transformation project involving coordination across Engineering, Operations, Commercial and external partners. The role is accountable for delivery to time, cost and quality, while supporting Freightliner’s broader digital railway and decarbonisation objectives. It serves as the primary interface with Network Rail on behalf of IML, ensuring Freightliner’s requirements are understood, prioritised and supported by sufficient funding. The successful candidate will shape delivery and contracting strategy, manage budgets and project controls, establish governance and reporting, negotiate requirements and resources, and oversee delivery partners. The role also coordinates engineering, fleet, maintenance, driver training and operational readiness, and ensures compliance with rail industry standards, safety requirements and regulatory obligations. Freightliner offers competitive pay, excellent benefits, a competitive pension scheme, a rewarding career in an award-winning team, and developmental opportunities.

Requirements

Proven experience delivering large-scale, complex infrastructure or rail projects.
Understanding of rail operations, engineering and system integration.
Strong commercial acumen, including contracting strategy, funding and cost control.
Strong planning, milestone management, governance and delivery-control skills.
Familiarity with recognised project management methodologies such as PRINCE2, APM or MSP.
Strong negotiation and influencing skills, particularly with Network Rail and other external stakeholders.
Ability to represent Freightliner credibly at senior industry and programme level.
Proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams in a matrix environment.
Ability to shape delivery strategy in a complex, evolving external environment.
Strong focus on accountability, clear roles and delivery outcomes.
Resilience and ability to operate in a fast-paced, complex and evolving programme environment.
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to make decisions under pressure.
Strong corporate affiliation and prioritisation of business needs.
Drive, energy, enthusiasm and commitment to excellence in pursuing goals.
Willingness to embrace challenges, take a hands-on approach as required and get things done.
Ability to set and consistently achieve high standards of work for self and team.
Integrity, openness and commitment to good governance.
Ability to lead by example and provide honest, clear leadership.
Ability to listen to others’ perspectives and provide constructive feedback and coaching.
Commitment to exhibiting the Group’s core values.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of ERTMS or digital signalling.

Responsibilities

Define and recommend a flexible, value-driven ERTMS delivery and contracting strategy for Freightliner IML.
Translate national ERTMS programme developments into a deliverable strategy for Freightliner IML.
Align ERTMS implementation with Freightliner’s commercial, operational and engineering priorities.
Operate within Network Rail agreed funding frameworks and secure appropriate resource levels.
Negotiate delivery timelines, requirements, resource allocation and funding arrangements.
Develop and manage budgets, forecasts and cost controls, ensuring value for money.
Support business cases and funding submissions as required.
Develop and maintain an end-to-end project plan, including milestones, dependencies and deliverables.
Establish and operate project governance, reporting, RAID logs and escalation frameworks.
Monitor progress, identify risks and delays early, and ensure mitigation.
Provide governance reporting to IML senior leadership and programme boards.
Act as the primary relationship owner with Network Rail and represent Freightliner IML’s interests.
Ensure Freightliner’s operational and commercial requirements are understood and reflected in programme decisions.
Represent Freightliner in industry forums and ERTMS working groups as required.
Lead programme delivery through internal teams and third-party partners, without structural reliance on a single provider.
Manage contractual, performance and output arrangements across delivery partners.
Recruit, structure and lead the Freightliner IML ERTMS team in line with agreed funding.
Build programme capability by balancing permanent resources and specialist expertise.
Create a culture of accountability, safety and delivery focus within the IML ERTMS team.
Work with the Engineering Director and Engineering function to align ERTMS requirements with engineering capability and resources.
Integrate the programme with fleet, maintenance, driver training and operational readiness plans.
Manage deployment impacts to support safe implementation with minimal operational disruption.
Maintain risk, issue and dependency management processes.
Ensure compliance with rail industry standards, safety requirements and regulatory obligations.
Support audit readiness and alignment with ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 frameworks.