Approvals Project Manager #RO #UK

CAF (Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles); Newport; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

CAF (Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles) seeks a UK Project Approvals Manager to coordinate safety-related activities and deliver approvals for CAF projects in the UK. The role ensures systems are maintained to secure approvals and demonstrate safety, enabling timely entry of CAF fleets onto the UK railway.

The role supports the UK Approvals Manager, plans submissions, maintains project programmes, and travels regularly within the UK to liaise with stakeholders and regulators.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering, as part of a team, in a multi-disciplinary project environment.
• Project management and coordination experience.
• Ability to communicate with colleagues, clients and stakeholders.
• Excellent IT skills including Excel.
• Excellent communications and interpersonal skills.
• Able to maintain accurate records.
• Flexible to work across a broad range of activities as the role evolves.
• Adaptable to rapidly changing circumstances in a fast-paced, pressured environment.
• Ability to work autonomously as well as part of a team.
• Flexibility to travel regularly in the UK.
• Knowledge of railway approvals processes.

Responsibilities

• Support the UK Approvals Manager and the Projects Safety & Approvals Manager in delivering all required approvals and authorisations to permit the entry into service of CAF fleets in the UK.
• Undertake planning, coordination and monitoring of all approvals submissions for CAF’s contracts in the UK.
• Develop and maintain approvals and safety project programmes.
• Coordinate Compatibility Steering Group and Testing Assurance Group meetings and subject-matter work streams.
• Publish regular KPIs.
• Prepare the Project Compatibility File.
• Adapt to changing circumstances and undertake additional duties as necessary without changing the general character or level of responsibility to the post.

Skills

Project management

Coordination

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Excel

Record keeping

Adaptability

Autonomy

Teamwork

Travel flexibility

Railway approvals knowledge

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Overview

CAF is delivering six vehicle projects in the UK for four different train operating companies, with future orders in the pipeline. Each project will be authorised into service by the Office of Rail and Road, in accordance with the Railway Interoperability Regulations 2011. Compatibility with Network Rail infrastructure must be demonstrated before delivery, testing and service operation can begin. This is a key role to ensure these activities are undertaken on time.

Role Summary

The UK Project Approvals Manager will provide support to and coordinate all approvals and safety‑related activities, strategies, systems and deliverables for CAF projects in the UK. The role ensures systems are maintained to secure the necessary approvals and demonstrate safety, facilitating the timely introduction of CAF fleets onto the UK railway.

Responsibilities

• Support the UK Approvals Manager and the Projects Safety & Approvals Manager in delivering all required approvals and authorisations to permit the entry into service of CAF fleets in the UK.
• Undertake planning, coordination and monitoring of all approvals submissions for CAF’s contracts in the UK.
• Develop and maintain approvals and safety project programmes.
• Coordinate Compatibility Steering Group and Testing Assurance Group meetings and subject‑matter work streams.
• Publish regular KPIs.
• Prepare the Project Compatibility File.
• Adapt to changing circumstances and undertake additional duties as necessary without changing the general character or level of responsibility to the post.

Essential Qualifications

• Relevant degree or equivalent.
• Experience of successful delivery, as part of a team, in a multi‑disciplinary project environment.
• Project management and coordination skills and experience.
• Ability to communicate with colleagues, clients and stakeholders.
• Excellent IT skills including Microsoft packages such as Excel.
• Excellent communications and interpersonal skills.
• Able to maintain accurate records.
• Flexible to work across a broad range of activities as the role evolves.
• Adaptable to rapidly changing circumstances in a fast‑paced, pressured environment.
• Ability to work autonomously as well as part of a team.
• Flexibility to travel regularly in the UK.

Desirable Qualifications

• Knowledge of railway (or similar) approvals, authorisation, compliance and conformance processes.