ERTMS Operations Specialist

Freightliner; Crewe; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading logistics operator is seeking an ERTMS Operations Specialist to support the delivery of ERTMS within the UK rail sector. You will collaborate with various stakeholders to ensure successful project implementation while driving the digital signalling future. Ideal candidates should have a strong technical background in ERTMS and UK rail operations, with excellent problem-solving skills. The position offers competitive pay and hybrid working options.

Benefits

Competitive pay

Fantastic final‑salary pension scheme

Enhanced maternity & paternity pay

Life assurance scheme

Health treatment reimbursements

Hybrid working options

Qualifications

• A high level of motivation with a flexible attitude.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Previous experience working within a programme environment would be beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Carry out design scrutiny of First-in-Class designs.
• Support the development of ERTMS training courses.
• Input into the review and development of Freightliner policies.

Skills

Driver competence

Technical understanding of ERTMS/ETCS

Knowledge of UK rail operations

Understanding of legislative requirements

Human Factors integration

Job description

Freightliner is the UK's largest maritime intermodal logistics operator, transporting containers from all major deep‑sea ports to our national network of inland terminals, as well as a leading operator in the UK Heavy Haul rail freight market. Freightliner has operations across Europe offering both Intermodal and Heavy Haul rail freight services seamlessly connecting European countries and the UK.

In the UK the Freightliner Group operates under a number of legal entities including Freightliner Group Ltd, Freightliner Heavy Haul Ltd, Freightliner Ltd, Pentalver Transport Ltd, and Pentalver Cannock Ltd.

Freightliner was recently voted Rail Freight Company of the Year at the 2025 Multimodal Awards. We are a proud WORK180 endorsed employer for women, highlighting the company’s commitment to increased diversity and a supportive work culture for all employees.

Vacancy: ERTMS Operations Specialist

Company: Freightliner Group Ltd

Location: London / Crewe / Leeds (Hybrid) | Team: ERTMS Programme | Reports to: ERTMS Lead Operations Specialist

Be at the forefront of digital transformation in UK rail freight.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Operations Specialist to join Freightliner as part of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) Programme Team. The successful candidate will report to the ERTMS Lead Operations Specialist and work alongside other members of the team, across the Freightliner business, and with the wider rail industry, to support successful delivery of ERTMS, playing a key role in delivering the UK's digital signalling future. This programme is one of the most significant technical transitions in the UK rail sector in a generation!

Key Responsibilities:

• Carry out design scrutiny of First-in-Class (FiC) designs with the aim of ensuring the planned modifications do not inhibit the existing operational effectiveness of the locos or future aspirations.
• Attendance at various ERTMS programme meetings with the aim of ensuring Freightliner’s operational requirements are fully understood and are being met.
• Support the development of ERTMS training courses for drivers and operations staff.
• Utilise technical understanding to support system design, development & verification, ensuring proposed solutions are safe, practical, and compliant.
• Develop and implement an ERTMS training plan, including liaison with all affected Freightliner operational staff and management to ensure a successful deployment.
• Early and on‑going union engagement covering general updates on programme progress and specific involvement in cab design and the development of training material.
• Support the Assurance processes, (APIS and PIU) and ensure that any required changes to the SMS are identified and highlighted to the relevant individuals for action.
• Review and respond to industry operational consultation documents as required.
• Input into the review and development of new and existing Freightliner policies, standards, processes and procedures to reflect the introduction of ERTMS.
• Support the development of ERTMS programme policies, strategies, plans and processes.
• Involvement in rules workshops, aiming to maximising operational flexibility in rules changes.
• Liaison with Network Rail routes to ensure that trackside design gives maximum operational flexibility and reduces safety risks.
• Liaise with Freightliner’s Network Change review team to ensure a full understanding of ERTMS implications of any/all proposed Network Changes.
• Produce concise progress reports, raising operational risks and issues that need to be escalated, and prepare adequate mitigations.
• Liaise with the Freightliner operations team (and wider business) to provide regular progress updates and to ensure that all current requirements and operational risks and issues are being captured.
• Liaise with other programme stakeholders including other Freight Operating Companies, Network Rail, Siemens, and third‑party Design Houses in a professional and effective manner.

On your first day, we’ll expect you to have:

• Driver competence
• A high level of motivation with a flexible attitude and the ability to work under pressure.
• Strong technical understanding of ERTMS/ETCS and digital signalling environments.
• Excellent knowledge of UK rail operations
• A good understanding of legislative requirements (e.g. RIR, ROGS, Railway Group Standards and the requirements for Putting‑into‑Use).
• Understanding of Human Factors integration and Safety Management Systems (SMS).
• Previous experience working within a programme environment would be beneficial.

Our perks and benefits:

Our people are our most important asset. We strive to empower our employees, ensuring they are trained and competent, fit for work, always informed, and completely engaged in our culture that places safety and wellbeing firmly at the heart of everything we do.

• Competitive pay
• Fantastic final‑salary pension scheme after an initial qualifying period
• Enhanced maternity & paternity pay
• Access to the company's life assurance scheme
• A range of benefits to make your own so you can get the most of your work and home life which will also help save you money and hassle. From reimbursement on health treatments, to savings on new cars.
• Hybrid working options for eligible roles

A flexible approach to working is required as this role requires some domestic travel, which may occasionally require overnight stays away from home. Programme meetings are held nationwide, as required.

We proudly welcome applications from former military personnel and value the unique skills and experience they bring to our team.

This post is subject to standard pre‑employment checks including employment references, medical & D&A screening and successful DBS background checks.

Apply now to be part of a transformative journey with Freightliner

Our commitment to you, once you join our team, is to foster growth and provide developmental opportunities to ensure you reach your utmost potential.

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