ERTMS Programme Lead (Rail Digitalisation & Funding)

Freightliner; Southampton; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Excellent benefits

Job summary

Freightliner is seeking a Project Manager to lead the IML ERTMS strategy, aligning with Network Rail rollout plans while protecting Freightliner’s commercial position. You will interface with Network Rail as Freightliner’s representative and coordinate cross-functional teams across engineering, operations and commercial domains.

The role requires strong governance, budgeting, and delivery discipline to ensure on-time, within-budget implementation of ERTMS initiatives and associated funding

Qualifications

• Knowledge of ERTMS / digital signalling (desirable)
• Understanding of rail operations, engineering and system integration
• Ability to shape delivery strategy in a complex, evolving external environment
• Strong commercial acumen, including contracting strategy, funding and cost control
• Proven experience delivering large-scale, complex infrastructure or rail projects
• Strong discipline in planning, milestone management, governance and delivery control
• Familiarity with recognised PM methodologies (e.g. PRINCE2, APM, MSP)
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills, particularly in managing 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
• Strong focus on accountability, clarity of roles and delivery outcomes
• Highly resilient, able to operate in a fast-paced, complex and evolving programme environment
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to make decisions under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Define and recommend the ERTMS delivery and contracting strategy for Freightliner IML, ensuring a flexible, value-driven approach rather than adopting a predefined model;
• Translate national ERTMS programme developments into a clear, deliverable strategy for Freightliner IML;
• Ensure alignment between ERTMS implementation and wider Freightliner commercial, operational and engineering priorities;
• Ensure the programme operates within Network Rail agreed funding frameworks, securing appropriate resource levels;
• Negotiate delivery timelines, requirements, resource allocation and funding arrangements;
• Develop and manage budgets, forecasts and cost controls, ensuring value for money for both Network Rail and Freightliner;
• Support development of business cases and funding submissions as required;
• Develop and maintain a robust, end-to-end project plan with clearly defined milestones, dependencies and deliverables;
• Establish and operate effective project governance, including reporting, RAID logs, and escalation frameworks;
• Monitor progress against milestones, ensuring early identification and mitigation of risks and delays;
• Ensure full governance accountability providing clear reporting to IML senior leadership and programme boards;
• Act as the primary relationship owner with Network Rail, representing Freightliner IML’s interests;
• Ensure Freightliner’s operational and commercial requirements are fully understood and reflected in programme decisions;
• Represent Freightliner in industry forums and ERTMS working groups as required;
• Lead delivery of the ERTMS programme through a mixed delivery model, including internal teams and third-party partners;
• Manage delivery through third parties (including Heavy Haul Rail where appropriate), without structural reliance on any single provider;
• Ensure clear contractual, performance and output management across all delivery partners;
• Recruit, structure and lead the Freightliner IML ERTMS team, aligned to Network Rail agreed funding;
• Build capability in line with programme requirements, balancing permanent resource and specialist expertise;
• Create a culture of accountability, safety and delivery focus within the IML ERTMS team;
• Work closely with the Engineering Director and the Engineering function to ensure alignment between ERTMS requirements and Freightliner engineering capability and resources;
• Ensure integration with fleet, maintenance, driver training and operational readiness plans;
• Manage the operational impact of ERTMS deployment to ensure minimal disruption and safe implementation;
• Maintain comprehensive 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, 45001) frameworks;

Job description

Freightliner is seeking a Project Manager to lead the IML ERTMS strategy, aligning with Network Rail rollout plans while protecting Freightliner’s commercial position. You will interface with Network Rail as Freightliner’s representative and coordinate cross-functional teams across engineering, operations and commercial domains.

The role requires strong governance, budgeting, and delivery discipline to ensure on-time, within-budget implementation of ERTMS initiatives and associated funding