ERTMS Programme Manager - Basford, England, United Kingdom, Garston, Liverpool, England, United Kingdom

Freightliner is a leading UK intermodal logistics provider, offering rail, road and terminal solutions that connect ports, inland terminals and customer destinations across the UK. Through innovation, safety and sustainability, Freightliner delivers reliable, efficient and lower-carbon supply chain solutions for its customers.

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

Background:

The European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) is a transformative, Europe-wide programme to replace legacy signalling systems, enhancing interoperability, safety and network capacity. In the UK Network Rail is delivering ERTMS through its Digital Railway programme, with major deployments across key freight corridors including the East Coast Main Line and TransPennine routes.

This role forms a critical part of the Freightliner ERTMS programme, with specific accountability for representing and delivering Freightliner Limited’s (IML) interests. The Project Manager will lead the development and execution of the Freightliner IML ERTMS strategy, ensuring alignment with Network Rail’s rollout plans while protecting and advancing Freightliner’s commercial and operational position. The role will act as the primary interface with Network Rail on behalf of IML, ensuring Freightliner’s requirements are clearly understood, appropriately prioritised, and supported by sufficient funding. The role carries full accountability within Freightliner governance structures for the successful planning and delivery of the IML ERTMS programme, including building and leading the IML ERTMS team and managing delivery through a combination of internal capability and third-party partners.

This is a high-profile, safety-critical transformation project involving cross-functional coordination across Engineering, Operations, Commercial and external partners. The Project Manager will ensure the programme is delivered to time, cost and quality while supporting Freightliner’s broader digital railway and decarbonisation objectives.

Key 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;

Key Competencies:

• 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.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Strong corporate affiliation and always puts the needs of the business first;

• Attacks goals and objectives with drive, energy and enthusiasm with a passion for excellence;

• Embraces new challenges, is hands on as required, and gets things done;

• Sets high standards of work for self, and team, and consistently achieves these;

• High level of integrity and openness, combined with commitment to good governance;

• Leads by example and provides honest and clear leadership that helps drive results;

• Listens attentively to others’ perspectives and provides constructive feedback and coaching;

• Exhibits and lives the Group’s core values.

Key Success Measures:

• Delivery of a clear, agreed Freightliner IML ERTMS strategy and roadmap;

• Effective alignment and influence with Network Rail, securing required funding and support;

• Delivery of project milestones on time, within budget and to required quality standards;

• Successful build-out of a capable, right-sized delivery team;

• Seamless integration into Freightliner operations with minimal disruption;

• Strong governance, with full audit readiness and compliance.

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

We are looking for the most committed and reliable individuals who possess the knowledge, skills and experience needed for their roles.

In return we can offer competitive pay, excellent benefits, a competitive pension scheme and a rewarding career in an award-winning team.