Location
London

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£61,091 - £84,400 per annum

About the Role
The ERTMS and Digital Systems Lead is accountable for providing strategic leadership and oversight of the rail industry’s approach to the introduction, integration and optimisation of new and emerging technologies. This role ensures that digital and enabling technologies are deployed in a way that is operationally viable, delivers value, and supports the long-term objectives of Train Operating Companies (TOCs), Network Rail and the wider GB rail industry. The post holder owns the industry-wide operational strategy for ERTMS and Digital Systems (formerly known as New Technology Introduction), leading the function that supports the deployment of technologies including ERTMS, ETCS, FRMCS, GSM-R, CCS, Traffic Management, DAS and associated system interfaces.

As the senior and trusted figure for ERTMS and digital rail, the role represents TOC interests nationally and internationally, ensuring the industry is prepared, capable and aligned. You will provide leadership for the rail industry’s operational approach to adopting new and emerging technologies, setting the strategic direction of the ERTMS and Digital Systems function. You will ensure that national and route-based programmes such as ERTMS, FRMCS and GSM-R deliver safe, efficient and operable outcomes aligned to TOC, Network Rail and RDG priorities.

Working closely with engineering, policy and programme leaders, you will shape industry readiness, influence decision-making and ensure the operational benefits of digital rail are realised. You will act as the senior operational voice for TOCs within national governance and cross-industry forums, representing GB rail interests at executive, regulatory and international levels. The role involves leading stakeholder engagement, sponsoring key industry groups, and guiding the development of operational capability across the sector.

Through strong leadership of a multidisciplinary team and active mentoring of future leaders, you will play a central role in preparing the railway for the next generation of technology and operational change.

Experience
- Membership of the CIRO or another relevant professional institution
- Demonstrable people and team leadership skills
- Deep understanding of railway operations, digital rail technologies and system integration
- Experience leading teams, programmes or projects in a complex rail environment
- Strong understanding of ERTMS, CCS, rolling stock systems, radio systems (GSM-R / FRMCS) and operational interfaces
- Ability to produce clear, concise and structured technical reports and documentation
- Strong understanding of rail industry governance, legislation, standards and commercial frameworks
- Ability to operate credibly at executive, regulatory and international levels, influencing outcomes across organisational boundaries
- Experience managing financial budgets
- Excellent strategic communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical issues into clear operational and business decisions

About you
You are a strategic leader with a deep technical and operational understanding of digital rail systems. You are confident operating at senior levels across multiple organisations and have a proven ability to influence and drive alignment across complex stakeholder groups. You are committed to mentoring and developing teams and thrive in a dynamic, fast-evolving environment.

Qualifications
Membership of the CIRO or another relevant professional institution is required. Relevant professional qualifications in rail, engineering or digital systems would be advantageous.