ERTMS Programme Manager

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 Trans Pennine 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.

• 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,…