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The ERTMS & Digital Systems Lead will provide strategic leadership for the UK rail industry's adoption of new and emerging technologies, focusing on operational viability and value delivery for Train Operating Companies (TOCs) and Network Rail. This role owns the industry-wide operational strategy for ERTMS and Digital Systems, representing TOC interests nationally and internationally to ensure industry readiness and alignment with long-term objectives.
27th July 2026
Salary scale: £61,091 - £84,400 per annum.
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. The 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 (formally 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. The role acts as the senior and trusted figure for ERTMS and digital rail, representing TOC interests nationally and internationally, and ensuring the industry is prepared, capable and aligned.
As the ERTMS and Digital Systems Lead, you will provide leadership for the rail industry’s operational approach to adopting new and emerging technologies. You will be responsible for setting the strategic direction of the ERTMS and Digital Systems function, ensuring 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 also 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.
Who will my key contacts be?
· TOC Technology & Innovation Leads e.g. Head of ERTMS, Project Managers
· Network Rail (including executives and senior personnel)
· Department of Transport
· RSSB and associated subject matter working groups
· ORR
· Director levels at Railway Undertakings
· RDG colleagues and leadership teams
· Train and Freight Operating Companies
· UKRRIN and academic research partners
· Rolling stock leasing companies (ROSCOs)
· European railways and organisations (including CER and EUG
· Membership of the CIRO or another relevant professional institution
· Demonstratable people and team leadership skills
· Deep understanding of railway operations, digital rail technologies and system integration
· Experience leading teams, programmes or project in 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 level, influencing outcomes across organisational boundaries
· The management of financial budgets
· Excellent strategic communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical issues into clear operational and business decisions
Why Work for RDG?
We offer a highly competitive package, including:
