ERTMS & Digital Systems Lead
Role summary by JobGrid
ERTMS & Digital Systems Lead at Rail Delivery Group: London, United Kingdom; Hybrid; Engineering, Manufacturing & Construction. JobGrid adds normalized role facts, source context, and a path to the employer application page so candidates can compare the listing before applying.
- Location and workplace: London, United Kingdom, Hybrid
- Role classification: Engineering, Manufacturing & Construction
- Source freshness: checked by JobGrid on 2026-06-07.
- Application path: candidates continue to the employer application page with non-personal referral tags.
Closing Date for Applications
28th May 2026
Salary scale: £61,091 - £84,400 per annum.
What is the purpose of this job?
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.
What can I expect to do in this job?
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