Head of European Train Control System (ETCS)  – Leading the future of digital railway technology!

This is your chance to be at the forefront of a 10-year programme to transform our digital signalling technology. You will lead the strategic development and deployment of European Rail Traffic Management Systems (ERTM) and European Train Control Systems (ETCS) within Avanti West Coast, ensuring successful integration across our fleet and operations. Your leadership will drive the West Coast Modernisation programme, guiding the business response and ensuring optimal outcomes for our customers and operations.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Strategic Leadership: Oversee the development and implementation of ETCS & ERTMS technologies, overseeing multi-million-pound change management.
• Project Management: Guide the Design, funding, and evaluation of ERTMS & ETCS technologies, ensuring timely entry into service.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with Network Rail, industry partners, and trade unions to align strategic objectives and drive successful outcomes.
• Change Management: Lead the ETCS business change team, embedding change practices and delivering successful outcomes.
• Risk Management: Identify and address risks and opportunities, supporting procurement and contractual processes.
• Renewals Strategy & Communication: Lead the strategic development of renewals activities, ensuring alignment across traffic handling, customer handling, and infrastructure change, while guiding town-hall sessions to keep colleagues informed and driving effective actions.

What you’ll bring:

• Strategic Influence & Leadership: Proven experience in engaging and influencing senior and executive colleagues across Train Operators and Network Rail on ERTMS/ETCS, spearheading strategies, and leading industry responses to infrastructure changes.
• Operational Expertise: In-depth knowledge of AWC’s operations, practices, and traincrew terms, along with understanding infrastructure capabilities, construction options, and industry costs to optimize operational and engineering functions.
• Cross-Industry Collaboration: Ability to deliver cross-industry consensus, constructively challenge established practices, and present complex information in an easy-to-understand format to influence stakeholders.
• Interpersonal Skills & Communication: Exceptional interpersonal skills to build strong working relationships, influence diverse industry parties, and provide counsel on decision-making and strategic outputs.

Please see the role profilefor more information.

This role can either be based at our London, Birmingham or Preston Offices. 

 Benefits include:

• Final salary pension
• Free travel on Avanti West Coast for you/spouse/partner/dependents
• Privilege Travel card (75% off other train operators fares for leisure travel)
• 30 days holiday rising by 1 for every completed year of service to a maximum of 37 days (inclusive of bank holidays)
• 10 free journeys on other First Group Train Operator

Apply now and lead the way in digital railway innovation!

At Avanti West Coast, we value the differences that make each of us unique! Avanti West Coast recognises the benefits of building a diverse workforce and employing people from diverse backgrounds, which includes their race, religion, age, gender, gender identity, disability and sexual orientation.

Everyone who joins Avanti West Coast becomes part of our close-knit team. We're committed to ensuring that Avanti West Coast is inclusive, a place where people are encouraged to be themselves, and not an edited version to fit in. A place where differences are welcomed, recognised, accepted and put to good use!