ETCS Operations Specialist (3389)
- Salary:Competitive Salary
- Location:Kings Cross, East Side Offices
- Contract Type:Permanent
- Closing Date:20 February 2026
Join Us as an ETCS Operations Specialist
Are you passionate about the future of digital signalling and railway operations? Do you thrive in roles where technical expertise, stakeholder engagement and innovation come together? We're looking for an ETCS Operations Specialist to help shape the next generation of operational delivery.
In this influential position, you'll support our ERTMS development, contribute to national programmes, and help drive our operational readiness for digital transformation.
What You'll Do
As an ETCS Operations Specialist, you will:
- Develop Traincrew training packages and simulation, contributing to GTR's Operational ERTMS training and implementation plans.
- Support ERTMS projects by providing technical and operational subject matter expertise.
- Input and steer the procurement and technical specification of simulation and training equipment.
- Work closely with Network Rail, suppliers, industry bodies and internal teams to steer the development and implementation of ERTMS schemes.
- Line manage a small team at the Route School.
- Represent GTR in national discussions, offering guidance, strategic insight and industry leadership.
- Influence the design of national systems and rollout phases for ERTMS, applying your operational knowledge to shape future railway solutions.
- Work autonomously, using your expertise to challenge established practices, solve complex problems and help drive business development.
What You Bring
Essential technical skills and experience:
- Strong ability to represent GTR's interests and engage effectively with industry stakeholders.
- Clear, confident communication, capable of simplifying complex topics for diverse audiences.
- In‑depth knowledge of railway operations, including planning, performance, commercial processes and procedures.
- Excellent report writing and analytical skills, able to develop evidence‑based arguments.
- Strategic awareness with the ability to identify risks, conflicts and opportunities.
- Credibility within the industry and a collaborative approach to securing cross‑party buy‑in.
- A proactive, solutions‑focused mindset.
Desirable qualifications:
- Qualified Trainer/Training Developer (e.g., CG 7331 or equivalent)
- Qualified Assessor (e.g., D32/D33, A1)
- Qualified Internal Verifier (e.g., D34)
Our Values
We're looking for someone who demonstrates:
- Accountability and ownership
- Strong collaboration across all levels
- Open‑mindedness and adaptability
- Agility in managing challenges and change
- Transparency and clear communication
You'll be skilled at building relationships with frontline teams, managers, directors and industry partners, ensuring effective knowledge transfer across operational and strategic contexts.
Safety Responsibilities
This role includes safety‑critical duties, including:
- Maintaining competence in safety‑critical operational tasks as a driver.
- Conducting Task‑Based Risk Assessments
- Ensuring the safety, wellbeing and appropriate supervision of colleagues
- Using safety equipment correctly and following all relevant procedures
Why Join GTR?
In this role, you'll be at the forefront of one of the most significant transformations in rail operations. You will directly influence national ERTMS strategy, help modernise operational capability, and ensure GTR remains a leader in digital railway deployment.
Benefits
Pension
Staff Travel
Childcare Vouchers
Extra Holidays
Discount Scheme
Long Service Awards
Employee Assistance Programme
The Transport Benevolent Fund
In-House Occupational Health Department
Cycle to Work Scheme
Testimonials
What our staff say
“I work as part of the Fleet Infrastructure team, which means ensuring our 18 Engineering locations operate safely and efficiently. We oversee all building and track maintenance works as well as various minor and major projects across the network.”
Hannah Richards
Fleet Infrastructure Administrator
“I started in a small ticket office back in 1996 and have continued to work my way up ever since. A previous manager told me about a job he’d seen advertised for a trainer. ’d never considered a job in HR or mentoring before then, but he said I’d be perfect for it and I haven’t looked back since!”
Zoey Hudson
Head of Talent, Diversity and Inclusion
“Since April, I’ve helped to support our Kickstart Scheme. It’s been a really rewarding process to be part of because I know first-hand how tough it can be to find work once you’re out of it.”
Jack Gow
Mobile Station Manager
“I love the freedom that comes with being a train driver. Obviously, there are rules and regulations to follow as well as duties and commitments to carry out, but in a way, you’re sort of your own boss, which is nice.”
Ashley John
Train Driver
“I’m a Thameslink passenger host and team leader based at Luton station and I’m currently doing a Level 3 Supervisor apprenticeship so that I can improve my skills even further. I was hesitant to do the apprenticeship at first because of my age – I left school over 60 years ago without any qualifications! It’s been hard to get back into the routine of learning again.”
Bob Bryce
Passenger Host Team Leader
“It was my brother’s suggestion to join the railway. He was already working in the industry and knew I had some university bills to pay off so told me to give it a go, get out of debt and see what I wanted to do next. After a while, it just felt like actually – this is exactly where I’m meant to be. I’m part of a great team and the on-board department as a whole are brilliant to work with. I feel at home here.”
Tonderai Matizha-Johnson
Area Operations Manager
“When I saw that GTR was advertising places for its apprenticeship scheme I looked into it straight away because I thought it was a great opportunity to learn whilst getting real life experience in a 9-5 job. I applied for a level three business administration apprenticeship and was thrilled to find out I had a place on the course! I was so excited that I didn’t even mind it was based 250 miles away from where I lived.”
Harriet Dee
Team Administrator
“Working for GTR is very rewarding and fulfilling. You really feel like you're making a difference to customers, no matter what role you're in as at the end of the day they're the heart of our business. I’ve had lots of opportunities to explore other aspects of the business including supporting our station staff and gaining my Train Dispatch Licence which has been enriching for my experience here.”
Maggie Luckhurst
Platform / Train Dispatch
“If you’ve always had an interest in rail, or maybe you’re just curious to find out what working in the railway might look like, GTR is the operator to go for. Not many companies do an official work experience program and this unique opportunity will give you a good grounding with varied activities to help you find the best place in the railway for you. It certainly did it for me.”
Nathaniel Owen
Station Manager