More than a standards body; our client is an independent influential organisation that is working with the rail industry to create a safer, more sustainable, efficient railway based on strong technical solutions. It helps the industry shape solutions to address concerns, achieve benefit and enable organisations to collaborate more easily for the improvement of the whole rail system.

Its aim is to be a centre of excellence, valued by its members and stakeholders as an essential contributor to its success and we are looking for people to share and help achieve its vision.

The post-holder will provide technical expertise and leadership necessary to support  delivery of standards and R&D projects that form part of the Infrastructure Strategy, with a focus on civil infrastructure.

About you:

• Chartered Engineer status and membership of a relevant Professional Engineering Institution or equivalent
• Understanding of the whole railway system and an ability to apply specialist knowledge to the system
• Understanding of current and emerging technologies as applied to rail
• Understanding of relevant interoperability and safety legislation and standards
• Understanding of requirements, rationale and guidance in the context of the Standards Code and Manual
• Analytical skills and the ability to apply them in the context of the railway system
• Ability to work collaboratively with industry to ensure effective fit for purpose standards
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills including:
• Writing skills and ability to understand technical documents
• Presentation and chairing skills for stakeholder meetings
• Leadership and coaching skills
• Ability to undertake horizon scanning to be proactive in capitalising on the implementation of new technology

Role requirements:

• Author new and revised Railway Group Standards, Rail Industry Standards and guidance notes in accordance with the Railway Group Standards Code and Standards Manual; take a leading role in the management of the National Technical Specification Notices (NTSNs), and in the development of Eurocodes and British Standards through CEN and BSI.
• Peer review standards work produced by others.

The post-holder will also support delivery of industry projects, including research, covering new and existing infrastructure technologies.  This requires the post-holder to:

• Identify opportunities and support the development of industry project proposals and specifications
• Support the delivery of project work through collaboration with suppliers and membership of industry committees
• Peer review project reports
• The post holder will also provide specialist support within the infrastructure discipline for accreditation services provided by to the United Kingdom Accreditation Service.
• Provide technical support to members in line with reasonable requests.
• Influence an improved level of understanding within and across the wider industry of the role of requirements in supporting the achievement of technical compatibility and safe integration.
• Represent through membership of relevant industry committees, including technical committees and mirror groups facilitated by and others. Chair industry meetings as required.
• Work in conjunction with the Standards Policy team to ensure that the solutions developed, or documents drafted, comply with the relevant decision-making criteria for the environment in which they are made.
• Report progress and provide technical direction and advice to project managers and the Professional Head of Infrastructure on individual projects.

If this position is of interest or would like any further information, please apply here and I’ll be in touch within 24 hours for a confidential chat.