Railway Systems Director

RAILWAY SYSTEMS DIRECTOR

CAPITAL INVESTMENTS DIVISION

Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail (IÉ) is at the forefront of Ireland’s sustainable transport network, driving growth through a €10bn+ nationwide programme of capital investments projects. Our mission is to almost double the current carrying capacity for passengers by 2030, expand the role of rail freight, and develop Rosslare Europort. Funded by the Department of Transport (DoT), the National Transport Authority (NTA), and the European Union (EU), IÉ is central to national and regional transport and environmental policies.

ROLE & PURPOSE

Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail is seeking a highly experienced Railway Systems Director within Capital Investments to drive the seamless integration of railway infrastructure and rolling stock fleets across major capital investment programmes.

As Railway Systems Director for the Capital Investments (CI) business unit, you will be responsible for leading and overseeing all system engineering and technical aspects in relation to the new capital works elements of railway infrastructure and rolling stock fleets and how they are integrated into the railway network ecosystem. This role demands a strategic and hands-on leader with deep expertise on fleet railway infrastructure systems and /or rolling stock fleets, operational readiness, shadow operator, railway safety and cybersecurity.

Using your multi-disciplinary engineering background and systems thinking mindset you will act as the overall guiding mind for entering new capital projects into service. On behalf of the Director Capital Investments you will act as overall ‘Sponsor’ for the delivery into service of the programme to the specified technical, programme and operational requirements and hold the delivery teams accountable for delivering the same.

This is a unique opportunity to play a key leadership role in shaping Ireland’s railway network, as it looks to almost double railway passenger numbers by increasing capital investment significantly over the next 10 years.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

· Accountable for the “Future Railway” including gaining necessary authorisations for bringing the railway into service, including obtaining safety authorisation approval from the Commission for Rail Regulation.

· Accountable for the integration capability and the systems integration model to be deployed during construction and for the end state railway to be delivered into service.

· Accountable for the active monitoring of risks, issues and challenges that will impact on the effective delivery of the railway into service.

· Manage the strategic project delivery and operational relationship between ‘Track’ and ‘Train’, i.e. delivering an integrated systems railway that delivers the project objectives on behalf of the customer, the end users, and the project funders.

· Lead and direct all activities for CI in relation to the use of railway systems in CI programmes and projects, including how they are integrated and how they interface with other technical departments.

· Provide leadership within CI for the overall delivery and success of all rolling stock fleet investment programmes.

· To lead the System Engineering disciplines, providing clear technical and engineering leadership, setting standards and requirements for Capital

· Investments and ensuring these are effectively integrated and discharged through the supply chain.

· Build and develop good collaborative relationships with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders, seeking consensus across all groups and co-creating solutions to any technical and interface challenges that may arise.

· Take the lead on managing the CI business unit’s collaborative relationship with the Infrastructure Manager (IM) and Railway Undertaking (RU) / Train Operations business units, in relation to bringing new capital investments projects into service.

· Explore and incorporate best practice, innovations and industry developments across the organisation including new technologies and new ways of working.

· Provide advice and guidance, acting as a Shadow Operator, to the technical teams on programmes and projects on design, development and implementation of major programmes of work that will deliver new or changed operating conditions.

· Drive a culture of railway safety across all projects and programmes.

· Create a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration across the team.

· Stay informed on industry trends, regulatory changes, and market conditions that may impact the technical aspects of the projects and programmes.

· Be a role model in the application of corporate values and contribute to embedding them in the culture of the organisation.

· Manage, mentor, and develop technical teams, ensuring the highest standards of professional performance.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

· Strong leadership skills with the ability to build cross-functional relationships and drive organisational change.

· Multi-disciplinary design and delivery experience of complex infrastructure projects with significant systems and mechanical/electrical scope.

· Significant experience in operational readiness of major infrastructure projects, including systems integration.

· Proven experience in leading customer service-oriented operations.

· Strong knowledge of industry regulations and standards for large-scale infrastructure projects.

· Exceptional interpersonal skills with credibility and influencing skills at all levels, including Board and industry stakeholders.

· Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and influencing skills.

· Expert analytical and strategic skills, with a track record of driving business results.

· Proven ability to lead and manage teams across multiple locations.

COMPETENCIES

· Bachelor’s degree in engineering.

· Professional certification in a relevant discipline.

Join Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail and be part of a transformative journey that will shape the future of Ireland’s transport network. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a dynamic team and make a significant impact on the nation’s infrastructure.

To discuss your interest and for further information on this role, please contact Newsom Consulting:

Pei Gong:

direct: +44 (0) 203 026 3875 | mobile: +44 (0) 7788 965 628 | email: pg@newsomconsulting.co.uk

Jim Newsom:

direct: +44 (0) 203 026 3871 | mobile: +44 (0) 7590 478 088 | email: jn@newsomconsulting.co.uk

To make an application for this role, please send a comprehensive curriculum vitae and a personal statement outlining your fit for the role to pg@newsomconsulting.co.uk

Closing date for applications is 5pm, Friday 25th April 2025.

IÉ is a commercial semi-state company responsible for the development and provision of heavy rail services in Ireland, and its activities are regulated by the National Transport

Authority and by the Commission for Railway Regulation. Irish Rail is an equal opportunities employer