Signaling & Telecom Manager

For the purpose of the expected award in Manila for the project detailed below, we are looking for expressions of interest for the position of: Signaling Telecom Manager The North–South Commuter Railway (NSCR) is a major heavy rail infrastructure project designed to transform mobility across Metro Manila and its neighboring provinces. Spanning approximately 147 km (34 stations) from Clark in the north to Calamba in the south, the system is a fully electrified, double-track, standard-gauge railway, built to international heavy rail standards. The NSCR is conceived as a high-capacity heavy rail system, capable of supporting both commuter and airport express services, with infrastructure designed for intensive operations, high speeds (up to 160 km/h), and large passenger volumes. The network includes modern stations, full grade separation, and advanced signaling and control systems, ensuring high levels of safety, reliability, and operational efficiency typical of major metropolitan heavy rail networks. The rolling stock consists of electric multiple units (EMUs) compliant with international heavy rail specifications, enabling high acceleration, optimized dwell times, and energy-efficient operations. Two types of EMUs will operate on the line: Commuter trains and Limited Express trains. Both are configured for high-frequency commuter services, and for limited-stop airport express services, all featuring air-conditioned cars, wide doors, and layouts designed for high passenger throughput and rapid boarding/alighting. The NSCR is expected to significantly increase the rail modal share in the region, targeting up to 800,000 passengers per day in its full configuration. By connecting key economic hubs, residential areas, and Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the system will play a critical role in reducing congestion, lowering emissions, and supporting sustainable urban development. As a flagship heavy rail project, NSCR requires extensive expertise in high-capacity rail systems, including operations, maintenance, and asset management aligned with international best practices. Experience in heavy rail environments is therefore a key prerequisite for all critical roles within the project. Transdev, together with its consortium partners Tokyo Metro, Mitsubishi Corporation and Ayala, has formed a consortium to address the bid and, upon award, will deliver the Operations and Maintenance (O M) of the overall system, bringing together strong and complementary local international expertise in high-capacity rail operations and asset management. Project Context The NSCR is the largest railway infrastructure projects currently being delivered in the Philippines. It is currently under construction by the appointed Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Contractors. Commercial service is planned to start progressively through a series of phased operational openings, with infrastructure, systems and operational sections becoming available as construction, testing, commissioning and readiness activities are completed. The first phase is currently expected to be handed over to the O M Concessionaire towards the end of Q4 2027. Following Contract Award, the O M Concessionaire will undertake a comprehensive pre-operations phase, working closely with the Grantors, EPC Contractors, the Independent Consultant, the Employer's Independent Safety Assessor (E-ISA), Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and other stakeholders to support the transition from project delivery into passenger railway operations. Key activities during this period will include mobilisation of the O M organisation, recruitment and onboarding of personnel, development and implementation of operational procedures, training and competency management, participation in Testing and Integration activities, operational readiness planning, Safety Case development, Trial Running and preparation for phased commencement of passenger services. The successful candidate will therefore be expected to contribute not only to the long-term operation of the railway, but also to the establishment, preparation and progressive commissioning of the operational railway organisation from mobilisation through to the successive Partial Operation phases until Full Operation. Role Purpose The Signaling Telecom Manager defines, implements, and oversees the maintenance strategy for signaling, telecommunications, and associated E M systems, ensuring safe, reliable, and high-performance operation of safety-critical systems, in line with contractual requirements and international heavy rail standards. Key responsibilities Develop and manage maintenance plans for signaling, telecoms, SCADA, and power supply systems (preventive, corrective, predictive) Ensure high availability and reliability of safety-critical railway systems Oversee system inspections, diagnostics, and fault resolution activities Ensure compliance with RAMS principles and applicable ISO standards Monitor and analyse system performance indicators (failures, response times, service impact) Coordinate maintenance activities with operations, OCC, and other engineering functions Manage interfaces with OEMs, suppliers, and specialist contractors Optimise resource allocation, maintenance scheduling, and intervention planning Support incident management and rapid system recovery Drive continuous improvement and data-driven maintenance practices Contribute to asset lifecycle optimisation and cost effectiveness Your profile Minimum of 8 years’ relevant industry experience in rail, metro, or complex transport systems Proven experience in E M systems maintenance, including signaling, telecommunications, SCADA, and power supply Familiarity with RAMS principles, ISO standards (or equivalent), and safety-critical systems Holds a degree in electrical or electronic engineering or equivalent Strong technical expertise in railway signaling and telecom systems Proven experience in maintenance operations and team coordination Experience in performance-based environments and KPI delivery Demonstrated capability in safety management and regulatory compliance Good understanding of system integration and interface management Strong analytical, organisational, and problem-solving skills Language You speak and write English fluently. Additional information Location: Manila, Philippines Award date : December 2026 Expected contract signature : January 2027 Mobilisation date : Early 2027