Barry Michael West
Sydney,Australia
Summary
Senior rail operations and digital signalling specialist with 24 years’ experience delivering operational readiness, integration, and testing across complex rail networks in the UK and Australia. Recognised as a trusted advisor for ETCS/ATO deployment, with a proven ability to bridge operational, engineering, and programme delivery domains. Brings deep operational expertise, strong stakeholder influence, and a consulting mindset focused on risk reduction, value creation, and successful transition to digital railway operations.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Director, Operational Integration Lead
Network Rail Consulting
Sydney, Australia
01.2025 - Current
- Lead operational integration and readiness activities within the Transport for New South Wales Digital Systems Programme.
- Provided operational strategy, advice, and subject matter expertise to client leadership, enhancing decision-making processes.
- Owned and developed key project deliverables, including Operational Concept Definition for Digital Systems Programme, aligning operational goals with project vision.
- Designed Operational Readiness Demonstration (Trial Operations) planning framework to ensure seamless integration and readiness.
- Provide operational decision-making within programme change control governance.
- Manage operational FRACAS and support operational risk management.
- Contribute operational insights to future programme tranches.
Associate Director, Operational Interface Manager
Network Rail Consulting
08.2023 - 01.2025
- Coordinated operational interfaces within Digital Systems Programme to enhance integration and communication.
- Provided operational SME guidance on ETCS/ATO operational impacts and readiness requirements.
- Owned the Operational Readiness Plan and contributed to trial operations planning.
- Developed ETCS Level 2 operational training content to ensure preparedness and compliance with operational standards.
- Delivered key milestones and facilitated tranche planning to align project timelines with operational goals.
ERTMS (ETCS) Operational Testing & Commissioning Manager
Govia Thameslink Railway
United Kingdom
01.2015 - 01.2023
- Operational testing and commissioning for ETCS/ATO deployment on the Thameslink and East Coast Digital Programmes.
- Collaborated with Network Rail and Siemens to validate onboard and trackside ETCS/ATO systems, ensuring compliance with project specifications.
- Managed test driver operations and served as operational liaison, facilitating communication between engineering and operations teams to streamline testing processes.
- Assisted in commissioning Siemens Class 700 and Class 717 fleets, contributing to successful deployment and operational readiness.
- Developed and delivered ETCS/ATO and Class 700 training programmes (classroom, simulator, on-train).
- Conducted assessments and competency evaluations as a certified A1/L12 assessor.
Train Driver / Instructor
Govia Thameslink Railway
United Kingdom
01.2001 - 01.2015
- Delivered operational training and route learning to enhance competency for new and experienced drivers.
- Maintained up-to-date traction, rules, and route knowledge across multiple routes to support operational safety.
- Supported drivers returning to duty, ensuring adherence to competency standards for safe operations.
Education
Management Leader -
Australian Institute of Management
01-2024
TAP Certificate in Training Delivery -
British Institute for Learning & Development
01-2017
NVQ Level 3 Assessing Candidates (A1) -
City & Guilds
01-2008
NVQ Level 2 Coaching (L12) -
City & Guilds
01-2008
Skills
- operational integration
- Digital railway systems
- ETCS operational impact
- operational strategy
- digital systems expertise
- risk management
- Operational readiness planning
- project coordination
- Operations management
- Schedule coordination
- Program development
- Process improvement
- training development
- stakeholder engagement
- effective communication
- team collaboration
- time management
- Decision-making
- Analytical thinking
- problem solving
- Relationship management
- Relationship development
- Work planning
- adaptability to change
- Team leadership
- Reporting documentation
- Relationship building
- Relationship building
Timeline
Associate Director, Operational Integration Lead
Network Rail Consulting
01.2025 - Current
Associate Director, Operational Interface Manager
Network Rail Consulting
08.2023 - 01.2025
ERTMS (ETCS) Operational Testing & Commissioning Manager
Govia Thameslink Railway
01.2015 - 01.2023
Train Driver / Instructor
Govia Thameslink Railway
01.2001 - 01.2015
Management Leader -
Australian Institute of Management
TAP Certificate in Training Delivery -
British Institute for Learning & Development
NVQ Level 3 Assessing Candidates (A1) -
City & Guilds
NVQ Level 2 Coaching (L12) -
City & Guilds