- Location
- Milton Keynes
- Department
- Finance
- Seniority
- Manager
Description
Programme Audit & Assurance Manager
Application Deadline: 11 September 2026
Department: Corporate Services
Employment Type: Permanent
Location: Milton Keynes
Reporting To: Head of Quality, Governance & Assurance
Description
East West Rail is connecting communities between Oxford and Cambridge, improving transport choice and unlocking economic growth across the region. It is one of the UK's most ambitious infrastructure programmes and will transform how people live, work and travel.
At East West Railway Company (EWR), we're building more than a railway. We're creating an organisation built on collaboration, innovation, continuous improvement and inclusion.
We're looking for a Programme Audit & Assurance Manager to join our Quality, Governance & Assurance team and help provide independent assurance over programme delivery, governance and business performance.
This is an exciting opportunity to establish and deliver a risk-based programme of audit and assurance across EWR and its supply chain.
You'll act as a trusted source of independent challenge and insight, helping leaders understand whether controls are effective, risks are being managed and commitments are being met. You'll work across the organisation to plan and undertake audits, assurance reviews and supplier assessments, turning findings into meaningful actions that improve confidence in delivery.
The role will also play an important part in supporting major assurance activities, including gateway reviews, NISTA reviews, certification assessments and other forms of external scrutiny.
What you'll be doing
- Developing and delivering EWR's risk-based audit and assurance programme.
- Leading internal audits, supplier audits and targeted assurance reviews.
- Providing independent assurance over programme controls, governance arrangements and organisational readiness.
- Supporting NISTA reviews and other external assurance activities.
- Coordinating assurance evidence and helping teams prepare for external review.
- Managing assurance findings, observations and action plans through to closure.
- Identifying trends, recurring issues and emerging risks using audit and assurance data.
- Producing clear reports and insight for senior leaders and governance forums.
- Supporting integrated assurance activities by bringing together information from multiple assurance sources.
- Promoting a culture of learning, transparency and continuous improvement across EWR and its supply chain.
What you'll bring
We're interested in people with experience in audit, assurance, governance, risk, compliance, programme controls or continuous improvement.
You may have gained your experience within infrastructure, transport, construction, utilities, government, defence or other complex and regulated environments.
We'd particularly like to hear from people who can demonstrate:
- Experience delivering audits, assurance reviews or similar independent assessments.
- A practical understanding of health, safety, security, environmental or quality requirements, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001.
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret evidence objectively.
- The ability to identify themes, risks and opportunities for improvement.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Experience producing reports and assurance insights for senior audiences.
- A collaborative approach that balances constructive challenge with practical support.
Rail experience is welcome but not essential.
This is a unique opportunity to help shape assurance arrangements for a nationally significant infrastructure programme. You'll work with senior stakeholders across EWR and its delivery partners, helping provide the confidence needed to support successful programme delivery.
What we offer
- Competitive salary that reflects your skills and experience
- Up to 12% employer pension contribution to support your future
- 36 days annual leave (including bank holidays) plus the option to buy up to 2 extra days
- 2 volunteering days, a chance for you to give back to the community
- Enhanced family-friendly policies to support you and your loved ones
- Life assurance (4x your annual salary) for peace of mind
- Employee Assistance Programme for confidential support when you need it
- Access to Perkbox for a wide range of discounts and wellbeing benefits
- Recognition programme, including on-the-spot and annual awards
- Advanced learning and development opportunities to help you grow.
Diversity and Inclusion:
We know that people can be put off applying if they do not meet every requirement in a job description. If this role interests you and you can bring relevant experience, transferable skills or a different perspective, we encourage you to apply. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves, contribute and grow.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, communities and experiences, and we are happy to discuss adjustments or flexible working arrangements that could support you through the recruitment process and in the role.
We know that people can be put off applying if they do not meet every requirement in a job description. If this role interests you and you can bring relevant experience, transferable skills or a different perspective, we encourage you to apply. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves, contribute and grow.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, communities and experiences, and we are happy to discuss adjustments or flexible working arrangements that could support you through the recruitment process and in the role.
Skills
Compliance
