- Location
- Milton Keynes
- Department
- Management
- Seniority
- Senior
Description
Senior Project Manager
Application Deadline: 9 August 2026
Department: Delivery
Employment Type: Permanent
Location: Milton Keynes
Description
A little bit about us:
East West Rail is an infrastructure programme connecting communities between Oxford and Cambridge, a region currently underserved by transport. We have a once in a generation opportunity to change that, improving prosperity for people and places along the way.
East West Railway Company (EWR Co) was created by the Department for Transport (DfT) to oversee delivery of East West Rail, from construction through to services running, making sure the railway comes together in the right way.
East West Rail is an infrastructure programme connecting communities between Oxford and Cambridge, a region currently underserved by transport. We have a once in a generation opportunity to change that, improving prosperity for people and places along the way.
East West Railway Company (EWR Co) was created by the Department for Transport (DfT) to oversee delivery of East West Rail, from construction through to services running, making sure the railway comes together in the right way.
At East West Railway Company, we're committed to building an inclusive railway for all. We believe that to do that, we must nurture a diverse team that represents the UK communities we impact. Our approach is simple: to create an environment where everyone is welcome and able to be themselves. We celebrate diversity and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and experiences.
Role Summary:
The Senior Project Manager owns the service outcome and leads programme delivery of the next Key Output Stage of East West Rail: the Marston Vale Line acceleration (MVLa) project. Reporting to the Project Director, the postholder will lead a client team of project managers, engineers and sponsors to design and deliver the infrastructure interventions along the Marston Vale Line, enabling additional passenger and freight services and delivering the wider railway system output.
The Senior Project Manager owns the service outcome and leads programme delivery of the next Key Output Stage of East West Rail: the Marston Vale Line acceleration (MVLa) project. Reporting to the Project Director, the postholder will lead a client team of project managers, engineers and sponsors to design and deliver the infrastructure interventions along the Marston Vale Line, enabling additional passenger and freight services and delivering the wider railway system output.
The role carries strategic oversight, coordination and integration assurance to achieve project milestones across the line of route (Oxford to Bedford), ensuring the scope is fully aligned with the end state railway system. It involves working in a 'one team' environment with Network Rail (NR) and the East West Rail Alliance (EWRA), who will design and construct the works.
The Function:
The Delivery function is accountable for leading delivery of an asset that aligns with Sponsor requirements, establishing a safe, reliable and integrated railway. Delivery demonstrates excellence through technical innovation and design quality, underpinned by mature programme controls that maximise the benefit of every pound of public spend, working as an intelligent, informed team that draws on a network of third-party strategic suppliers.
The Delivery function is accountable for leading delivery of an asset that aligns with Sponsor requirements, establishing a safe, reliable and integrated railway. Delivery demonstrates excellence through technical innovation and design quality, underpinned by mature programme controls that maximise the benefit of every pound of public spend, working as an intelligent, informed team that draws on a network of third-party strategic suppliers.
Key Responsibilities
What you will be doing:
- Lead a 'One Team' project delivery team, providing strategic direction and oversight to ensure successful delivery of the service output.
- Develop and implement integrated programme plans, schedules and budgets, ensuring interoperability and coordination of outputs across MVLa and end state scopes to achieve overall EWR programme objectives.
- Provide route-wide guidance to support Network Rail in designing and delivering a solution aligned to a central approach.
- Facilitate effective communication and coordination across East West Rail, Network Rail and the EWR Alliance to ensure cohesive integration of deliverables and project milestones.
- Monitor project progress, identify risks and implement mitigation strategies to address potential issues and ensure on-time delivery.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory standards, safety protocols and environmental requirements across all project segments.
- Prepare and present comprehensive programme reports, updates and performance metrics to the Delivery Executive and other senior stakeholders.
- Provide contract management input, including change control, for administration of the Network Rail remit, ensuring the project remains within authorised budget agreed with the DfT and adheres to governance and assurance requirements across DfT, EWR Co and Network Rail.
- Contribute to the execution of the EWR Delivery Strategy: creating the right environment, aligning with the future of the rail industry, and developing a digital spine.
- Take responsibility for your own and others' health and safety, adopting and working to EWR Co's Health and Safety principles.
- Demonstrate a cost-conscious mindset, keeping taxpayers' money at the forefront of decisions.
- Show commitment to innovation by proactively seeking creative solutions to challenges and opportunities.
- Act as an advocate for EWR Co's vision and behaviours, working in ways aligned with EWR Co's Ways of Working, and encouraging others to do the same.
Skills Knowledge and Expertise
What we are looking for:
Essential
Essential
- Substantial experience leading project or programme delivery on large-scale infrastructure or railway programmes, including familiarity with PACE and multi-organisation 'One Team' delivery models.
- A background of successfully managing and delivering complex capital works programmes to time and budget, with a strong focus on integration and coordination across multiple work fronts.
- Strong leadership and team management capabilities, with experience overseeing multidisciplinary teams and ensuring cohesive integration of project outputs.
- Skilled in stakeholder engagement and communication, able to coordinate effectively across multiple delivery partners and organisations.
- A clear commitment to safety, regulatory compliance and environmental good practice within a major infrastructure setting.
Desirable
- Experience working in a client-side role overseeing third-party delivery partners on rail or transport infrastructure programmes.
- Familiarity with contract and change control administration within a regulated infrastructure environment.
- A relevant professional qualification in project or programme management (e.g. APM, MSP) or a related discipline.
- Experience engaging with board-level or senior external stakeholders, including government sponsors.
Benefits
- 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:
At East West Railway Company, we’re committed to building an inclusive railway for all. We believe that to do that, we must nurture a diverse team that represents the UK communities that we impact. Our approach is simple - to create an environment where everyone is welcome and able to be themselves. We celebrate diversity and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, encouraging applications from all backgrounds and experiences.
At East West Railway Company, we’re committed to building an inclusive railway for all. We believe that to do that, we must nurture a diverse team that represents the UK communities that we impact. Our approach is simple - to create an environment where everyone is welcome and able to be themselves. We celebrate diversity and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, encouraging applications from all backgrounds and experiences.
If you want to connect lives and unlock the future, then we’d love to hear from you.
Skills
Contract ManagementCompliance
