East West Railway Company
Assistant Design Manager
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Assistant Design Manager
Application Deadline: 10 May 2026
Department: Delivery
Location: Milton Keynes
Description
A little bit about us:
East West Rail is an infrastructure programme linking communities between Oxford and Cambridge. The area is currently let down by a lack of transport choices, and we have a once in a generation opportunity to fix that – improving prosperity for people and places along the way.
East West Railway Company (that’s us) was created by the Department for Transport (DfT) to oversee the delivery of East West Rail from construction through to wheels in motion, 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 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. We encourage applications of all backgrounds and experiences.
Role Summary:
This role will be responsible for delivery and assurance of all work across the programme that involves utilities diversion designs. This will involve management and liaison with suppliers and all relevant parties to ensure the design is fit for purpose on behalf of the Delivery Team for the EWR scheme.
Function:
The Delivery function is accountable for delivering an asset which aligns to the Sponsor requirements, establishing a safe, reliable and integrated railway. Delivery will demonstrate delivery excellence through technical innovation and design excellence, underpinned by mature Programme controls to maximise the benefit of project delivery in relation to public pound spent. The Delivery function will act as an intelligent and informed integrated team, that uses a network of third-party strategic suppliers to leverage the capabilities required to deliver the asset.
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Key Responsibilities
- Development of the detailed design of the utilities required to deliver the requirements for the scheme
- Act as the lead for development and support of the utility design activities within the integrated programme, monitoring progress, reporting on KPI’s and meeting design deadlines
- Maintain records in accordance with quality assurance procedures
- Manage teams of designers, partners and other staff as required
- Collaborate with external suppliers to ensure they meet design standards
- Ensure that all processes meet safety, legal, and other standards
- Ensure the design meets technical requirements and specifications developed by the Engineering Directorate and others, as required
- Ensure implementation of process and designs that are aligned with the Enterprise approach
- Provide support and advice to partner teams on all utility design matters
- Participate in design review/ value engineering activities to ensure design outputs are cost effective in relation to material usage and manufacturing processes
- Work with a range of disciplines across the scheme including various project partners
- Contribute new innovative ideas, materials, research, and learnings to the Delivery team
- Liaise with the stakeholder and consultation team and the development manager to process feedback on the designs as they develop
- Take responsibility of your own and others’ health and safety by adopting and working to the EWR Co Health and Safety principles.
- Demonstrates a cost-conscious mindset, keeping tax payers’ money at the forefront of decisions.
- Shows a commitment to innovation by proactively seeking creative solutions to challenges and opportunities
- Act as a role model for EWR Co’s vision and behaviours, working in ways that are aligned with EWR Co’s Ways of Working, as well as encouraging and supporting others to do so too
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary design delivery environment
- Excellent communication and leadership skills, and the ability to build positive relationships with multiple teams across the business and with partners and supply chain.
- Good organisational skills and strong attention to detail
- Excellent working knowledge of industry and international design codes and change control methodology
- Able to plan and balance different needs and pressures to achieve the programme and company outcomes efficiently
- At ease with, and having an appetite for, technological change
- A proven successful deployer of innovation and change in a project environment
- Ability to manage and motivate teams and people based on the EWR Co values and behaviours to achieve business outcomes.
- Working with LA and Statutory Stakeholders to discharge planning consents and gain approvals or agree statements of common ground
- Digital Design, experience of delivering complex design using digital tools and systems
- Carbon/Environment/Sustainability, experience of working to challenging environmental requirements
- Familiar with delivering Assured design and managing Contractor led Value Engineering opportunities
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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.
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