Senior Project Manager

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.

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 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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.