Strategy and Assurance Director

Application Deadline: 7 February 2025

Department: Commercial
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 accountable for leading the commercial strategy, commercial policy and commercial assurance team, including establishing and leading engagement with the supply chain.

Function:

The Commercial function provides commercial and procurement capability across the programme lifecycle, including strategy (setting the commercial strategy and advising risk allocation underpinning the delivery strategy), delivering procurement activities for the goods and services required to deliver the asset and run EWR Co, and delivering contract management services for the complex network of suppliers supporting EWR Co. Across all three of these domains the commercial function will run governance and reporting to measure compliance and provide commercial assurance.

Key Responsibilities:

• The Strategy and Assurance Director provides pivotal expertise and strategic leadership, ensuring alignment with broader HMG and industry development.
• The Director is responsible for developing a comprehensive commercial strategy to meet the needs of the organisation, ensure that services and products are procured appropriately, effectively, and in compliance with regulations.
• Provides advice on market behaviour, shape and drivers to secure value to attract industry leading suppliers, maximising value for money and delivery of benefits.
• Uses understanding of the marketplace to seek opportunities for innovation, engaging digital developments to drive improvements and efficiencies.
• They play a key role in establishing and leading all market activity, including organising supplier days, communications and managing key supplier relationships. This will require building a strong relationship with Network Rail.
• Additionally, they support the Business Case process, overseeing the Commercial Case, and explore private financing options to optimise financial outcomes.
• Accountable for commercial policies and processes, including EWR standard contract terms and conditions to reflect the current legal position and updating in consultation with the legal team and ensuring compliance with EWR policies and wider policies including Cabinet Office and DfT.
• Champions continuous improvement, aligning strategies with wider government commercial policies, taking into account internal and external forces and best practices, e.g. National Audit Office, Professional Associations.
• Representing EWR Co at Government wide meetings and forums to discuss and input into industry changes, driving efficiency and productivity and working closely with key stakeholders including the Department of Transport and Network Rail.
• Contributes to the development of standards and/or policy to eradicate corruption, fraud and unethical behaviour.
• Responsible for managing and supporting direct reports including: coaching and developing team members to drive individual growth and operational excellence. Leading continuous improvement, through regular performance management and ensuring compliance with organisation policies and updating relevant systems.
• 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 taxpayers' 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.