Head of Civil Engineering

Head of Civil Engineering

Application Deadline: 17 March 2025

Department: Engineering

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Milton Keynes

Description

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 bringing technical excellence to EWR in Civil Engineering whilst managing a team of Engineering Specialists to ensure the successful design, construction, and maintenance of the railway. This role involves strategic planning, resource allocation, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the team of Civil Engineering Specialists (civil, tunnels, drainage, highways, structural), to convert sponsor requirements into design requirements which can be delivered.
• NR/RSE/L2/02009 Project Engineer role holding Authority to Work at Level 4 (Expert) for Civil Engineering, in particular Multi-Span Structures and Viaducts.
• Develop and implement strategic plans for engineering activities, aligning with the overall objectives of the railway project.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety, quality, and environmental standards and regulations.
• Oversee budget management, resource allocation, and project timelines to ensure efficient and effective delivery.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the engineering managers.
• Collaborate with other departments, stakeholders, and external partners to ensure integrated project delivery.
• Provide technical guidance and support to the engineering team and resolve complex engineering challenges.
• 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 organisational 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 to do so too.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Extensive experience in the multi-discipline design of Civil Engineering assets, particularly in large-scale linear infrastructure projects, preferably within the railway industry.
• Experience with multi-span structures, tunnels or large earthworks.
• Chartered Engineer with relevant Engineering Institution or equivalent demonstrable experience.
• Proven leadership experience with a track record of managing engineering teams and complex projects.
• Strong knowledge of industry standards, regulations, and best practices in the respective specialist engineering area.
• Engineering Assurance or Technical Authority using industry lifecycles such as RIBA, PACE and NH PCF.

Benefits

What we offer:

• Competitive base salary
• Up to 12% employer’s pension contribution
• 36 days holiday a year (including bank holidays) + up to 2 days to buy
• Life assurance
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Perks platform with hundreds of discounts and freebies
• On-the-spot and annual awards
• Advanced learning and development programmes
• Great work-life balance and flexible working opportunities
• Enhanced family-friendly policies
• Exceptional IT tools

EWR Co strives to embrace a flexible working environment, where a degree of flexibility is maintained to accommodate both the needs and preferences of employees and what is required to achieve business objectives. EWR Co will always work with any individual to assess and accommodate an individual’s work life balance and style.

Diversity and Inclusion:
To discover the best solutions, it’s important we embrace diversity of thought. That’s why we aim to ensure our colleagues feel included, engaged and valued. Inclusiveness is not a buzzword, but a way of being. Our approach to diversity is simple – a workplace where everyone is welcome and everyone is encouraged to be themselves. It helps fuel our innovation and connects us with the customers and communities we serve.

If you want to connect lives and unlock the future, then we’d love to hear from you.

East West Railway Company is a new and exciting venture at the forefront of the changing landscape of the rail industry, delivering substantial fast-paced improvement to modernise the railway.

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