Head of DCO Strategy

Head of DCO Strategy

Application Deadline: 9 February 2025

Department: Strategy, Sponsorship and External Affairs

Employment Type: Permanent

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 setting and delivering on the Project’s Consents Strategy. It will be responsible to the DCO Director for obtaining all necessary consents for the delivery of EWR Co infrastructure (primarily the DCO and discharge of requirements but including any consents needed for enabling works and ecological licences etc), whilst ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks and project timelines.

This role involves close collaboration with internal teams and external authorities to secure permissions and to mitigate any consent-related risks. It will maintain oversight of town planning matters, for which responsibility sits with the Town Planner working to the Head of DCO (e.g. the maintenance of Planning Performance Agreements, the development of local plans and consultations on planning permissions within the land safeguarded for EWR) as they affect the project, including oversight of Town Planning Consultant activity, and will advise the business accordingly.

Function:

The Strategy, Sponsorship and External Affairs function is accountable for defining what EWR Co. is, and the impact it will deliver. It is accountable for securing the required approvals to deliver the scheme, being the custodian of the DCO submission, including statutory consultation, and building a compelling business case. It will hold design and delivery to account to create an asset which will realise the economic benefits.

Key Responsibilities

• Accountable for the success of the Consents Strategy, including all supporting plans such that all necessary consents are in place to enable infrastructure delivery in accordance with the schedule.
• Accountable to the DCO Director.
• Lead and manage the consents and town planning managers and work collaboratively with consultants who will be responsible for developing and delivering on the detail that sits below the Consents Strategy.
• Establish and maintain strategic relationships, internally and externally, as needed to ensure the success of the Consents Strategy.
• Through leadership of dedicated resource and collaborative working with others, plan and manage the process for securing all necessary consents for the construction and operation of the infrastructure needed for EWR.
• Lead on the structuring, assembly and submission of the DCO application. Provide direction to the Technical Partner and wider team on their required inputs in securing consents and ensure the successful collation and submission of the application.
• Lead on the progression of the DCO application once submitted through its various stages.
• Lead on the relationship with the Planning Inspectorate and provide a single point of reference for them throughout the DCO process.
• Undertake all line management duties in respect of the Town Planner and Consents Manager, to ensure that they are fulfilling their roles effectively and efficiently, that they are supported and that they are able to progress their careers.
• Ensure all consent applications are prepared and submitted in a timely manner to the necessary level of detail and supported with all required information.
• Monitor compliance with consent conditions/requirements and address any issues that arise.
• Provide regular updates on consent progress to the DCO Director.
• 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 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

• Proven experience in managing consent processes for large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Knowledge of the DCO process.
• In-depth understanding of regulatory and legal requirements related to consents and town and country planning.
• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• A problem solver who is excited by resolving issues at pace.

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.

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