Senior Project Manager (Surveys) in Milton Keynes

A little bit about us: East West Rail is a nationally significant railway project which aims to deliver much-needed transport connections for the vibrant communities between Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge, which blend beautiful landscapes and a rich cultural heritage with globally renowned centres of education, business, technology and an increasingly dynamic business scene. Together these communities contribute around £111 billion to the national economy each year. However, the lack of good East-West transport connections makes it harder for residents to make the most of everything the region has to offer. From faster commutes to days out with friends and family, EWR will make it easier to reach the things that matter most, bringing a range of benefits to communities between Oxford and Cambridge, and across the UK more broadly. EWR is also one of the UK’s largest infrastructure projects, which the government committed to delivering in full in the Autumn 2024 Budget, and again in the 2025 Spending Review as part of its ambition to unlock the potential of the Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor. EWR is being championed by the Government as a key driver to economic growth leading to a potential £78 Billion boost to the UK economy: supporting new towns, housing, and regeneration.

Role Summary: This role will support the Programme Manager for surveys by overseeing planning and execution of survey related activity and enabling works. This role involves coordinating with multiple stakeholders, managing project teams, including technical disciplines such as Engineering & Environment SMEs, Land and Property experts, and a complex supply chain network, and adhering to safety and regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage detailed project plans, schedules, and budgets for survey works.
• Coordinate and manage consultants, contractors, and project teams to ensure the safe delivery of site surveys.
• Monitor project progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies to address potential issues.
• Provide effective requirements management, including prioritisation, business case and benefits management.
• Interface management - Network Rail and other statutory bodies, designers, supply chain, Land and Property, H&S, Comms, Digital engineering, DfT (beneficial).
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards, safety protocols, and environmental requirements during site works.
• Administer NEC contracts, ensuring compliance with contract requirements.
• Develop and manage procurement strategies.
• Prepare and present progress reports, updates, and project documentation to the Programme Manager and other stakeholders.
• Manage project resources, including personnel, equipment, and materials, to optimise efficiency and productivity.
• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration among all parties involved in site works.
• Assessing the impact of change and creating and implementing change management strategies and plans where required.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Experience: Minimum of 6 years’ experience in project management, with a focus on survey and enabling works and/or infrastructure projects. Survey programmes – environmental, ground investigation and engineering surveys Early and advanced enabling works.

Skills: NEC contract management / working with contractors.

Knowledge: Network Rail / relevant UK rail industry legislation and standards. Strong knowledge of project management methodologies (APM, Prince 2), tools and software (e.g., Primavera P6, Microsoft Project).

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.

Diversity and Inclusion: 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 from all backgrounds and experiences.