Quality, Governance and Assurance Lead

Quality, Governance and Assurance Lead

Application Deadline: 20 March 2025

Department: Corporate Services

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 support the Quality Management Executive by ensuring that
EWR Co. adheres to the internal governance framework and regulatory
requirements while driving continuous improvement initiatives. This role is
responsible for monitoring the performance of governance forums and
quality management mechanisms, supporting internal assurance reviews
across the three lines of assurance, and fostering a culture of compliance and
excellence across the organisation.
Function:
The Corporate Services function is accountable for providing core enabling
capability to the other functional areas in EWR Co. to maximise performance
of the organisation, that includes financial management, IT, HR and legal
services. It is accountable for providing reporting services to enable decision
making and assuring that quality systems and processes are in place.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for identifying a pipeline of required assurance activities and
managing these as per IPA guidance.
• Support stakeholders in preparing for assurance reviews and managing
outputs and actions in accordance with East West Rails processes.
• Develop and maintain the internal governance framework and quality
management systems (QMS) to ensure compliance and alignment with
industry standards.
• Support PACE adoption and development of PACE assurance products to
the required quality.
• Conduct regular reviews and inspections to assess compliance, identify
areas for improvement, and ensure adherence to governance policies.
• Update and communicate policies and standards across the organisation,
ensuring they are effectively implemented and followed.
• Collaborate with various departments to promote a culture of
governance, quality, assurance, and continuous improvement.
• Provide training and support to staff on governance, assurance and
quality management practices, emphasising compliance and best
practices.
• Prepare and present reports on governance and quality performance,
compliance status, and improvement initiatives to senior management.
• 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

• Extensive experience in governance and project assurance roles,
preferably within a construction or a capital works organisation.
• Strong knowledge of governance and assurance frameworks, regulatory
requirements, and quality management systems.
• Proven experience in conducting audits or supporting with audit reviews
and implementing recommendations.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen attention to
detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to train
and support staff and collaborate effectively across departments.
• Experience in preparing and presenting detailed reports to senior
management, with a focus on governance and quality performance.

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.
We are open to secondments through the Rail Industry Talent Exchange Programme.

#J-18808-Ljbffr