At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the delivery of a transformative railway project connecting communities and enhancing transport.
- Company: Join East West Railway Company, a pioneering infrastructure programme committed to inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, pension contributions, and advanced learning opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values collaboration and community connection.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities while shaping the future of transport in the UK.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading complex infrastructure projects and strong stakeholder engagement skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
East West Rail is an infrastructure programme connecting communities between Oxford and Cambridge, a region currently underserved by transport. We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve prosperity for people and places across the corridor. East West Railway Company (EWR Co) was established by the Department for Transport to oversee delivery from construction through to operation, ensuring the railway comes together in the right way for the communities it serves. We are committed to building an inclusive railway for all. We believe that means nurturing a diverse team that reflects the UK communities we serve. Our approach is straightforward: 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 actively encourage applications from all backgrounds and experiences.
Role Summary
East West Rail is one of the most significant transport infrastructure investments in a generation, a programme that will reconnect communities, unlock economic growth, and reshape how people move between Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge. This is genuinely nation‑building work, and the Core Section is at its heart. The Core Section is the greenfield element of the programme: the most technically complex part of East West Rail, and the section with the greatest potential to transform connectivity for the communities it passes through. It is delivered directly by EWR Co. As Delivery Director, you will have end‑to‑end accountability for bringing it to life, leading an effective, collaborative team, working through an Alliancing model with major supply chain partners, and navigating the full breadth of programme delivery from design through to handover. The decisions you make will shape infrastructure that will serve communities for generations. Few roles in UK infrastructure offer this combination of scale, complexity and genuine public impact, with the chance to leave infrastructure that communities will rely on for generations.
About the Delivery Function
The Delivery function is accountable for producing an asset that aligns to Sponsor requirements and establishes a safe, reliable and integrated railway. We aim to demonstrate delivery excellence through technical and design innovation, underpinned by mature programme controls that maximise public value. We operate as an intelligent, integrated team, working through a network of strategic supply chain partners to bring together the capabilities needed to deliver the asset.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide clear, values‑led leadership for the Core Section delivery team, fostering a collaborative “one team” culture and aligned objectives
- Hold overall accountability for the successful delivery of the Core Section
- Support the procurement and development of an Alliancing model to manage works across the section
- Build effective working relationships with Delivery Partners, managing performance and driving continuous improvement
- Proactively identify, manage and mitigate project and programme‑level risks
- Identify and realise opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs and optimise programme schedule
- Support the development of a digital environment that provides a single source of truth across the programme ecosystem
- Nurture positive relationships with communities and key stakeholders along the route
- Create an environment in which the whole team can grow, develop and thrive
Skills Knowledge and Expertise
- Significant experience leading and delivering complex infrastructure investment programmes
- Experience of collaborative delivery models, including partnering or Alliancing
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and build consensus across diverse groups
- Experience leading effective, collaborative teams across complex, matrixed organisations
- Experience of contract management and generating best value from the supply chain
- Experience preparing and managing complex budgets
- Commercially aware and customer focused
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Experience in accountability‑level roles on major programmes, including portfolios with values in excess of £1.5bn
- Experience in greenfield infrastructure delivery
- Familiarity with rail infrastructure or regulated environments
- Experience working within government‑sponsored or client‑side programme management structures
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. Find your tribe with our Pride, EWR Women in Rail, Culture Collective and Ability employee network groups. 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 quarterly and annual awards. Advanced learning and development opportunities to help you grow and a structured Welcome Day to help you get up to speed quickly.
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 welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is accessible and inclusive. If you require any adjustments to support your application or interview, please let us know. So if you want to connect lives and unlock the future, then we’d love to hear from you.
Delivery Director (Core Section) in Milton Keynes employer: East West Railway Company
East West Railway Company is an exceptional employer that prioritises innovation and sustainability in the transport sector. Located in Milton Keynes, we foster a collaborative work culture where employees are encouraged to grow through professional development opportunities and contribute to meaningful projects that shape the future of railways in the UK. Join us to be part of a team that values inclusivity and technical excellence while making a positive impact on the environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Delivery Director (Core Section) in Milton Keynes
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like East West Railway Company, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Delivery Director (Core Section) at East West Railway Company.
We think you need these skills to ace Delivery Director (Core Section) in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at East West Railway Company
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
