Head of Schedule in Milton Keynes

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 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 developing, setting and managing the overall scheduling strategy and plan for the East West Rail project. This includes being responsible for setting and maintaining the project's Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), co‑ordinating and maintaining alignment with the project's Cost Breakdown Structure (CBS) and the Organisational Breakdown Structure. In defining the project's scheduling strategy and plan, the role will make sure that there is full alignment and integration between East West Rail and the partners organisation's schedules. To support timely and effective activity tracking and performance management. This role leads a team of planning professionals, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders making sure the project timeline aligns with and accurately reflects project objectives and delivery milestones.

Function

The Delivery function is accountable for delivering an asset which aligns to the Sponsor requirements, establishing a safe, reliable and integrated railway. Delivery will demonstrate delivery excellence through technical innovation and design excellence, underpinned by mature Programme controls to maximise the benefit of project delivery in relation to public pound spent. The Delivery function will act as an intelligent and informed integrated team, that uses a network of third‑party strategic suppliers to leverage the capabilities required to deliver the asset.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the scheduling strategy and framework for the programme.
• Work closely with the Head of Baseline and Change, providing impact assessments as needed to support accurate and timely change management activity.
• Establish and maintain the project's Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) including alignment to the Cost Breakdown Structure.
• Oversee the creation, maintenance, and monitoring of the integrated programme schedule.
• Lead and manage the Scheduling team, ensuring effective performance and professional development.
• Coordinating with internal and external stakeholders making sure the project timeline aligns with and accurately reflects project objectives and delivery milestones.
• Coordinate with other departments to integrate scheduling activities and resolve any conflicts.
• Provide regular updates and reports on schedule status to senior management and stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, standards, and best practices in project scheduling.
• Facilitate scheduling workshops and training sessions to build scheduling capabilities within the team.
• Contribute to the execution of the EWR Delivery Strategy.
• 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

• Extensive experience in project scheduling and planning, preferably in large‑scale infrastructure projects.
• Proven leadership and team management skills, with a track record of developing and implementing scheduling strategies.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities, with experience managing complex schedules.

What we offer

• 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
• Access to a range of benefits on the Perkbox platform
• 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.