Director of East West Rail in Kent

The Department for Transport (Df T) is responsible for improving journeys, enabling economic growth and creating a safer, more sustainable and integrated transport system.

With one of the largest and most complex capital portfolios in Government, Df T works through major delivery partners to deliver transformational infrastructure and public service outcomes across the UK.

The Rail Group is leading a once-in-a-generation transformation of Britain's railway.

Responsible for delivering the Government's vision of a more unified and simplified rail system, the Group is driving major reform, including the creation of Great British Railways and the transition of rail services into public ownership.

Alongside sector reform, the Rail Group oversees nationally significant investment programmes that will improve passenger outcomes, deliver better value for taxpayers and support long-term economic growth.

East West Rail is one of the UK's most significant infrastructure and growth programmes.

Connecting Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge, it will unlock housing, jobs, innovation and sustainable economic growth across one of the country's most important economic corridors.

As the Department for Transport's Senior Responsible Owner for the programme, the Director of East West Rail will lead the Government's sponsorship of a multi-billion-pound investment that will shape communities and economic prosperity for generations.

The Director of East West Rail will act as the Department's Senior Responsible Owner for East West Rail.

You will provide strategic leadership for the programme, ensuring confidence in its affordability, delivery, benefits realisation and value for money.

Working across Government, industry and regional stakeholders, you will lead relationships with Ministers, HM Treasury, delivery partners, local leaders and communities, bringing clarity, credibility and assurance to one of the UK's most high-profile infrastructure programmes.

You will also contribute to the wider leadership of Rail Group and help shape the future direction of the Department's rail agenda.

We are seeking an exceptional and visible leader with a track record of operating at scale within complex infrastructure, transport, programme or transformation environments.

You will bring experience of providing strategic sponsorship, leading through influence and delivering successful outcomes across multiple organisations and stakeholders.

Strong commercial and analytical judgement, experience of overseeing significant public investment and the ability to build confidence with Boards, senior stakeholders, and partners will be essential.

Equally important is your ability to lead high-performing teams, navigate ambiguity and sustain delivery within highly scrutinised environments.

This is a unique opportunity to provide strategic sponsorship and leadership for one of the UK's most significant transport and growth programmes.

If you have the judgement, influence and stakeholder leadership skills to act as an intelligent client, shape investment decisions and build confidence across government, industry and communities, we would be pleased to hear from you.

We encourage applications from a diverse range of candidates.

We are continuing to build a diverse Df T, in an inclusive environment which nurtures and realises potential in all, at all levels.

To view the job description and person specification, please scroll to the bottom of the page, tick to agree to the privacy policy, then click 'Continue to full details'.

Location Birmingham, Leeds or London Sector Central Government Client Department for Transport Job Type Permanent Salary/Remuneration105,000 per annum Reference GSe135539Closing Date23:55 on Sunday 13 September 2026