Project Manager

Application Deadline: 4 April 2026

Department: Delivery

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Milton Keynes

Reporting To: Senior Development Programme Manager (West)

Description

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 GBP 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 GBP 78 Billion boost to the UK economy: supporting new towns, housing, and regeneration.

Role Summary:

We are looking to fill two Project Manager roles, which are part of the Programme Delivery Team of East West Rail; one for the Marston Vale Line route section, and one for the Oxford to Bletchley route section. You will support the Programme Managers leading a client team to design and deliver the various infrastructure enhancements along the route, enabling additional passenger and freight services.

This role involves oversight, coordination, and integration assurance to achieve programme milestones and objectives along the relevant route sections, ensuring the scope is fully aligned and integrated with the end state railway system.

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

• Fulfil a client role in leading a 'One Team' project delivery team, providing strategic direction and oversight to ensure successful project delivery to achieve the service output.
• Co-ordination of integrated programme plans, schedules, and budgets, ensuring interoperability and coordination of outputs to achieve the overall EWR programme objectives.
• Provide route wide guidance as required by the Programme Manager to support the design and deliver a solution which is aligned to a central approach.
• Facilitate effective communication and coordination, to ensure cohesive integration of deliverables and project milestones.
• Monitor project progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies to address potential issues and ensure on-time delivery.
• Prepare and support the Programme Manager in presentation of programme reports, updates, and performance metrics to the Delivery Executive and other senior stakeholders.
• Support the production of change control to ensure the project remains within authorised budget agreed with the DfT and adhering to governance and assurance requirements across DfT, EWR Co and NR.
• 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

• Strong working experience in project management, with a focus on large-scale infrastructure or railway construction projects; including experience of PACE.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering complex construction projects on time and within budget.
• Strong knowledge of project management methodologies, tools, and software.

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.