Job Description

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 is a pivotal role in delivering our ambitions for the historic environment. As technical lead, you will shape and safeguard heritage outcomes across a nationally significant infrastructure programme through a Development Consent Order process. You will be at the heart of integrating heritage considerations into project design, ensuring both compliance and innovation while delivering lasting cultural value. Your expertise will be key in managing complexity, fostering collaboration, and influencing the future landscape of the region through thoughtful stewardship of its past.

Function:

The Strategy, Sponsorship and External Affairs function is accountable for defining what EWR Co. is, and the impact it will deliver. It is accountable for securing the required approvals to deliver the scheme, being the custodian of the DCO submission, including statutory consultation, and building a compelling business case. It will hold design and delivery to account to create an asset which will realises the economic benefits.

Key Responsibilities

Drive the development and application of standards, processes and governance for heritage deliverables across the programme, ensuring consistency, transparency, and technical excellence. Undertake assurance of key documentation (e.g., Environmental Statements, WSI, Heritage Impact Assessments), supporting robust and defensible decision-making throughout the project lifecycle. Oversee the commissioning, coordination, and performance of heritage consultants and contractors, from scoping and procurement through to delivery, with a focus on quality, value for money, and timely outputs. Lead engagement and consultation with key stakeholders including Historic England, local authorities, academic bodies, and community heritage groups to promote inclusive and informed outcomes. Proactively identify and manage heritage risks and opportunities, enabling timely resolution and the development of positive legacy initiatives. Support capacity-building within the wider programme by providing mentoring, training, and thought leadership on heritage matters. Represent EWR Co. at high-level meetings and industry forums, articulating a clear and compelling heritage vision aligned with project goals. 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. To deliver the archaeological programme on time and within budget, ensuring that the EWR is an exemplar in how cultural heritage should be delivered to achieve a long-term legacy and providing a level of social value. 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 taxpayers' 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

Comprehensive understanding of UK heritage statutory framework Ability to persuade, negotiate and agree acceptable ways of working and outcomes for heritage with statutory and non-statutory stakeholders Attention to detail in reviewing proposals, WSIs, reports, contracts and other documents and deliverables Ability to explain involved heritage concepts, techniques and findings to non-specialist project colleagues and interested members of the public Strong numeracy skills to analyse complex data deliverables Contract and commercial awareness to appraise value for money provided by heritage partners The Successful candidate will be expected to provide a level of leadership and guidance to direct what we be the largest archaeological project in the next five - ten years. Accordingly, a high level of experience in managing large teams for major infrastructure projects is expected. The archaeological director will need to be an advocate for the project to both national agencies and the academic community.



Education and qualifications:Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant environmental discipline Postgraduate qualification in a heritage topic Member of CIfA Demonstrable level of published work

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 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.

About East West Rail

East West Railway Company is a new and exciting venture at the forefront of the changing landscape of the rail industry, delivering substantial fast-paced improvement to modernise the railway.