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 role plays a key part in keeping our People team running smoothly and contributing to exciting People initiatives. Working closely with stakeholders across the organisation, this role takes on a variety of hands-on tasks, this includes owning HR system data entry, coordinating day-to-day HR processes, supporting internal communications, events, training administration, and employee engagement initiatives.



As a key point of contact for HR administration, you'll play a vital role in maintaining accurate employee records, assisting with the coordination of training and events, processing spend approvals, and ensuring smooth delivery of people-related projects and communications. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys collaborating with others, and is passionate about creating a exceptional employee experience.

Function:

The Corporate Services function is accountable for providing core enabling capability to the other functional areas in EWR Co. to maximise performance of the organisation, that includes financial management, IT and HR services. It is accountable for providing reporting services to enable decision making and assuring that quality systems and processes are in place.

Key Responsibilities

Provide day-to-day administrative support to the People team across the employee lifecycle, including recruitment coordination, onboarding, offboarding, and contract management. Act as the primary point of contact for maintaining and updating the HR data system, ensuring accurate and timely entry of employee records, contracts, job changes, and other key data. Support People meetings, interviews, and training logistics. Coordinate internal and external training sessions, including scheduling, communications, tracking attendance, and gathering feedback. Maintain accurate records of employee training and certifications in the HR system. Assist with the administration of learning platforms and relationships with external training providers. Maintain accurate people records to support reporting and audit requirements. Provide administrative and coordination support for People-related projects (e.g., performance review cycles, engagement surveys, policy rollouts, recognition). Support logistics and administration of company-wide events (in-person, hybrid and though Microsoft Teams). Manage internal email distribution lists. Track progress, support documentation, and follow up on outstanding actions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams including IT, Facilities, and Finance to ensure a seamless employee experience. Assist in ensuring the organisation's compliance with legal requirements related to HR practices. Develop your knowledge by keeping up to date with changes to employment law and combining your learning with day-to-day HR practices. 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

Proven experience in an administrative or coordinator role, within HR, People, or a similar support function. Strong attention to detail with experience handling data entry and maintaining accurate records. Confident in working with HR or business systems. Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information. Strong communication skills, both written and orally. Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines. Proficient in Microsoft Office tools (especially Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), and comfortable learning new systems. Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism. A proactive and collaborative approach, with a willingness to support a range of tasks and teams.

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.