Utilities Senior Project Manager

Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
East West Rail Company
Utilities Senior Project Manager

Application Deadline: 2 June 2025

Department: Delivery

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Milton Keynes

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 will oversee the planning, execution, and completion of the utility works to enable the construction of the new railway, within a geographical section of the route. Being the single point owner of the utilities designs and then delivery, the role involves managing utility companies (power, water, comms, gas), coordinating with various stakeholders, and ensuring projects meet quality, scope, time, and budget requirements. The ideal candidate will possess experience in utility infrastructure project management, and a proven history of delivering projects successfully (ownership).

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

• Planning and Execution of the utility works.
• As Utility SPM, embedded into the EWR organisation and supply chain, to drive the Utility diversionary works to progress in accordance with the Accepted Contract Programme. To the best commercial advantage, without prejudice to the health and safety of employees, sub-contractors or the public at large and taking into full account.
• Lead and drive opportunities, value engineering, risk management and internal strategic messaging.
• Develop and oversee the production of the specifications and contract documentation.
• Produce and execute effective execution strategies.
• Ensure obtaining any required third-party consents, highlighting programme and project risks relating to consents required.
• Management of risks, issues, and change in a fully transparent manner through effective reporting and escalation.
• Contribute to steering project-wide continuous improvement and delivering against stretched targets.
• Establish the sequencing programme of how these will be co-ordinated and phased.
• Working with the planner resource, establish and present the high-level logistical planning for the Utilities works, that integrates with the anticipated enabling and main civils works.
• Establish and own the critical path for this Utility programme of work, within this geographical area
• Report and escalate matters where necessary.
• Managing any contractual (early) Utilities service provisions (feasibility studies, design delivery, planning, etc).
• There may later be line management responsibility 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.
• Ensure coordination between utilities and other project workstreams to minimise delays and disruptions.
• 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

• At least 3-5 years of proven experience managing infrastructure projects, especially Utilities Diversionary works.
• Understanding and extensive previous experience of Enabling and Utilities projects.
• Ability to work in teams (embedded) and operate individually, as a self-starter.
• Ability to speak the language of the Utility companies.
• APM, PRINCE2, or equivalent project management certification.
• Extensive knowledge of project management methodologies and tools.
• Good leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera).
• In-depth knowledge of relevant regulations, standards, and best practices in infrastructure development.
• Experience in the use of the NEC suite of contracts.
• Experience of working within a large programme of works.
• Demonstrable knowledge and experience of specification development, tendering, procurement, financing and accounting processes and procedures.
• Construction (Design and Management) Regulations knowledge and demonstrable experience of working within a CDM environment.
• Good knowledge of utility industry legislation.

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.