A little bit about us:

East West Rail is a proposed new railway 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.

Team Dimensions:

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive and part of EWR Co’s Executive Team, being a member of the EWR Co Board, attending Audit and Risk Committee and Investment Committee and other appropriate committee meetings as needed.

Key Responsibilities:

Executive member of the EWR Co. Board
In attendance to and advising the Non-Executive Chairs of, Audit and Risk Committee, Investment Committee, and Remuneration Committee.
Lead the company’s strategic approach to business and finance planning, cost management and (where appropriate) asset financing.
Lead on the EWR focus to drive down costs of the Programme.
Liaise with all relevant Government bodies with regard to EWR Co’s financial capability and needs, including the Department of Transport, HM Treasury, Government’s internal audit function, etc.
Provide strategic direction, planning, decision making and overall performance for the Corporate Services business function. The Corporate Services business function includes these teams: finance, legal and corporate governance, data analytics and business reporting, facilities management, Information Technology, and business planning.
Develop and implement robust integrated management frameworks which will provide effective yet agile controls over decision making at all levels of the operating model: financial, legal, corporate, programme and technical governance.
Lead the development and delivery of a data analytics capability for the organisation, allowing the early identification and communication of emerging risks and facilitating the ability to address these issues as they emerge. Identifying and capturing the wider national benefits and learning lessons from EWR and feeding that information back to the Department for Transport to influence future infrastructure delivery.

Additional accountabilities may be added to the remit of the CFO as the company evolves.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise:

Board experience either as a board member or as a regular contributor to board meetings and board engagement.
Significant senior management experience in the financial control of major infrastructure projects and provision of corporate support services in a public or quasi-public sector organisation.
Experience of managing a strategic budget process, leading its design and implementation in Consultations with executive committee stakeholders.
Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of large scale and technically complex infrastructure projects, legal aspects, cost estimating, financial control, corporate governance and assurance.
Experience of working in cooperation and partnership with a wide range of internal and external bodies including government, statutory agencies/organisations.
Experience of resolving and escalating risks, issues and conflicts as necessary, excellent communication, relationship management and presentation skills.
Strong leadership, people and team management skills and the ability to work within a complex stakeholder environment.
Experience in private financing for assets such as rolling stock.

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.

East West Railway Company

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