Head of Track Engineering

Head of Track Engineering

Application Deadline: 7 April 2026

Department: Engineering

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Milton Keynes

Reporting To: Engineering, Technical & Safety Executive Director

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

Role Summary

This role will be responsible for leading a team of Engineering Specialists, overseeing and ensuring the successful design, construction, and maintenance of railway infrastructure through the application of subject matter expertise and industry experience. This role involves strategic planning, resource allocation, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the team of Engineering Specialists for Track Engineering, working closely with Network Rail as the technical authority on all matters relating to design, construction, maintenance and operation within the specialty.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in an engineering discipline, providing technical guidance and expertise throughout the project lifecycle.
• Develop and implement strategic plans for engineering activities, aligning with the overall objectives of the railway project.
• Lead and direct the development and implementation of the Track delivery strategy and manage the engineering competencies needed to maintain, renew and enhance the network to deliver the level of project delivery performance required.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety, quality, and environmental standards and regulations.
• Oversee budget management, resource allocation, and project timelines to ensure efficient and effective delivery.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the engineering function and identification of delivery opportunity.
• Collaborate with other departments, stakeholders, and external partners to ensure integrated project delivery.
• Provide technical guidance and support to the engineering team and resolve complex engineering challenges.
• 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.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Extensive experience in Track Engineering, particularly in large-scale rail projects.
• Proven experience in the development and delivery of track systems, utilising industry best practice for efficient design and delivery.
• Proven leadership experience with a track record of managing engineering teams and complex projects.
• Strong knowledge of industry standards, regulations, and best practices in the respective specialist engineering area.
• Previous NR/L2/RSE/02009 experience and/or acting in nominated DPE or above role.

Qualifications

• CEng in a relevant discipline.

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 of all backgrounds and experiences.