Investment Director

Investment Director

Application Deadline: 13 January 2025

Department: Strategy, Sponsorship and External Affairs

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:
Part of EWR Co's Senior Leadership Team, this role is accountable for unlocking the necessary investment to deliver the project and making sure the outcomes of the scheme are delivered. In doing so, this role is responsible for developing a compelling Business Case for the scheme and ensuring that the scheme is an investable proposition that will deliver its full benefits - with a well defined scope, a credible cost and schedule position, brought together in an integrated baseline.

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 a scheme that will realise the economic benefits that EWR offers.
Key Responsibilities

• Leads the development of both the Outline and Full Business cases, including the analytics and economic modelling involved, that meets the Green Book standard.
• Builds relationships with the Department for Transport and wider Government, to ensure EWR remains aligned with the Government's strategy for the industry and the region, and benefits from cross-Government collaboration and support.
• Articulates the programme objectives and outcomes as Sponsor's Requirements and a Programme Output Specification
• Drives the cross-functional working, analysis and engagement required to enable rapid decisions that define the scope of the scheme at a strategic level.
• Challenges the design and delivery of the Railway to fulfil the requirements, realise the intended business case benefits and achieve the outcomes.
• Oversees EWR's interaction with Network Rail and other industry bodies to ensure the effective development and delivery of the scheme.
• Puts delivering the wider economic benefits of EWR at the heart of scheme development. This includes engagement with regional stakeholders to ensure EWR is integrated in its local context and related development, and particularly with third parties who may be attracted to fund and/or finance additional elements of the scheme.
• Leads the programme assurance of EWR, primarily overseeing the process of stage-gate reviews to ensure programme integration and readiness to proceed.
• 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.
• Takes responsibility of 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.
• Acts 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

• Several years' experience as a leading sponsor of major infrastructure projects during the consenting and pre-FBC phase. Transport sector experience is preferred.
• Significant experience of engaging with senior officials in Government and leaders in industry bodies.
• Excellent communication skills at all levels, with experience of presenting complex information at Board level as well as in a community setting.
• Strong leadership capability, especially in environments that require robust decision-making and collaborative, cross-functional working.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, to find creative solutions to problems characterised competing priorities
• Experience of working with local government, and in areas related to economic development is preferred.
• Experience of acting as a public representative for a major project, including in the media, is preferred.

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
• Perks platform with hundreds of discounts and freebies
• 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.

If you want to connect lives and unlock the future, then we'd love to hear from you.