Assistant Design Manager

Final date to receive applications: 10 May 2026

Department:
Delivery

Location:
Milton Keynes

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.

This role will be responsible for delivery and assurance of all work across the programme that involves utilities diversion designs. This will involve management and liaison with suppliers and all relevant parties to ensure the design is fit for purpose on behalf of the Delivery Team for the EWR scheme.

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.

• Development of the detailed design of the utilities required to deliver the requirements for the scheme
• Act as the lead for development and support of the utility design activities within the integrated programme, monitoring progress, reporting on KPI’s and meeting design deadlines
• Maintain records in accordance with quality assurance procedures
• Manage teams of designers, partners and other staff as required
• Collaborate with external suppliers to ensure they meet design standards
• Ensure that all processes meet safety, legal, and other standards
• Ensure the design meets technical requirements and specifications developed by the Engineering Directorate and others, as required
• Ensure implementation of process and designs that are aligned with the Enterprise approach
• Provide support and advice to partner teams on all utility design matters
• Participate in design review/ value engineering activities to ensure design outputs are cost effective in relation to material usage and manufacturing processes
• Work with a range of disciplines across the scheme including various project partners
• Contribute new innovative ideas, materials, research, and learnings to the Delivery team
• Liaise with the stakeholder and consultation team and the development manager to process feedback on the designs as they develop
• 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

• Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary design delivery environment
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, and the ability to build positive relationships with multiple teams across the business and with partners and supply chain.
• Good organisational skills and strong attention to detail
• Excellent working knowledge of industry and…