Command & Control Lead

Final date to receive applications: 20 October 2026

Department: Railway Operations

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Milton Keynes

Reporting To: Train Service Delivery Development Lead

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. Together these communities contribute around £111 billion to the national economy each year.

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.

We're seeking an exceptional Command & Control Lead to define and deliver the operational control philosophy, structures, systems and processes that will underpin the safe, efficient and resilient operation of the future railway. This vacancy sits within the Railway Operations function, helping to ensure operational excellence is embedded into the design and development of the railway from the outset.

This is a rare opportunity for a senior operational leader to influence the creation of a railway before it enters service, translating strategic intent into an integrated Command & Control capability that will operate across multiple industry partners and stakeholders.

As Command & Control Lead, you will take ownership of the framework that governs how East West Rail operates in both routine and disrupted conditions.

Working at the intersection of operations, technology and industry integration, you will:

• Develop EWR's Command & Control strategy, operating model and decision-making frameworks.
• Define operational control structures for normal operations, disruption management and incident response.
• Lead the development of Command & Control elements within the Joint Concept of Operations.
• Specify and shape the operational systems, tools and capabilities required to support real-time decision making.
• Establish incident management, escalation and service recovery arrangements across partner organisations.
• Influence how control, customer information and operational teams work together to deliver a high-performing railway.
• Represent East West Rail within industry forums and engage with Network Rail, Train Operating Companies and key delivery partners.

You will be a respected rail operations professional with significant experience gained within operational control, railway operations, incident management or command environments.

You are likely to bring:

• Extensive experience leading or operating within a Control, Route Control, Rail Operating Centre, Integrated Control Centre or equivalent rail command environment.
• Deep understanding of disruption management, operational resilience and incident response within UK rail operations.
• Strong knowledge of industry operating models, command structures and stakeholder interfaces.
• Experience specifying, implementing or operating integrated operational systems and digital control tools.
• The ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments and influence senior industry leaders.
• A track record of converting strategy into practical operational solutions that deliver measurable outcomes.

Most Command & Control roles focus on operating an existing railway. This role will design one.

You will have the opportunity to establish the principles, processes and capabilities that will underpin a major new railway for decades to come. For senior professionals who want to leave a lasting operational legacy, opportunities of this scale and influence are exceptionally rare.

If you've led operational control in a complex rail…