Head of Buildings and Stations Architecture

Application Deadline: 31 October 2025

Department: Technical

Employment Type: Full Time

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.

Role Summary: This role will be responsible for overseeing the development of our buildings and stations assets, ensuring the successful conception, design, construction, and maintenance of these assets through the application of subject matter expertise. This role involves strategic planning, resource allocation, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations. The Head of Buildings & Station Architecture will act to support the 'design champion' for EWR's built environment, throughout design development and construction. As such the role will have a significant impact on the quality of design and its legacy as an operational railway.

Function: The technical function owns the specification for the scheme, interpreting the business case and purpose and translating this into a system requirements set. Activities fall broadly into two categories - establishing standards and requirements, and assuring these are being met during both design and delivery. These activities take place across a number of domains, each requiring different technical specialist capabilities to provide a suitable level of knowledge, support, and innovation. This role will play a pivotal role in defining and assuring the technical requirements and guidance and oversee the delivery of those to a quality and standard expected of EWR.

Responsibilities and accountabilities:

• Set the strategic direction of the company-wide governing principles for EWR architectural design - including the creation of a EWR aesthetic design idiom.
• Lead and manage the Engineering Specialist - Buildings and Stations Architecture, to convert sponsor requirements into design requirements which can be delivered.
• Accountable for providing assurance and direction for the design and implementation of operational Building and Station assets within the infrastructure system, setting the direction and maintaining discipline technical strategies and standards.
• Provide professional buildings leadership to engineers throughout the company.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Essential Experience and skills:

• A Chartered Architect or member of an appropriate institution
• A sound knowledge of applicable policies, standards, national and European legislation.
• Knowledge of safety management and risk assessment.
• Demonstrable experience of the application of inclusive design principles Extensive experience in railway operational buildings and stations, particularly in terms of placemaking within large-scale infrastructure projects, preferably within the railway industry.
• Proven leadership experience with a track record of managing engineering/architecture teams and complex projects.

This job description provides an outline of the key responsibilities of the role; however, this is not exhaustive, and duties may reasonably change as the business evolves.

• 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.