Command & Control Lead

East West Rail Company; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Pension 12%

36 days leave

Volunteer days

Life assurance

EAP

Perkbox access

Recognition programme

Learning & development

Job summary

East West Rail Company in Milton Keynes seeks a Command & Control Lead to define and deliver the operational control philosophy, structures and systems for the future railway. You will shape an integrated control capability across industry partners and stakeholders from the outset.

This senior role sits at the intersection of operations, technology and industry integration, translating strategic intent into practical, high-performing control solutions for routine and disrupted conditions.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading or operating within a Control, Route Control or Rail Operating Centre.
• Deep understanding of disruption management, resilience and incident response in UK rail.
• Strong knowledge of operating models, command structures and stakeholder interfaces.
• Experience specifying or operating integrated operational systems and digital tools.
• Ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments and influence senior leaders.
• Track record turning strategy into practical, measurable operational solutions.

Responsibilities

• Define operational control structures for normal ops, disruption and incident response.
• Develop control strategy, operating model and decision-making frameworks.
• Lead development of control elements within the Joint CONOPS.
• Specify systems and tools for real-time decision making.
• Establish incident management, escalation and service recovery across partners.
• Ensure collaboration between control, customer info and operations teams.

Skills

Control room operations

Disruption management

Incident response

Stakeholder management

Strategic planning

Tools

Integrated Control Centre

Operational systems

Digital control tools

Job description

Command & Control Lead

Application Deadline: 20 October 2026

Department: Railway Operations

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Milton Keynes

Reporting To: Train Service Delivery Development Lead

Description

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.

Role Summary:

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.

What you'll be doing

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.

What you'll bring

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.

Why this role is different

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.

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, encouraging applications from all backgrounds and experiences.