Command & Control Lead

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Pension contributions

36 days annual leave

Volunteer days

Life assurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Perkbox access

Advanced learning and development

Job summary

East West Railway Company is seeking a Command & Control Lead to define and deliver the operational control philosophy, structures and processes that will underpin a safe, efficient and resilient future railway. This role sits within the Railway Operations function to embed operational excellence from the outset.

This is a senior opportunity to shape a railway before it enters service, translating strategic intent into an integrated C&C capability across industry partners and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading or operating within a Control, Route Control or Rail Operating Centre.
• Deep understanding of disruption management and incident response within UK rail operations.
• Experience specifying, implementing or operating integrated operational systems and digital control tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and own the Command & Control strategy, operating model and decision 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 for real-time decision making.
• Establish incident management, escalation and service recovery arrangements across partners.
• Represent East West Rail within industry forums and engage with Network Rail and key delivery partners.

Skills

Rail operations

Incident management

Command & control

Stakeholder engagement

Operational resilience

Digital control tools

Job 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.

• 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.