Project Controls Director

East West Rail Company; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading rail infrastructure company in Milton Keynes is seeking a PMO Director to manage project controls activities across complex delivery teams. This role involves collaboration with stakeholders to ensure integrated project success and compliance with governance standards. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in project controls and strong leadership skills, ready to contribute to building an inclusive railway system.

Benefits

Competitive base salary

Pension contribution up to 12%

36 days holiday + up to 2 days to buy

Life assurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Access to benefits on the Perkbox platform

On-the-spot and annual awards

Learning and development programmes

Flexible working opportunities

Enhanced family-friendly policies

Exceptional IT tools

Qualifications

• Significant experience in project controls or project management.
• Proven leadership in managing project controls teams.
• Strong understanding of project controls processes.

Responsibilities

• Design and manage project controls activities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for project delivery.
• Ensure compliance with standards and governance frameworks.
• Provide insights to senior leadership.
• Manage and develop project controls team.

Skills

Project controls experience

Leadership skills

Project management proficiency

Industry experience (construction, infrastructure)

Tools

Project management software

Job description

PMO Director

Application Deadline: 10 November 2025

Department: Delivery

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Milton Keynes

Description

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 designing, implementing, and managing project controls activities, maintaining strategies and principles for project controls which will be followed by design and delivery teams, including complex supply chain network involved. Accountable for programme reporting, and leading the team of project controls specialists.

Function: 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.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and continuously improve project control systems and processes to ensure robust planning, scheduling, cost management, and risk mitigation during Design and Delivery. These should be designed and managed recognising the complex network of third-party suppliers involved in the Programme lifecycle.
• Collaborate with project managers, design and delivery teams, finance and commercial departments, and other key stakeholders to ensure integrated project delivery.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant standards, regulations, and governance frameworks, maintaining the highest levels of transparency and accountability.
• Provide strategic insights and recommendations to senior leadership, supporting informed decision-making and effective project governance.
• Contribute to the execution of the EWR Delivery Strategy { Creating the right environment, Aligning with the Future of the Rail Industry and Developing a Digital Spine].
• Responsible for managing and supporting direct reports including: coaching and developing team members to drive individual growth and operational excellence. Leading continuous improvement, through regular performance management and ensuring compliance with organisation policies and updating relevant systems.
• 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.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Significant experience in project controls, project management, or a related field, with a proven track record of increasing responsibility.
• Extensive industry experience in sectors such as construction, oil and gas, infrastructure, or engineering.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with experience leading project controls teams and overseeing large-scale projects.
• Proficiency in project management software and tools and a solid understanding of project controls processes.

Benefits

What we offer:

• 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.