Head of Economic Development
Application Deadline: 14 February 2025
Department: Strategy, Sponsorship and External Affairs
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 leading collaboration with governmental and regional bodies to make sure that the railway project fully enables the economic benefit and sustainable development opportunities.
Function:
The Strategy, Sponsorship and External Affairs function is accountable for defining what EWR Co. is, and the impact it will deliver. It is accountable for securing the required approvals to deliver the scheme, being the custodian of the DCO submission, including statutory consultation, and building a compelling business case. It will hold design and delivery to account to create an asset which will realises the economic benefits.
Key Responsibilities
* Collaborate with governmental and regional bodies to promote economic growth and growth plans across the region
* Develop and implement economic development strategies aligned with this intention
* Lead a complex portfolio of critical projects to deliver on the overall strategy
* Lead and take an active part of stakeholders groups driving the economic growth across the region and in local areas
* Translation of the strategy and collaboration into a tangible set of deliverables for EWR Co
* Maintain links to place based project work and the overall design of the railway
* Holistic consideration of the way EWR works within the places it serves, both residential and commercial
* Work closely with other departments e.g. Investment, to ensure cross-departmental development of the strategy
* Manage the Economic Development Manager and oversee their activities
* Identify and pursue funding opportunities and partnerships to support economic initiatives
* Identifying the growth potential and opportunities for key geographic areas and sectors
* Support the reporting on the economic performance of the project
* Provide strategic recommendations to the Strategy Director
* 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
* 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 economic development, preferably within large-scale infrastructure projects
* Transport Planning experience
* Master planning and placemaking experience
* Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with governmental and regional stakeholders
* Strong analytical skills with a background in economic research and analysis
* Experience in managing teams and leading strategic initiatives
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
• Perks platform with hundreds of discounts and freebies
• 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.
If you want to connect lives and unlock the future, then we’d love to hear from you.
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