East West Rail Team Leader

Overview

Are you motivated by the opportunity to shape one of the most transformative rail projects in the region? Buckinghamshire Council is seeking an exceptional East West Rail (EWR) Team Leader to drive forward the Council’s role in this major Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project and ensure the people of Buckinghamshire benefit from improved rail links, enhanced east‑west connectivity, and better access to jobs, services and opportunities.

East West Rail is progressing at pace, with Connection Stages 1 and 2 being consented and delivered through a Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) and the next phase — the Connection Stage 3 that will complete the Oxford and Cambridge railway — coming forward as a Development Consent Order (DCO). This is a unique moment to influence the planning, mitigation and delivery of this nationally important scheme.

This role offers an exciting opportunity for a driven, organised and collaborative professional with experience in planning, infrastructure or transport to lead complex negotiations, coordinate specialist technical input from across the Council and shape the delivery of the EWR project working with internal and external stakeholders.

This is a 2 year secondment/fixed-term contract opportunity. 

About us

Buckinghamshire Council is a relatively new organisation that combines the strengths and expertise of the previous five councils in the county to create positive change for local people, communities, and businesses. We are firmly focused on the future and have made a clear commitment to serve residents better and to provide stronger representation for Buckinghamshire, both locally and nationally

The Strategic Transport & Infrastructure Team provides the Council’s response to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects ensuring that all proposals serve the long-term interests of Buckinghamshire’s communities and it’s environment.

The Team have recently moved to a new service, Infrastructure and Major Projects, in the Planning, Growth, and Sustainability Directorate. The wider service has the responsibility to input and respond on relevant matters associated with national infrastructure projects which take place across the county, including HS2 and Heathrow Expansion.

About the role

As the EWR Team Leader, you will be the Council’s primary liaison with East West Railway Company, steering the Council’s involvement throughout the design, consenting and delivery phases of the project.

Key responsibilities include:

• Acting as the Council’s single point of contact for the EWR Company and it’s appointed contractor(s).
• Leading a team responsible for the coordination and submission of responses relating to the DCO consenting process.
• Overseeing discharge of TWAO conditions and compliance.
• Managing Assurances, funding and cost recovery.
• Representing the Council in technical discussions and negotiations.
• Providing planning and infrastructure advice.
• Guiding and supporting officers working on EWR activities both within the Strategic Transport & Infrastructure Team and from across the wider Council.
• Working closely with Members in the Council and Parish & Town Councils.
• Deputising for the Infrastructure Delivery Manager.

 

About you

• Extensive knowledge of planning legislation and national policy.
• Experience in development management, transport planning or infrastructure planning.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to manage multi‑disciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication and negotiation abilities.
• Ability to manage complex workloads and shifting priorities.
• Strong initiative and ability to work independently.
• High‑quality report writing and analytical skills.
• Degree in relevant planning related discipline.

Other information

Interview date: 6^th May 2026 (in‑person)

Contact: Daniel Gigg [email protected]

and Hannah Austin [email protected]

Type of role: Fixed term / Secondment (2 years) (with potential to be extended)

This post is politically restricted under the terms of the Local Government Act 1989.

Other: The post will require attendance to the office or on-site as part of the needs and demands of the role.

This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:

• All unspent cautions and/or unspent convictions

For further information on how long it takes for cautions and convictions cautions to become spent, please refer to our guide on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (updated 2023) | Nacro

We understand that candidates may use AI tools to assist with their applications. While we welcome innovation, we expect all submissions to reflect your own experience, skills, and achievements accurately. Please ensure your application is truthful and demonstrates your personal capabilities, as this will be assessed during the selection process.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so please be advised to submit your application as early as possible.

Our values and culture

We have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are – Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.

By joining Buckinghamshire Council, you can expect:

• a fair and inclusive culture
• the chance to really make a difference to those around you
• health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops
• a unified voice through our Employee Representative Group
• ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us
• opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events

At Buckinghamshire Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from the people that work for us, and that’s why we’re working hard to ensure we continue to be an accessible and inclusive organisation.

From dedicated staff networks overseen by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, to proudly standing as a Disability Confident employer, it’s important to us that all our colleagues feel engaged, listened to, and valued. Our offer of flexible working empowers a productive and happy workforce and allows employees to combine work with other responsibilities and commitments.

We believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we service in Buckinghamshire, and are looking for like-minded individuals to join us in promoting equality, fairness, and inclusion for everyone.

About the Business Unit

Our Planning, Growth and Sustainability directorate works with partners to help shape the future of Buckinghamshire.  We deliver services on planning, economic growth, regeneration, strategic infrastructure, transport and property.

 Our key priorities include developing the economic narrative for Bucks, creating more jobs and delivering the right infrastructure to help businesses and residents thrive. We also aim to provide a proactive planning service that is responsive, whilst making the best use of the Council’s land and property portfolio. This will in turn support community services and create housing, jobs, regeneration and income to support public services.

 It’s a great time to join one of our teams. As part of the Planning, Growth and Sustainability function you will not only get to help shape the economic future of Buckinghamshire; you’ll also be involved in delivering high-profile development projects and work on some of the biggest infrastructure projects in the UK. You will support us to deliver the results that our local residents and businesses deserve.

We recognise and reward you

Hard work and success deserves recognition. That’s why we pride ourselves on the benefits we give our people. We actively encourage a good work-life balance and promote flexible and agile working arrangements. We provide discounts on various Cafés, restaurants, shops and auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme. In addition to the opportunity to gain membership to Costco, we have discounted gym memberships, travel discounts with Arriva and much more.

https://jobs.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/working-buckinghamshire-council/