DCO & Consents Director
- Hiring from
- United Kingdom
- Work type
- Hybrid
- Posted
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A little bit about us:
We’re building a railway that connects people and places, making journeys easier and supporting economic growth across the region. East West Railway Company (EWR Co) was established by the Department for Transport to oversee the delivery of East West Rail, from construction through to passenger services.
East West Rail is a nationally significant infrastructure project that will improve connections between Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge. Backed by government investment through the Autumn 2024 Budget and 2025 Spending Review, the programme will help unlock sustainable growth across the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor.
Every role at EWR contributes to something bigger: connecting communities, supporting economic prosperity and creating a railway that will leave a lasting legacy. Our values shape how we work together every day, from putting Health, Safety and Security First to Working as One Team, Learning Together, Delivering with Drive and Purpose, and Celebrating Each Other's success.
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, including the preparation of the application for a Development Consent Order (DCO) which is required to authorise the construction of the project, and building a compelling business case. It will hold design and delivery to account to create an asset which will realises the economic benefits.
About the role:
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, including the preparation of the application for a Development Consent Order (DCO) which is required to authorise the construction of the project, and building a compelling business case. It will hold design and delivery to account to create an asset which will realises the economic benefits.
About the role:
This role will play a vital role within the organisation, in ensuring that all regulatory, legal, and procedural requirements are met to secure consent for the railway ahead of delivery.
What you’ll be doing:
- Lead and manage the DCO application process, ensuring all application documentation and submissions comply with relevant legislation and guidance.
- Drive forward new ways of working to implement recent planning reforms – particularly engaging with PINS, MHCLG and DEFRA to streamline existing arrangements and create new opportunities for acceleration and the successful granting of consents on EWR.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for obtaining DCO approval through a successful examination process, including timeline management, resource allocation, and stakeholder engagement.
- Perform as the key representative of the applicant throughout the DCO examination process, including at hearings.
- Coordinate with internal and external teams, including land and property, environmental, technical departments and legal, to prepare and approve inputs into the DCO application and written and oral submissions to the DCO examination, ensuring alignment across project disciplines.
- Manage and oversee engagement with external stakeholders such as government agencies, local authorities, community groups, and other key parties throughout the DCO process to ensure the project is responding appropriately to issues raised.
- In conjunction with the Environment Director, oversee the preparation of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and the production of the Environmental Statement, ensuring they meet statutory requirements and effectively communicate the project's environmental considerations and ambitions.
- Oversee the Land & Property team in order to ensure the appropriate land & property strategy is in place, and effectively executed to reference and assemble the land, including the land access required for surveys.
- Manage risk assessments and mitigation plans related to the DCO process, anticipating potential challenges and devising solutions.
- Lead work with the Delivery function to develop the long-term secondary consenting, licensing and land assembly strategies to ensure a rapid mobilisation onsite, should the DCO be granted.
- Manage and support 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.
- Demonstrate a cost-conscious mindset, keeping tax payers’ money at the forefront of decisions.
- Show 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.
What you’ll bring:
- Experience of leading successful DCO applications for major infrastructure programmes and a sound understanding of the planning process for nationally significant infrastructure projects.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary teams (including technical expertise such as Environmental and Rail Design teams).
- Experience of overseeing engagement with key stakeholders in the context of nationally significant infrastructure projects.
What’s in it for you?
Our people make the difference. Working at EWR, you’ll be part of a team that’s collaborative, supportive, and passionate about what we do. Our culture is built on inclusion, trust, and flexibility. We prioritise wellbeing so you can thrive personally and professionally. Here, your voice matters, and you’ll feel truly connected and empowered.
As part of Team EWR, you’ll gain unique breadth, influence, and development that shapes your career. It's a chance to do your best work and make a meaningful impact.
Our hybrid working approach is all about finding the right balance - supporting productivity and flexibility.
Our benefits package is designed to support you through every life stage helping you to be your best, plan for the future, and keep you growing.
- 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
- Find your tribe with our Pride, EWR Women in Rail, Culture Collective and Ability employee network groups
- 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 quarterly and annual awards
- Advanced learning and development opportunities to help you grow and a structured Welcome Day to help you get up to speed quickly
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.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is accessible and inclusive. If you require any adjustments to support your application or interview, please let us know.
We are committed to improving representation across the rail and infrastructure sectors and particularly encourage applications from women, people from ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people and others who are currently underrepresented.
