Operational Security & Public Safety Manager
Application Deadline: 30 March 2026
Department: Technical
Employment Type: Permanent
Location: Milton Keynes
Reporting To: Head of Health, Safety & Security
Description
A little bit about us: 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, which blend beautiful landscapes and a rich cultural heritage with globally renowned centres of education, business, technology and an increasingly dynamic business scene. Together these communities contribute around £111 billion to the national economy each year.
However, the lack of good East-West transport connections makes it harder for residents to make the most of everything the region has to offer. From faster commutes to days out with friends and family, EWR will make it easier to reach the things that matter most, bringing a range of benefits to communities between Oxford and Cambridge, and across the UK more broadly.
EWR is also one of the UK’s largest infrastructure projects, which the government committed to delivering in full in the Autumn 2024 Budget, and again in the 2025 Spending Review as part of its ambition to unlock the potential of the Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor.
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.
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.
Role Summary: This role will lead and develop the company’s operational security and public safety strategy, policies and procedures.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead EWR Co’s operational security and public safety function, providing technical expertise, advice, guidance and support as the company’s designated Subject Matter Expert (SME).
* Develop the company Operational Security and Public Safety Strategy and supporting principles, allied to the objectives of RSSB’s Leading Health and Safety on Britain’s Railway and the DfT’s National Rail Security Programme (NRSP), to achieve the company vision of a safe and secure railway in accordance with GOV007.
* Develop, implement, and maintain supporting operational security and public safety procedures and processes in compliance with relevant legislation, rail industry standards and guidance (e.g. Security in the Design of Stations (SIDOS)) and recognised best practice (e.g. BS 16000:2015) to ensure business security management needs are met.
* As the deputy Nominated Security Co‑ordinator (NSC), deputise for the NSC as required, including overseeing DfT security vetting and clearance requirements for EWR Co personnel and ensuring the effective dissemination of DfT Land Transport Safety guidance and supporting communications materials across the business as required.
* Engage with the DfT Land Transport Security team and other key industry partners and stakeholders (e.g. RSSB, RDG, Network Rail, TOCs/FOCs, HS2, Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI), British Transport Police (BTP), local authorities etc.) to ensure an effective and co‑ordinated approach towards delivering effective operational security and public safety across the East West Rail scheme and at its boundaries and interfaces, throughout the enterprise life‑cycle.
* Work closely with EWR Co functions, partners, suppliers and other stakeholders to define and develop a whole‑system security architecture that identifies and defines the appropriate requirements, targets, specifications, designs and outputs at a functional (e.g. operational construction containment, critical asset integrity, etc.), technical (i.e. design and construction) and operational (e.g. operation of special trains, counter‑terrorism measures etc) level.
* Engage with industry partners, key stakeholders and local communities to implement established programmes and develop new initiatives to address key public safety risks across the whole East West Rail scheme, including construction site security, community and schools’ engagement, route crime, trespass and vandalism, level crossing safety and suicide prevention.
* Undertake compliance monitoring activities (e.g. audits and inspections) of EWR Co physical sites and scheme activities to ensure compliance to legislation, government requirements (e.g. CNI) and rail industry standards.
* Develop performance measures and indicators and provide analyses and reports on the effectiveness of EWR Co operational security and public safety activities.
* Support the commercial and procurement functions in the preparation of tender documentation and assessment of supplier bid submissions and associated documentation, ensuring operational security and public safety requirements are incorporated and addressed accordingly.
* Proactively seek and further develop innovation opportunities to increase efficiency and drive wasted effort out of the scheme programme.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Experience:
* Proven experience gained in the UK rail industry, being able to demonstrate success in developing and implementing robust operational security and public safety arrangements within a major project and/or operational environment and, ideally, within similar high‑threat environment sectors (e.g. nuclear, oil and gas, defence etc.).
* In-depth experience of working in complex, matrix‑based organisational environments.
* Spearheading the development of arrangements that meet the operational security and public safety regulatory regime and business needs of the organisation.
* Building cross‑functional teams and developing effective relationships with key stakeholders.
* Demonstrable experience in the delivery of behavioural and cultural change programmes.
* Experience of facilitating and driving continuous improvement and innovation in a challenging and fast‑moving engineering and technical environment.
* Experience of resolving and escalating risks, issues and conflicts as necessary.
Skills:
* Strong risk management capabilities, with a robust understanding of key public safety and operational security risks and mitigating tools and techniques etc.
* Excellent communication, presentation and people management skills.
* Strong ability to engage on a range of critical but often delicate and sensitive issues with a variety of key and influential stakeholders.
* Confidence in dealing with high levels of uncertainty and ambiguity in a constantly changing and challenging environment.
Knowledge / Qualifications:
* Robust knowledge of relevant legislation, industry security strategies and plans (e.g. LHSBR, NSRP), industry standards (e.g. ISO 16000), rail industry standards and associated industry guidance (e.g. SIDOS).
* Bachelor’s Degree (engineering, science, environment and / or business appropriate) or relevant working experience.
* Chartered Security Professional (CSyP) or similar recognised affiliation.
* A good understanding of health and safety, with a recognised qualification such as NEBOSH, would be an advantage but not essential.
Benefits
* 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. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and experiences.
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