Chief Rail Planner

Department of Transport & Planning Victoria; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Transport & Planning Victoria – Melbourne VIC is seeking a Chief Rail Planner for a fixed-term, 5-year senior executive contract based in Melbourne CBD. The role reports to the Executive Director, Transport Planning and oversees rail strategic planning, timetable development and modelling to support Victoria’s growth.

Strong leadership, governance and stakeholder collaboration are essential. You’ll bring at least 10 years in rail planning/operations, with half in senior leadership,

Qualifications

• At least 10 years’ experience leading in a rail planning or operations setting (mandatory).
• Knowledge of Government processes including Cabinet and Budget submissions (mandatory).

Responsibilities

• Leads a team across rail strategic planning, configuration management, network development, timetable development and modelling.
• Collaborates with Metro Trains, V/Line and VIDA to ensure the rail network supports growth and policy objectives.

Skills

Rail planning leadership

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Public sector governance

Job description

Department of Transport & Planning Victoria – Melbourne VIC

This is a fixed term, 5 year senior executive contract.

Reporting to the Executive Director, Transport Planning, and based in Melbourne CBD, the Chief Rail Planner is a senior leadership position with accountability for the development of Victoria’s passenger and freight rail network. The role works with other transport planning leaders and stakeholders including Metro Trains, V/Line and VIDA to ensure the rail network is planned in a robust way and can support Victoria’s future population and economic growth in accordance with obligations under the Transport Integration Act.

The Chief Rail Planner leads a team across rail strategic planning, configuration management, network development, timetable development and timetable modelling. The role brings a strong track record in the development of a mass transit mixed-use rail network, deep expertise across medium and longer-range strategic rail network planning, timetable development and modelling, service integration, and rail systems, and communicates complex rail issues with credibility to Ministers and the broader Government to help shape decision-making, policy and investment settings.

What we’re looking for

You’re someone who:

• Develops long-term, multi-phased plans and implements complex strategies to build buy-in from key stakeholders, negotiating to achieve desired outcomes.
• Uses strategic relationships and knowledge to predict and prepare for the impact of events on the organisation, holding self and organisation accountable to public sector values.
• Considers a broad range of topics beyond the immediate area of work, working across government and at senior levels to develop and deliver sustainable solutions.
• Aligns community needs, service delivery model and talent availability against workforce strategy, championing strategic workforce planning.
• Stays up to date with community needs and formulates strategies aligned to them, removing barriers that prevent the achievement of outcomes.

Qualifications and experience

You’ll bring:

• At least 10 years’ experience leading in a rail planning or operations setting, with at least half of that in a senior leadership role (mandatory).
• Knowledge of Government processes including Cabinet and Budget submissions (mandatory).

Pre-employment checks and employment conditions

Relevant pre-employment screening and reference checks will be required.

Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa necessary for the nature of the position.

Recipients of Victorian Public Service (VPS) voluntary departure packages should note that re-employment restrictions apply.

Applications close at 11.59pm on Friday, 16th October 2026.

Please include both your resume and a cover letter addressing how your experience addresses each of the key selection criteria for the role. All applications must be submitted via the online portal, we’re unable to accept email or manual submissions.

For further information about the role, please contact Stuart Johns, at ************@transport.vic.gov.au.

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