Chief Rail Planner

Department of Transport and Planning; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 210,000 - 320,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Job summary

The Department of Transport and Planning in Victoria is seeking a Chief Rail Planner for a fixed-term, five-year executive contract based in Melbourne CBD.

You will lead rail strategic planning, timetable modelling, and cross-agency collaboration with Metro Trains, V/Line and VIDA to ensure a robust network. This role demands deep rail expertise, strong leadership, and the ability to communicate policy issues to Ministers and senior government stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in rail planning/operations, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Knowledge of Government processes including Cabinet and Budget submissions.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team across rail planning, timetable development and modelling.
• Ensure rail network planning aligns with future growth and policy requirements.
• Communicate complex rail issues to Ministers and senior government stakeholders.

Skills

Rail planning leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Timetable modelling

Strategic planning

Government policy knowledge

Job description

About Us

We create thriving places and connected communities. We plan, build and maintain Victoria's transport, planning and land services. We are committed to a safe, inclusive and high-performing workplace.

Title: Chief Rail Planner

Requisition ID: 12805

Work Type: Fixed Term Full Time

Fixed Term Period: 5 Years Fixed Term

Location: Melbourne - CBD

Date Posted: 1 Oct 2026

About Us

We create thriving places and connected communities. We plan, build and maintain Victoria's transport, planning and land services. We are committed to a safe, inclusive and high-performing workplace.

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and are committed to creating a safe, inclusive workplace where our people can thrive and do meaningful work.

About The Role

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.

For further information about the role, please contact Stuart Johns, at [e-mail].

Important information

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