Manager, Network Readiness & Planned Disruptions

Yarra Trams; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free travel pass

Competitive salary and conditions

Health and wellbeing programs

Parental leave

Job summary

Yarra Trams is seeking a Manager, Network Events & Disruptions to lead the planning and execution of disruptions and network readiness across Melbourne’s tram network. You will oversee governance, risk and performance reporting while coordinating with internal teams and external partners to deliver safe, reliable service.

The role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking and hands-on operational execution in a complex transport environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading disruption planning and readiness activities.
• Strong governance, reporting and assurance skills.
• Ability to manage complex operational programs and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of planned disruptions, major events and readiness activities across the tram network.
• Provide governance and oversight to disruption planning processes.
• Chair the Network Readiness Forum and drive accountability for actions and risks.
• Build relationships across operations, projects and external partners to enable safe network changes.
• Monitor performance and risks with dashboards to support continuous improvement.
• Support evolution of Planning Room processes for better cross-functional coordination.
• Act as delegate for the Director, Network Events & Disruptions when required.

Skills

Leadership

Disruption planning

Stakeholder engagement

Risk management

Operational governance

Education

Tertiary qualifications in Business/Project Management or related discipline

Job description

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Manager, Network Readiness & Planned Disruptions

Ding! Ding! Trams are the heart of Melbourne – join our team and be part of the world’s largest tram network.

About this opportunity

At Yarra Trams, we keep Melbourne moving by delivering safe, reliable and customer-focused transport services. As the Manager, Network Events & Disruptions, you will play a pivotal leadership role in ensuring the network is ready to successfully deliver planned disruptions, major events, infrastructure works and strategic network changes.

Leading the Planned Disruptions and Network Readiness team, you will provide operational oversight, governance and assurance to ensure all activities align with franchise commitments, Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) obligations, Network Readiness requirements and Flexible Performance Benchmarks.

This is a highly visible leadership role that sits at the centre of operational planning, bringing together stakeholders from across the business to coordinate readiness activities, manage risks and deliver positive operational and customer outcomes. You will lead the planning and execution of complex service changes, support major projects and infrastructure occupations, and ensure the organisation is prepared to respond effectively to network impacts.

Key accountabilities include:

• Leading the delivery of planned disruptions, major events and network readiness activities across the tram network.
• Providing governance, assurance and operational oversight to readiness and disruption planning processes.
• Chairing the Network Readiness Forum and driving accountability for readiness actions, risks and outcomes.
• Building strong relationships across operational, project and external stakeholder groups to support safe and efficient network changes.
• Monitoring performance, risks and operational outcomes through reporting and dashboard insights to support continuous improvement.
• Supporting the evolution of Planning Room processes to strengthen cross-functional coordination and operational readiness.
• Acting as delegate for the Director, Network Events & Disruptions when required, supporting leadership continuity and decision-making.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced operational leader who thrives in complex environments and enjoys bringing people together to deliver successful outcomes for customers, stakeholders and the broader network.

About you

You are a collaborative and proactive leader with extensive experience managing complex operational programs, major events, network changes or disruption management activities. You bring a strong balance of strategic thinking and operational execution, with the ability to navigate competing priorities while maintaining a focus on safety, customer outcomes and business performance.

You will bring:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Business, Project Management, Operations Management or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading disruption planning, network readiness activities, major events, infrastructure occupations or similar operational programs.
• Proven leadership experience, including developing teams, managing resources and delivering results in a complex operational environment.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across diverse business functions and external partners.
• Experience managing operational projects and initiatives within customer-focused organisations.
• Well-developed risk management capability and an understanding of operational assurance and governance practices.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to assess operational risks and identify practical solutions.
• The ability to balance operational, customer and stakeholder requirements while driving successful delivery outcomes.
• Knowledge of public transport operations, service delivery and disruption management processes will be highly regarded.

Most importantly, you are a confident people leader who can foster collaboration, build trusted relationships and create a culture focused on readiness, continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Why Yarra Trams?

At Yarra Trams, we foster a workplace grounded in respect, celebrating diversity and embracing inclusivity. You’ll also enjoy the following benefits:

• A free travel pass for Victoria’s Public Transport Network
• Competitive salary and great conditions
• A commitment to your health and wellbeing including free flu vax, discounted gym membership, and access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid Parental Leave for primary caregivers

About Yarra Trams

Yarra Trams is proudly operated by Yarra Journey Makers, a joint venture between Transdev Australia and John Holland. We work with the Department of Transport and Planning, alongside its transport agencies and operators to provide a fully integrated, sustainable transport service for the people of Melbourne.

We're all Journey Makers, connecting people and communities across Melbourne. We’re committed to caring for each other, our passengers, and the communities we serve. Our Diversity & Inclusion Strategy is a key pillar and as an equal opportunity employer, we value diversity and encourage candidates of all ages, those with disabilities, and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage to apply.

Please note, our selection process includes pre-employment checks, such as a police check and a medical assessment. Yarra Trams employees are required to adhere to Yarra Trams Policies and Procedures such as, but not limited to, Health and Safety Policy, Equal Employment Opportunity & Workplace Bullying Policy, Drug and Alcohol Management Program Policy (including drug and alcohol testing programs).