Manager, Project Communications and Stakeholder at Yarra Trams

Yarra Trams; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free travel pass

Competitive salary

Professional development

Career growth opportunities

Health & wellbeing support

Parental leave

Job summary

Yarra Trams is seeking an experienced Manager, Project Communications and Stakeholder Engagement to lead the strategy for its infrastructure, renewal and major projects portfolio in Melbourne. You will ensure clear, timely information for customers, communities and government stakeholders, while guiding a team of professionals and aligning with transport standards.

The role requires senior leadership, robust writing skills and a proven record of delivering complex communications across

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in Communications, Public Relations, Stakeholder Engagement, Marketing or related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• IAP2 certification or stakeholder engagement training is highly regarded.
• Significant experience leading project communications, stakeholder engagement or community engagement programs within transport/infrastructure/government environments.
• Demonstrated success delivering communications and engagement strategies for major projects and disruptions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver integrated communications and stakeholder engagement strategies across major projects and renewal programs.
• Provide expert advice to project teams and senior leaders on communications and engagement.
• Lead stakeholder planning across the project lifecycle with government, councils, community groups and accessibility advocates.
• Oversee multi-channel communications, community notifications and project-related correspondence.
• Monitor stakeholder sentiment and manage responses to sensitive issues.
• Support communication readiness for planned disruptions and major works.
• Lead, coach and develop a high‑performing team while managing budgets, suppliers and risks.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic communications

Leadership

Governance

Risk management

Content writing

Crisis communication

Education

Tertiary qualification in Communications

IAP2 certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

MS Project

Job description

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

This Full time on site position offers great opportunities for career growth.

About this opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Manager, Project Communications and Stakeholder Engagement to lead the communication and engagement strategy for Yarra Trams' infrastructure, renewal and major projects portfolio. In this influential leadership role, you will ensure customers, communities, government stakeholders and industry partners receive clear, timely and accessible information about project activities, service impacts and network disruptions. Working closely with project, operational and senior leaders, you will drive best-practice communications and stakeholder engagement that supports project delivery, customer readiness and positive community outcomes. You will lead a team of communications and engagement professionals, providing strategic direction, governance and quality assurance across a diverse portfolio of projects. You will also play a key role in managing stakeholder relationships, identifying and mitigating reputational risks, and ensuring compliance with organisational requirements and Department of Transport and Planning standards.

Key accountabilities

• Developing and delivering integrated communications and stakeholder engagement strategies across major projects and renewal programs.
• Providing expert advice to project teams and senior leaders on communications, engagement and community readiness.
• Leading stakeholder planning and engagement across the project lifecycle, including government, local councils, traders, community groups and accessibility advocates.
• Overseeing multi-channel communications, project approvals, community notifications and project-related correspondence.
• Monitoring stakeholder sentiment, identifying issues and managing communication responses to sensitive or complex matters.
• Supporting communication readiness for planned disruptions, major works and emerging issues.
• Leading, coaching and developing a high-performing team while managing budgets, suppliers, project risks and reporting requirements.

About you

Ideally you are a strategic communications and stakeholder engagement leader who thrives in complex, fast-paced and highly visible environments. You bring strong people leadership capability, exceptional communication skills and a proven ability to build trusted relationships with a broad range of stakeholders. To be successful in this role, you will also bring:

• Tertiary qualifications in Communications, Public Relations, Stakeholder Engagement, Marketing or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• IAP2 certification or stakeholder engagement training, which will be highly regarded.
• Significant experience leading project communications, stakeholder engagement or community engagement programs within transport, infrastructure, government, utilities or similar complex environments.
• Demonstrated success delivering communications and engagement strategies for major projects, construction activities, service changes or network disruptions.
• Proven leadership experience, including managing and developing communications or engagement professionals.
• Strong understanding of stakeholder engagement principles, governance frameworks and best-practice communication approaches.
• Outstanding writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate complex technical or operational information into clear, engaging and accessible content.
• Experience working with government departments, local councils, community organisations and diverse stakeholder groups.
• Sound judgement and confidence managing sensitive issues, stakeholder concerns and reputational risks.
• Experience coordinating multi-channel communication programs and navigating complex approval processes.
• Strong project management skills, with experience managing budgets, suppliers, schedules, reporting requirements and competing priorities.
• A collaborative and proactive approach, with the ability to influence and build strong relationships across multidisciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of accessibility and inclusive communication requirements.
• Familiarity with Department of Transport and Planning communication and stakeholder engagement requirements will be advantageous.

If you are a collaborative leader who is passionate about delivering meaningful stakeholder outcomes and helping major projects succeed, we'd love to hear from you.

Applications close: 11 September 2026

Why Yarra Trams?

At Yarra Trams, we foster a workplace grounded in respect, celebrating diversity and embracing inclusivity.

Benefits

• A free travel pass for Victoria’s Public Transport Network
• Competitive salary and great conditions
• Professional development
• Career growth opportunities
• 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).