Manager, Rail Performance and Commercial

Department of Transport & Planning Victoria; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Transport & Planning Victoria in Melbourne is seeking a Manager, Rail Performance and Commercial to oversee contractual and operational aspects of the Train Franchise Agreement. You will lead a team analysing performance data, monitor compliance, and drive improvements in service delivery and passenger experience.

The role requires a tertiary degree and proven staff management in a high‑value contract environment, with strong stakeholder engagement and briefings for senior

Qualifications

• Tertiary degree in engineering, business, law, commerce is mandatory.
• Experience managing staff is mandatory.
• Experience with complex contracts or high value/high risk contracts is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Provide contractual and operational advice to support management of the Train Franchise Agreement.
• Oversee the Operations and Passenger Experience Modules and monitor compliance.
• Manage performance regimes, including incentives and abatements.
• Lead a team analysing performance data, trends and risks.
• Prepare briefings for senior executives and Ministers; build stakeholder relationships.

Skills

Critical thinking

Commercial acumen

Stakeholder influence

Data analysis

Staff management

Relationship building

Education

Tertiary degree in engineering, business, law, commerce

Job description

Manager, Rail Performance and Commercial

Department of Transport & Planning Victoria – Melbourne VIC

We create thriving places andconnectedcommunities. We plan,buildandmaintainVictoria’s transport,planningand land services. We are committed to a safe,inclusiveand 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

The Manager, Rail Performance and Commercial provides contractual and operational advice to support effective management of the Train Franchise Agreement. The role oversees the Operations and Passenger Experience Modules, monitors contractual compliance and manages performance regimes, including incentives and abatements.

The role leads a team responsible for analysing performance data, identifying trends and risks, reviewing timetable changes and recommending improvements to service delivery and passenger experience. It also provides expert advice and prepares briefings for senior executives, Ministerial staff and Ministers, while building strong relationships with the rail franchisee and departmental stakeholders to improve performance and achieve contractual outcomes.

What we’re looking for

You’resomeone who:

• Applies critical thinking to resolve complex issues, identify recurring problems and deliver practical, lasting solutions.
• Demonstrates strong commercial acumen, maximising value, assessing investment returns and managing financial and contractual risks.
• Influences and persuades stakeholders to gain support for proposals and achieve shared outcomes.
• Builds effective stakeholder relationships, addresses concerns and connects people to deliver value and improve satisfaction.
• Uses data analysis to identify insights, communicate findings clearly and support informed decisions that align with strategic priorities and community outcomes.

Qualifications and experience

You’llbring:

• Tertiary degree in engineering, business, law, commerce, or extensive experience managing complex contracts or other high value / high risk contracts (mandatory).
• Experience managing staff (mandatory)
• Experience in complex operational environments (desirable).

Pre-employment checks and employment conditions

Relevant pre-employment screening and reference checks will berequired.

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 Thursday, 5 November 2026.

For further information about the role, please contact Daniel Long, Associate Director Contract, Commercial and Performance - Metro Train Franchise, at***********@transport.vic.gov.au.

Redeployees

If you are a VPS redeployee, please state this in your cover letter and include your case manager’s contact details. This helps ensure your redeployment status is appropriately considered. For more information on redeployment, visit the Victorian Government policy

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