Managing Principal Lawyer, Bus, Tram and Road

Department of Transport and Planning; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Transport and Planning in Victoria seeks a Managing Principal Lawyer, Bus, Tram and Road. This role leads a legal team delivering commercially focused advice on tram and bus contracts, road management and large transport infrastructure projects.

The successful candidate will mentor lawyers, collaborate with the Director Legal and help shape strategic decisions for major operations. You will engage with internal and external stakeholders, identify risks, draft government

Qualifications

• Requires admission as a lawyer in Victoria and eligibility for Victorian practising certificate.
• At least 8 years post-qualification legal experience desirable, with exposure to complex commercial work.
• Experience in private practice or in-house roles involving commercial agreements, PPPs or major infrastructure is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert, commercially focused legal advice on tram and bus contracts, road management and major transport infrastructure.
• Lead and mentor the legal team and support the Director Legal.
• Draft key legal and government documents and identify emerging legal risks.
• Advise on strategic directions to support transport operations and infrastructure projects across Victoria.

Skills

Critical thinking

People leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Risk management

Education

Admission as a lawyer in Victoria

8+ years post-qualification experience

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. 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 Managing Principal Lawyer, Bus, Tram and Road, leads a legal team providing expert, commercially focused advice on tram and bus contracts, road management, and major transport infrastructure. The role supports the Director Legal, mentors lawyers, and helps deliver the Department's strategic objectives through high-quality legal services. Working with internal and external stakeholders, the role manages complex legal matters, oversees external legal advisors, drafts key legal and government documents, identifies emerging legal risks, and provides strategic advice to support major transport operations and infrastructure projects across Victoria.

What we’re looking for (Selection Criteria)

You’re someone who:

• Thinks critically and solves complex problems by considering broader organisational context and delivering practical, outcome-focused solutions.
• Leads and manages people effectively, fostering accountability, engagement, performance and alignment with public sector values.
• Builds strong stakeholder relationships, understanding needs, influencing outcomes and creating collaborative, mutually beneficial partnerships.
• Communicates and influences effectively, gaining support for ideas, navigating complex environments and driving alignment across diverse groups.
• Provides high-level legal expertise, including complex legal advice and drafting, while managing risk and ensuring quality, compliance and strategic alignment.

Click here to access the Position Description.

Qualifications and experience

You’ll bring:

• Admission as a lawyer in Victoria and eligibility to hold a Victorian practising certificate. (mandatory)
• At least 8 years’ post-qualification legal experience. (desirable)
• Experience in private practice or in-house roles, ideally involving commercial agreements, PPPs or major infrastructure. (desirable)

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.

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.

Important Information

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