Managing Principal Lawyer, Bus, Tram and Road

Department of Transport and Planning; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Transport and Planning in Melbourne is seeking a senior legal professional to lead complex advising, risk assessment and contract drafting for major infrastructure projects. You will engage with diverse stakeholders and ensure alignment with public sector values.

Applicants must be admitted in Victoria with eligibility for a Victorian practising certificate and have substantial post-qualification experience. Close date and contact details are provided in the posting.

Qualifications

• Admitted as a lawyer in Victoria with eligibility for a Victorian practising certificate.
• At least 8 years post-qualification legal experience.
• Experience in private practice or in-house roles, ideally involving commercial agreements, PPPs or major infrastructure.
• Ability to provide high-level legal advice, assess risk, ensure quality and strategic alignment.

Skills

Critical thinking

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Legal drafting

Education

Victorian practising certificate

Job description

About Us

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.

Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: 13087

About the role

What we’re looking for (Selection Criteria)

You’resomeone who:

• Thinks critically and resolves 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.

Qualifications and experience

You’llbring:

• 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 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.

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.

If you require any adjustments to fullyparticipatein the recruitment process or need the advert or attachments in an accessible format (e.g., large print), please contact us.We'rehere to support you.

Applications close Thursday 12 November 2026 at 11.59pm

Applications close at 11.59pm on Thursday, 12th November 2026.

Please include both your resume and a cover letteraddressing how your experience addresses each of the key selection criteria for the role. All applications must besubmittedvia the online portal,we’reunable to accept email or manual submissions.

For further information about the role, please contact Oscar Bear, Director Legal, Road and Transport Operations at [e-mail].