Network Access Manager – Projects

V/Line; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Community impact

Flexible working

Dynamic environment

Collaborative team

Job summary

V/Line is seeking a Network Access Manager - Projects to lead end-to-end network access governance and strategy across regional rail developments. You will balance regulatory requirements with project delivery, optimise access windows, and oversee safety-critical documentation to support revenue services.

You will report to the Head of Disruptions Management, with travel to regional sites, and contribute to major rail modernization while maintaining high safety and compliance standards.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Business, Engineering, or a related discipline with extensive operational management experience in rail (10+ years).
• SME level knowledge of Rail Network Safeworking systems and governance against rules and procedures.
• Deep knowledge of Victorian Rail Network topology, rail operating systems, signaling constraints, and ARO interfaces.
• Ability to interpret Master Train Plans and train graphs to identify capacity conflicts and optimise access windows.

Responsibilities

• Lead governance of the project network access process and ensure regulatory compliance and safety documentation integrity.
• Optimise network access to maximise revenue services and development of medium-long term strategies.
• Coordinate across Operations, Projects and adjacent networks to resolve interface conflicts.
• Drive NOI and KPI improvements, streamline interdepartmental processes, and manage access delivery for Major Projects.
• Develop operational strategies for major projects and maintenance ensuring risk mitigation.
• Distribute safety-critical documentation such as Absolute Occupations and TONs.

Skills

Rail network management

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Project governance

Regulatory compliance

Driver's Licence

Education

Engineering/Business degree

Tools

Rail Safeworking systems

Master Train Plans software

Job description

• Lead network access strategies across Victoria’s largest rail projects.
• Lead stakeholder collaboration to maximise network access opportunities.
• 3 Year, Fixed Term Contract, Full-Time

V/Line’s purpose is to connect Victorians through safe, reliable, and accessible transport. We believe in giving all Victorians opportunities through travel and transport - connecting them to jobs, education, family and friends, services, tourism and trade.

V/Line is experiencing significant growth and we’re delivering more services, more trains, cheaper fares, and huge projects. With more than 3700 weekly train and coach services, an expansive freight network and unprecedented rail investment, millions of Victorians depend on us to deliver. You could be one of our 2700 committed team members who are up to the challenge.

About The Role

The Projects Group is responsible for developing, delivering and assuring project-related changes and improvements across the regional rail network.

The Group coordinates, integrates and delivers major projects and network change in a safe, collaborative and innovative manner, enabling V/Line to shape the improvement and modernisation of V/Line’s regional transport service.

The Network Access Manager provides specialist leadership and management for the end-to-end Network Access framework, ensuring the integrity of the Master Schedule.

This role serves as the primary governance lead for Notice of Intent (NOI) processes, balancing Major Projects, Annual Works, and Third-Party access delivery while providing assurance to revenue services.

This role requires occasional travel to sites throughout regional Victoria. It’s a great way to get out to the regions and see our beautiful State!

As well as performing duties specified in this position description an employee may be required to undertake other duties or functions consistent with their classification, capabilities, and skills.

Position Accountabilities:

• Optimise project network access and to minimise impacts to revenue (Network Service Plan Freight, and Passenger) services while maximising available working windows, contributing to the development of medium to long-term strategies for internal and third-party projects. This includes representing the needs of Network Services - Planning at a range of internal and external occupation and access coordination meetings to provide SME advice.
• Lead the governance of the project network access process and its implementation, ensuring strict adherence to regulatory frameworks and maintaining the accuracy and integrity of safety-critical documentation.
• Identify and resolve complex interface conflicts between Operations, Projects, and adjacent
• Accredited Rail Operator (ARO) networks, ensuring procedures are aligned and integrated effectively to improve outcomes for all parties.
• Oversee the NOI operational management system, driving functional improvements and streamlining peripheral interdepartmental processes, utilising data-driven KPIs to monitor performance and enhance system delivery.
• Lead the development of operational strategies, including TFP, TSRs, and disruptive protection methods (e.g. Absolute Occupations) for Major Projects and Periodic Maintenance, ensuring operational risks are mitigated in a timely manner.
• Develop and distribute V/Line safety critical documentation pertaining to Absolute
• Occupations (Safe Working Occupation (SWO) Circulars) and Train Operating Notices (TON’s).

If your skills or experience don’t exactly match our listed requirements, we still encourage you to apply. We value diverse perspectives and believe in the potential for growth and development.

About You

As the Network Access Manager - Projects, you will report to the Head of Disruptions Management.

Serving as the critical interface between Project Delivery and Operations, the role optimises network availability while assuring strict safety and regulatory compliance across the network. This role provides oversight of planned disruptive work and coordinates operational risk mitigation strategies for activities during major network closures and live operations.

Selection Criteria:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE And PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Tertiary qualification in Business, Engineering, or a related discipline, combined with extensive operational management and planning (10+ years) in rail management, network or project management (Essential)
• Subject Matter Expert (SME) level knowledge of the application of Rail Network Safeworking systems, with a proven ability to govern compliance against the 1994 Book of Rules and Operating Procedures.
• Comprehensive command of the Victorian Rail Network’s geographical and physical topology, including deep technical knowledge of rail operating systems, signalling constraints, and interface points with adjacent Accredited Rail Operator (ARO) networks. (Essential)
• Able to interpret Master Train Plans and train graphs to identify capacity conflicts, optimise access windows, and mitigate impacts on revenue services and make recommendations for accessing the network
• Demonstrated capability to lead business improvement initiatives, specifically identifying and contributing to functional requirements for the modernisation or replacement of critical operational systems. (Essential)
• Proven understanding of site protection methods (e.g. Absolute Occupations) and their strategic application to facilitate complex third-party and internal project delivery (Essential)
• Highly developed negotiation skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and resolve high-stakes conflicts between commercial project delivery and operational network requirements (Essential)
• A decisive leader with the judgement to balance competing business priorities, ensuring that network access decisions maximise operational availability while minimising commercial risk
• Proven ability to lead collaboration across cross functional business units (Projects, Operations, Maintenance), driving unified outcomes that align with broader organisational strategic goals
• Exceptional stakeholder management capability, adept at navigating complex political environments and balancing expectations of diverse external and internal partners (e.g., Government bodies, Major Project alliances)
• Valid Driver’s License (Essential)

Why V/Line

• Community impact - Make a genuine difference. Work in a role that connects Victorians, every day.
• Huge potential - We’re transforming, and you can too. Be a change maker, recognised for your contribution and creativity.
• Dynamic environment - V/Line operates in a constantly changing space. Join a fast-paced and exciting organisation.
• Collaborative team - You’ll be part of a broader supportive team. Surround yourself with talented, passionate peers.
• Flexible working - We support flexible working. Work in a way that supports you to thrive in your role.

We are committed to ensuring a comfortable and accessible recruitment experience. If you need any adjustments or have specific accessibility requirements at any stage of the process, please contact our Talent team at [e-mail] or 1800 800 007 for confidential support.

As an equal opportunity employer, V/Line is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace and network that reflects the communities we serve. We accept and value the contributions of all our employees regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, age or disability. We were also named a Work 180 endorsed employer for the second year in a row - meaning, we are committed to creating a great workplace for women.

We proudly acknowledge First Peoples of Victoria. We acknowledge their ongoing strength in practicing the world’s oldest living culture. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners’ lands, waters, and skies on which we live and pay respects to their Elders past and present.

At V/Line, safety is our priority. Successful applicants will undergo relevant pre-employment and medical checks to meet our safeworking standards.

V/Line is also a proud Child Safe employer.

Applications close: Friday 4 th September 2026