Operations Control Centre Chief Controller

RATP WSA (West Sydney Airport); Sydney; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

RATP Dev Western Sydney Airport is seeking a highly experienced Chief Controller to lead the Operations Control Centre and ensure safe, reliable metro services for Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport. You will oversee train service delivery, incident response, and live control room operations.

You will guide a team of Traffic Controllers and Information Controllers, manage track access and PTW processes, and support testing, commissioning and performance improvements across the network.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years in rail, including at least 5 years in a control room or equivalent.
• Demonstrated leadership in safety-critical operational environments.
• Strong knowledge of Australian rail safety legislation, network rules and procedures.
• Experience in incident and emergency management and operational command and control.
• Tertiary qualifications in Transportation, Engineering or related discipline are desirable.

Responsibilities

• OCC Leadership & Command: take overall responsibility for day-to-day OCC operations and provide clear direction to the team.
• Train Service Delivery: oversee train service delivery and ensure KPIs and standards are met.
• Incident & Emergency Management: command and coordinate responses with emergency services.
• Team Leadership: lead, develop and support Traffic Controllers and Information Controllers.
• Track Access & Engineering Works: manage PTW and track access during maintenance hours.
• Test & Commissioning: support testing and commissioning activities with contractors.
• Operational Performance: monitor KPIs and drive improvements in OCC operations.
• Communication & Coordination: coordinate with frontline teams, management, contractors and stakeholders.
• Risk & Compliance: participate in hazard reviews and implement controls across the network.

Skills

OCC Leadership

Train Service Delivery

Incident Management

Team Leadership

PTW & Track Access

Test & Commissioning

Operational Performance

Communication

Risk & Compliance

Education

Certificate IV in Incident Management

Diploma in Rail Operations

Transportation/Engineering/Management degree

Job description

RATP WSA (West Sydney Airport) – Orchard Hills NSW

RATP Dev Western Sydney Airport (RDWSA) is a subsidiary of the RATP Group, a global leader in high-capacity urban rail and the world's third largest public transport operator.

Our 25,000 people design, operate, maintain and modernise urban and interurban transportation networks. We serve more than 100 cities in 17 countries, delivering tailored mobility solutions that address each community's unique environmental, social, and economic challenges.

We build, deliver and commit for the best of public transport every day, everywhere, for everybody, making it the natural choice for cities and passengers.

As an Operator & Maintainer to the Australian Federal and NSW Governments, Parklife Metro is leading a transformative metro project connecting St Marys to Bradfield and the new Western Sydney International Airport.

The Parklife Metro (PLM) consortium, comprising Plenary, RATP Dev, Siemens and Webuild, is delivering the Stations, Systems, Trains and Operations & Maintenance (SSTOM) package for the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport project.

RDWSA will proudly operate and maintain six new stations, 12 metro trains, core rail systems, and a state-of-the-art stabling and maintenance facility at Orchard Hills for 15 years following commencement of operations.

About Us:

RATP Dev Western Sydney Airport (RDWSA) is a subsidiary of the RATP Group, a global leader in high-capacity urban rail and the world's third largest public transport operator.

Our 25,000 people design, operate, maintain and modernise urban and interurban transportation networks. We serve more than 100 cities in 17 countries, delivering tailored mobility solutions that address each community's unique environmental, social, and economic challenges.

We build, deliver and commit for the best of public transport every day, everywhere, for everybody, making it the natural choice for cities and passengers.

As an Operator & Maintainer to the Australian Federal and NSW Governments, Parklife Metro is leading a transformative metro project connecting St Marys to Bradfield and the new Western Sydney International Airport.

The Parklife Metro (PLM) consortium, comprising Plenary, RATP Dev, Siemens and Webuild, is delivering the Stations, Systems, Trains and Operations & Maintenance (SSTOM) package for the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport project.

RDWSA will proudly operate and maintain six new stations, 12 metro trains, core rail systems, and a state-of-the-art stabling and maintenance facility at Orchard Hills for 15 years following commencement of operations.

About the Role:

As a Chief Controller, you will lead the Operations Control Centre (OCC), overseeing the safe, reliable and efficient delivery of Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport services. Key responsibilities may include:

• OCC Leadership & Command: Take overall responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the OCC, coordinating activities and providing clear direction to the wider operations team.
• Train Service Delivery: Oversee and coordinate train service delivery across the network, ensuring operational performance meets or exceeds contractual KPIs and Minimum Operating Standards.
• Incident & Emergency Management: Provide command and control during incidents and emergencies, allocating response teams, advising senior management and liaising with emergency services and other external response teams.
• Team Leadership: Lead, develop and support Traffic Controllers, Station Information Controllers and Fault Controllers, fostering a professional, collaborative and high-performing OCC environment.
• Track Access & Engineering Works: Authorise and manage track access through Permit to Work (PTW) and Access Control (AC) processes, including the supervision and coordination of maintenance activities during engineering hours.
• Test & Commissioning: Support the D&C contractor throughout testing and commissioning activities, ensuring operational requirements, safety and procedures are maintained.
• Operational Performance: Monitor service performance, operational data and KPIs, identifying opportunities for improvement and supporting continuous improvement across OCC operations.
• Communication & Coordination: Coordinate communications between the OCC, frontline teams, senior management, contractors and external stakeholders, ensuring clear and timely information is provided.
• Risk & Compliance: Participate as an operational Subject Matter Expert in hazard and risk reviews and ensure appropriate controls are implemented across the network.

About You:

You are an experienced rail operations leader with a strong background in control room environments. You are confident leading teams, making decisive decisions under pressure and managing complex operational situations while maintaining a strong focus on safety, compliance and customer service. You will bring:

• Minimum 10 years' experience in the rail industry, including at least 5 years' experience in a transport control room or equivalent environment.
• Demonstrated leadership experience within a safety-critical operational environment.
• Strong knowledge of Australian rail safety legislation, network rules and operational procedures.
• Experience in incident and emergency management and operational command and control.
• Experience managing operational performance, KPIs and team resources.
• Strong communication, decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Certificate IV or Diploma in Incident Management or Rail Operations, or equivalent professional experience and/or qualification.
• Tertiary qualifications in Transportation, Engineering, Management or a related discipline are desirable.

At RATP Dev, we believe great public transport is delivered by diverse people with diverse perspectives. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds - including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, people living with disability, veterans, and the LGBTQIA+ community. We hire based on capability, potential, and values, and we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, supported, and empowered to thrive.