Operations Control Centre Manager

Public Transport Authority; Perth; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Onsite gym

Corporate apparel subsidies

Social club

Job summary

The Public Transport Authority (PTA) seeks an exceptional OCC Manager to lead the Operations Control Centre, optimising train movements, managing incidents and faults, and directing safe, efficient maintenance and operations across the network.

You will drive operational excellence, oversee critical incident management, and spearhead modernisation through emerging technologies, collaborating with PTA divisions and external partners to deliver safe, reliable and customer-focused services.

Qualifications

• Experience in rail operations, network control or complex transport environments.
• Proven leadership of a safety-critical operations centre or equivalent.
• Ability to manage complex operational challenges and respond to disruptions.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day functions of the Operations Control Centre to optimise train movements.
• Lead incident management and rapid response to faults across the network.
• Drive continuous improvement and modernisation of operations through new technologies.
• Engage stakeholders across PTA divisions to align operational priorities.

Skills

Rail operations

Operations leadership

Stakeholder management

Safety culture

Education

Bachelor degree (engineering/transport)

Job description

About The Role

The Operations Control Centre (OCC) is the nerve centre of Perth’s rail network, playing a critical role in ensuring the safe, efficient and reliable movement of thousands of passengers every day. We are seeking an exceptional operational leader to manage, coordinate and optimise the day-to-day functions of the OCC, ensuring effective train movements, rapid response to network incidents and asset faults, and the safe delivery of maintenance and operational activities across the network. This is a unique opportunity to lead a highly specialised, multi-disciplinary team at the forefront of rail operations while shaping the future of network control. As the OCC Manager, you will drive operational excellence, oversee critical incident management, and lead the modernisation of operations through the integration of next-generation technologies. Working with multiple PTA divisions and key stakeholders, you will play a pivotal role in enhancing network performance, supporting major infrastructure initiatives, and ensuring our public transport system continues to deliver safe, reliable and customer-focused services to the community.

About You

You are a highly accomplished operational leader with a proven track record of leading complex, safety-critical operations in a dynamic and customer-focused environment. You will bring:

• Extensive experience in rail operations, network control, or a similarly complex transport environment, with a strong understanding of rail safety, operational performance and the delivery of high-frequency public transport services.
• Demonstrated success leading a complex Operations Control Centre (or equivalent), balancing competing operational demands while ensuring safe, efficient and reliable service delivery.
• Proven ability to manage complex logistical and operational challenges, making sound decisions under pressure and responding effectively to both planned and unplanned disruptions.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate ambiguity, assess risk and deliver outcomes in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
• A collaborative and influential leadership style, with experience leading multidisciplinary teams, building capability, driving accountability and fostering a high-performance culture.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships, influence decision-making and align operational priorities with broader organisational objectives.
• A commitment to innovation, continuous improvement and public service, with the ability to lead organisational change, embrace emerging technologies and contribute to the future development of a modern, integrated transport network.

This is an opportunity for a senior leader who can think strategically, lead adaptively and confidently guide a critical operational function that delivers significant value to the Public Transport Authority, its stakeholders and the Western Australian community.

About Us

The Public Transport Authority (PTA) is a leader in its field, driven by a simple and powerful purpose: getting everyone there. Through constant care, education and forward thinking, we provide a world-class network and workplace that will get everyone there. Under the PTA, Western Australia’s public transport system is the best in Australia and among the most efficient, clean and safe networks globally. With over 150 million boardings across all services during FY25/26, our buses, ferries and trains move the people of WA where they need to go. Moving millions of people requires the skill and commitment of a talented workforce, one that is fostered by a culture of inclusivity and benefits from its diversity. This is ultimately what ensures the PTA delivers on our purpose while upholding our values every step of the way.

Our Values

• Safety – We are committed to safety and protecting your future.
• Respect – We value and respect our customers, suppliers and each other.
• Recognition – We recognise each other for achievement, initiative and innovation.
• Integrity – We are honest and ethical.
• Sustainability – We consider the long-term economic, social and environmental impact of everything we do.

You can expect

• Government role with stability and opportunities to grow through personal development and career pathways
• Health and Wellbeing programs including access to a free 24/7 onsite Gym.
• Subsidised Corporate Apparel and Spectacles
• Supportive Team Environment
• Opportunity to join our Social Club offering savings and benefits all year round.

This is a Permanent opportunity. Applicants assessed as suitable through this process may be used to fill similar vacancies on a fixed term or permanent basis that may arise within the next 12 months. To be eligible to work permanently at the PTA you must be either an Australian Citizen, have Permanent Residency status or hold a current visa with permanent working rights in Australia, at the time of application.

The PTA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and persons from culturally diverse backgrounds to apply.

Further information
Please refer to the attached Job Description Form (JDF) in the application pack for full details about the position, including any specific requirements relevant to appointment.

For more information about the role please contact Garry Taylor, Chief Operating Officer on [phone].

If you are the recommended applicant, you may be required to obtain an Australian National Police Clearance (NPC). Completion of the PTA Integrity and Qualification Consent Form will only be required where qualification checks are undertaken. Adverse outcomes of NPCs will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from the selection process. Suitable applicants may also need to undertake a full and comprehensive medical assessment.

For technical difficulties, please contact the RAMS helpdesk at 1300 733 056 or email [e-mail].