Principal Advisor, Land Development

Department of Transport and Planning; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Transport and Planning invites a senior leader to oversee the evaluation and development of rail land development proposals within the state rail franchise framework. You will manage multiple advisors and stakeholders, delivering outputs within the procurement process and offering expert commercial and strategic input.

The role requires strong commercial judgement, stakeholder management and collaboration to align with project objectives and government approvals.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in land development and an understanding of public transport franchising and/or service contracting (mandatory).
• Major procurement experience, including project development, tendering, contract management and working across procurement models with bidders and suppliers (mandatory).
• Strong government and commercial delivery capability, with a proven record of leading advice on major procurement projects (mandatory).

Responsibilities

• Lead evaluation and development of rail land development proposals within the procurement process.
• Provide expert commercial and strategic advice on complex land development issues.
• Coordinate multiple advisors and stakeholders to deliver outputs within required timelines.

Skills

Land development

Public transport franchising

Procurement management

Stakeholder management

Contract negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in commerce/finance/business

Job description

About the role

This is a Fixed Term Position until 30 June 2027 The role supports DTP’s review of the State’s rail franchise framework by leading the evaluation and development of rail land development proposals. It involves working independently, managing multiple advisors and stakeholders, and delivering key outputs within the procurement process. The role provides expert commercial and strategic advice on complex land development issues, resolves challenges, evaluates and develops proposals, and contributes to transaction documents and government approvals. It requires strong commercial judgement, stakeholder management and collaboration to deliver timely, high-quality outcomes aligned with project objectives.

What we’re looking for

You’re someone who:

• Brings strong policy and commercial expertise, using market insight, data and analysis to develop practical, value-for-money solutions and sound risk allocation.
• Influences and negotiates with confidence, providing trusted advice, building commitment and securing stakeholder buy-in for complex commercial and strategic outcomes.
• Builds strong stakeholder relationships, navigating competing interests and facilitating timely, innovative solutions to complex issues.
• Leads complex procurement and contracting, with experience shaping procurement strategies, evaluating contracts and leading high-risk negotiations to achieve strong outcomes.
• Thinks strategically about the market, shaping sourcing approaches that encourage innovation, sustainability and long-term economic value.

Qualifications and experience

You’ll bring:

• List Land development and public transport expertise, with demonstrated experience in land development and an understanding of public transport franchising and/or service contracting (mandatory).
• Major procurement experience, including project development, tendering, contract management and working across procurement models with bidders and suppliers (mandatory).
• Strong government and commercial delivery capability, with a proven record of leading advice and achieving successful outcomes on major procurement projects, preferably involving land development and public transport, supported by a relevant tertiary qualification in commerce, finance, economics, business management or a related discipline (mandatory).

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.

Applications close at 11.59pm on Thursday, 15th October 2026.

For further information about the role, please contact Lorenz Jedlicka Director, MR5 Commercial, at [email protected].

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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