Principal Advisor, Land Development

State Government of Victoria, Australia; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

State Government of Victoria, Australia invites applications for a Fixed Term role in Melbourne CBD and Inner Metro suburbs. This position leads evaluation and development of rail land development proposals, delivering key outputs within the procurement process.

You will provide expert commercial and strategic advice on complex land development issues, resolving challenges and contributing to transaction documents and government approvals.

Qualifications

• Land development and public transport expertise (mandatory).
• Major procurement experience across tendering and contract management (mandatory).
• Delivery capability with government procurement projects (mandatory).

Responsibilities

• Lead evaluation and development of rail land development proposals.
• Provide expert commercial and strategic advice on complex issues.
• Lead complex procurement and contracting to secure strong outcomes.
• Build stakeholder buy-in and manage relationships to deliver outcomes.
• Shape procurement strategies and risk allocation.

Skills

Land development

Public transport

Procurement

Education

Commerce/Finance/Economics/Business degree

Job description

Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: 12587

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.

• 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’llbring:

• 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 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.

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

For further information about the role, please contact Lorenz Jedlicka Director, MR5 Commercial, [e-mail].

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

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Applications close Thursday 15 October 2026 at 11.59pm