Principal Advisor, Land Development

Department of Transport and Planning; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Transport and Planning in Melbourne seeks a Principal Advisor, Land Development to lead evaluation and development of rail land proposals. You will provide commercial and strategic advice, manage advisors and stakeholders, and help shape procurement to deliver timely outcomes aligned with project objectives.

The role requires strong policy and commercial insight, risk allocation, and experience leading high-stakes negotiations within complex procurement frameworks.

Qualifications

• Experience in land development and public transport franchising/service contracting is mandatory.
• Major procurement experience across project development, tendering, contract management and working with bidders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the evaluation and development of rail land development proposals within the procurement process.
• Provide expert commercial and strategic advice on complex land development issues and government approvals.
• Manage multiple advisors and stakeholders to deliver timely, high-quality outcomes.
• Contribute to transaction documents and procurement outputs aligned with project objectives.

Skills

Land development expertise

Public transport franchising knowledge

Procurement management experience

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification in commerce/finance/economics/business management or related discipline

Job description

Title: Principal Advisor, Land Development

Requisition ID: 12587

Work Type: Fixed Term Full Time

Fixed Term Period: 30 June 2027

Location: Melbourne - CBD

Date Posted: 1 Oct 2026

About Us

We create thriving places and connected communities. We plan, build and maintain Victoria’s transport, planning and land services. We are committed to a safe, inclusive and high-performing workplace.

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and are committed to creating a safe, inclusive workplace where our people can thrive and do meaningful work.

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

• 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

• 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.

Important information

If you require any adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process or need the advert or attachments in an accessible format (e.g., large print), please contact us. We're here to support you.

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