Principal Project Manager

Department of Transport and Planning; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Transport and Planning in Melbourne seeks a Principal Project Manager to lead contract and project management for Digital Train Radio System (DTRS) projects, ensuring on-time delivery and budget adherence.

You will coordinate with suppliers, operators and government partners, and translate complex technical information for executives. Extensive DTRS and Data Centre experience is essential.

Qualifications

• Extensive demonstrable experience with Digital Train Radio Systems and Data Centres.
• Tertiary qualifications in engineering, contract management, project management, planning or business.
• Proven Lean Project Management and Continuous Improvement experience.
• Experience in high value Rolling Stock and Train communication system projects.
• Knowledge of PRINCE2/PMBoK/Agile/Waterfall/SDLC desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead contract and project management for DTRS projects, delivering on time and on budget.
• Manage complex stakeholder arrangements with suppliers, operators and government departments.
• Communicate complex technical information to senior executives.
• Provide strategic direction to transport plans and build partnerships across departments and partners.
• Establish and manage project teams and KPI regimes to measure performance.

Skills

Digital Train Radio Systems

Data Centres

Contract management

Project management

Lean / Continuous Improvement

Governance planning

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

PRINCE2

PMBoK

Agile

Job description

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.

Title: Principal Project Manager

Requisition ID: 12445

Work Type: Ongoing Full Time

Fixed Term Period: Not Applicable

Location: Melbourne - CBD

Date Posted: 14 Sept 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

Reporting to the Program Director, DTRS, and based at Rialto, 525 Collins Street, Melbourne, the Principal Project Manager is responsible for contract and project management of assigned Digital Train Radio System (DTRS) projects, ensuring they are delivered on time and on budget.

The role manages complex stakeholder arrangements including suppliers, operators and numerous government departments, and communicates complex technical information to senior executives.

The role leads contract management and commercial negotiations with suppliers and stakeholders, provides strategic direction to transport plans, and builds collaborative partnerships across the Department, transport operators and delivery partners.

It establishes and manages teams of project staff and subject matter experts, and develops KPI regimes to measure project and team performance.

Extensive proven experience and technical understanding of Digital Train Radio Systems and Data Centre systems is essential.

What We’re Looking For

• Coaches others and engages key stakeholders in strategic planning, thinking at a whole-of-system level to develop a vision for the future and translate it into team and individual plans.
• Critically evaluates problems from multiple perspectives, integrating solutions into work processes to prevent recurring issues and deliver tangible business outcomes.
• Translates strategies into programs and projects, defining the governance needed to manage risk and maximise the probability of success.
• Holds self and team accountable to public sector values and agreed performance standards, and creates opportunities for recognising performance.
• Leads and navigates change, implementing structured change initiatives and providing leadership through uncertainty.

Qualifications And Experience

• Extensive demonstrable experience with Digital Train Radio Systems and Data Centres (mandatory).
• Tertiary qualifications and proven experience in engineering, contract management, project management, planning or business (mandatory).
• Proven experience in Lean Project Management and Continuous Improvement (mandatory).
• Proven experience in high value Rolling Stock and Train communication system projects (mandatory).
• Experience in relevant project management methodologies (e.g. PRINCE2, PMBoK, Agile, Waterfall, SDLC) (desirable).

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 Monday, 28th September 2026.

Please include both your resume and a cover letter addressing how your experience addresses each of the key selection criteria for the role. All applications must be submitted via the online portal, we’re unable to accept email or manual submissions.

For further information about the role, please contact Saulat Farooque, Program Director, DTRS, at [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.

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.