Rail Possessions Manager

Cross River Rail Delivery Authority; City of Brisbane; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work options

Salary packaging

Job summary

Cross River Rail Delivery Authority is seeking a Rail Possession Manager in Brisbane to lead the Possessions Team and steer the planning, governance and coordination of track possessions across the Cross River Rail program.

You will work with Queensland Rail, TMR and project teams to align possession activities, maintain schedules and minimise customer and network impacts on SEQ rail operations.

Qualifications

• Experience in possessions planning and possessions program management within a rail infrastructure environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop a specialist team in a complex delivery environment.
• Experience chairing multi-agency forums, building consensus and supporting effective decision making.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Possessions Team, establishing clear accountabilities and supporting performance and development.
• Chair the Cross River Rail Track Possessions Working Group with project teams and stakeholders.
• Develop and optimise possession programs with Queensland Rail, TMR and project stakeholders.
• Maintain the Cross River Rail Base Track Possession Schedule with accurate information.
• Review possession programs and access strategies to support efficient network access and compliance.
• Monitor possession delivery to identify risks, constraints and changes that affect access or outcomes.
• Assure possession documentation, reports and governance material for accuracy and evidence-based decisions.
• Maintain reporting tools and information to support governance and executive reporting.
• Oversee possession related risks, issues and opportunities with practical delivery solutions.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Rail infrastructure knowledge

Program governance

Written communication

Job description

Cross River Rail Delivery Authority - Brisbane QLD

Lead the planning, governance and coordination of track possessions across the Cross River Rail program. Working with Queensland Rail, TMR and project teams, you will guide a specialist team, align possession activities across the broader program and support informed decision-making across a complex delivery environment. This is a challenging opportunity to influence how critical rail works are planned and delivered across the SEQ network.

The Cross River Rail Delivery Authority is building a new 10.2km rail line that includes 5.9km of twin tunnels running under the Brisbane River and CBD; with four new underground stations at Boggo Road, Woolloongabba, Albert Street and Roma Street.

Once complete, it will provide trains with a much-needed alternative rail path through the core of the current SEQ Rail network, unlocking a bottleneck and allowing more trains to run more often across the whole of South East Queensland.

The Cross River Rail Delivery Authority is also delivering multiple supporting projects and activities in conjunction with the Department of Transport and Main Roads. These include accessibility rebuilds for eight surface stations, construction of three new stations on the Gold Coast; upgrades for stabling yards; track works and surface rail enhancements; and the introduction of a new ETCS digital signalling system.

About the Role

As the Rail Possessions Manager, you will lead the Possessions Team and work closely with Queensland Rail, the Department of Transport and Main Roads and project stakeholders to coordinate and govern the planning, management and delivery of Cross River Rail track possessions, also commonly referred to as track closures, shutdowns or occupations, across the Queensland Rail SEQ network.

This is a challenging and influential opportunity for an experienced rail possessions professional to shape access outcomes across a complex infrastructure program. You will oversee possession program governance, compliance and reporting, ensuring activities align with contractual obligations, project delivery requirements and program objectives while minimising customer and network impacts.

Working closely with the Delivery Sequencing Team, you will maintain alignment across the broader possession program, resolve competing priorities and help ensure critical rail access is planned and coordinated effectively. The role will suit someone who enjoys leading a specialist team, navigating complex stakeholder environments and finding practical solutions to delivery challenges.

This opportunity is offered as a fixed term contract until March 2029 with possible extension.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the Possessions Team, establishing clear accountabilities and supporting performance and development
• Chair the Cross River Rail Track Possessions Working Group, bringing project teams and stakeholders together to identify risks, dependencies, conflicts and opportunities
• Work with Queensland Rail, TMR and project stakeholders to develop and optimise possession programs
• Maintain the Cross River Rail Base Track Possession Schedule, ensuring information remains accurate and current
• Review possession programs and access strategies to support efficient network access and compliance
• Monitor project activities and possession delivery to identify risks, constraints, dependencies and changes that may affect planned access or project outcomes
• Assure possession documentation, reports, submissions and governance material to ensure information is accurate, consistent and evidence based
• Maintain reporting, management tools and performance information to support governance, decision making and executive reporting
• Oversee possession related risks, issues and opportunities, providing recommendations, mitigation measures and practical delivery solutions

About You:

• Experience in possessions planning and possessions program management within a rail infrastructure environment
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop a specialist team, establish clear accountabilities and maintain performance in a complex delivery environment
• Experience chairing and facilitating multi agency forums, building consensus and supporting effective decision making across competing priorities
• Strong program management skills, with the ability to coordinate complex delivery activities and manage risks, issues, dependencies and constraints
• Highly developed written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear reports, submissions, briefings and governance documentation
• Proven ability to build productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders and influence outcomes
• A practical and solutions focused approach, with the judgement and initiative to resolve competing access and delivery challenges

Why work with CRRDA?

As we enter a new phase of delivery, our project offers a rare career opportunity for top tier professionals to have played their part on something that is genuinely city shaping and transformative.

Our people are supported with flexible work options, career development through AIM, and salary packaging.