Regional Operations Leader

Aurizon; Newcastle-Maitland; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Development opportunities

Mentoring programs

Discounts on health insurance

Personal travel discounts

Gym discounts

Vehicle discounts

Retail brand discounts

Parental leave program

Super booster

Job summary

Aurizon is seeking a Regional Operations Leader to oversee signalling, track maintenance and infrastructure across the Maitland region. You will lead a diverse workforce and work with government agencies, regulators, contractors and project teams to deliver safe, reliable rail outcomes.

You will balance day‑to‑day operations with long‑term infrastructure projects, driving performance, safety and compliance across the region.

Qualifications

• You will lead signalling, track maintenance and infrastructure activities with a focus on safety.
• Experience with incident investigations (ICAM preferred) and rail safety standards.
• Strong engagement with government agencies, regulators and contractors.
• Proven ability to lead teams, assign tasks and solve operational problems.
• Knowledge of train handling, provisioning procedures and crew deployment is a plus.
• Commercial and financial acumen for budget and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Lead teams responsible for signalling, rail infrastructure and maintenance.
• Drive safety culture and ensure compliance with rail safety legislation and standards.
• Oversee network operations and maintenance programs for reliability and service.
• Plan and execute infrastructure projects, possessions, and capital works.
• Build relationships with authorities, regulators and local stakeholders.
• Manage budgets, resources and performance outcomes.
• Provide leadership during incidents and continuity of operations.
• Identify continuous improvement to enhance safety and efficiency.
• Monitor and review operational data to optimise practice.

Skills

Safety leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Team leadership

Incident investigations

Rail operations knowledge

Risk management

Change management

Train handling knowledge

Crew deployment

Education

Certificate IV or Diploma in Frontline Management

Job description

Lead safe, reliable rail operations and infrastructure delivery across one of Australia's most critical freight networks.

Aurizon is seeking an experienced and influential Regional Operations Leader to oversee rail corridor operations, infrastructure maintenance and project delivery across the Maitland region. This is a broad leadership role responsible for managing operational teams, driving network performance, maintaining key stakeholder relationships and ensuring the safe execution of maintenance and capital works activities.

Working at the intersection of operations, engineering and stakeholder management, you will play a key role in delivering safe, efficient and sustainable rail outcomes for customers, communities and government partners.

About the role:

As the Regional Operations Leader, you will provide leadership across signalling, track maintenance and infrastructure activities while ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the rail network. You will lead a diverse workforce and collaborate closely with internal and external stakeholders, including government agencies, neighbouring property owners, contractors and project teams.

You will balance day-to-day operational requirements with longer-term infrastructure and improvement projects, driving performance, safety and compliance outcomes across the region.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and develop teams responsible for signalling, rail infrastructure and maintenance activities.
• Drive a strong safety culture, ensuring compliance with rail safety legislation, standards and company requirements.
• Oversee network operations and maintenance programs to maximise asset reliability and service delivery.
• Manage the planning and execution of infrastructure projects, possessions and capital works.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with government authorities, regulators, local councils, contractors and neighbouring landowners.
• Manage operational and project budgets, resources and performance outcomes.
• Ensure stakeholder concerns relating to rail operations, access, property interfaces and infrastructure works are effectively managed.
• Provide leadership during operational incidents and emergency response activities.Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives that enhance safety, efficiency and network performance.
• Monitoring and reviewing locomotive download data to ensure optimal driving practice

About you:

You’re a confident and safety-focused leader who thrives in fast-paced operational environments and is motivated to deliver high-quality results through people.

You will also bring:

• Certificate IV or Diploma in Frontline Management (preferred)
• Strong safety leadership skills and knowledge, including experience with incident investigations (ICAM preferred)
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to work effectively with government agencies, regulators, contractors and community stakeholders
• Demonstrated experience in leading teams, assigning tasks, and solving problems in operational settings
• A sound understanding (or the ability to acquire knowledge) of train handling, provisioning procedures, network route knowledge, safe working systems and crew deployment
• Strong knowledge of rail operations, signalling, track maintenance or infrastructure asset management.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen and risk management capability.
• Proven ability to influence outcomes and lead through change.

What we offer you:

At Aurizon, we support the development and growth of our employees. With a national portfolio of operations, we offer long-term and exciting career opportunities.

Some of our benefits include:

• Development and growth opportunities.
• Access to mentoring and development programs.
• Discounts on selected health insurance funds, personal travel, gyms, vehicles and retail brands.
• Parental leave program and super booster.

About Aurizon.

Aurizon is Australia’s largest rail freight operator and a top 100 ASX company. Each year, we deliver more than 250 million tonnes of Australian commodities right across the country. Aurizon is crucial to the Australian economy, connecting miners, primary producers and industry with international and domestic markets.

Look to Aurizon for a diverse and collaborative culture.

At Aurizon, we are proud of our diverse, collaborative, creative and high-performance culture. We celebrate the contribution of every employee and provide opportunities for career development in a dynamic, caring, and inclusive work environment.

To learn about us and our company values, please visit www.aurizon.com.au/careers