Strategic leadership role overseeing the contract management of Melbourne’s iconic tram network
Great opportunity for a commercial contract leader with strong project governance
Be an integral part in the delivery of safe, reliable and accessible transport infrastructure and services, supporting Victoria's prosperity and liveability
About the Victorian Department of Transport & Planning
The Department of Transport & Planning (DTP) brings together all transport modes to design, plan, build and operate Victoria's transport system. DTP’s job is to further integrate the transport network and improve the delivery of services to Victorians for simpler, quicker and safer journeys that connect people and places and support Victoria's prosperity and liveability.
DTP is focused on outcomes that deliver more choice, connections and confidence in our travel, ensuring the whole transport network works as one to deliver better services and outcomes.
What you should know
This is a great time to join DTP, as 2025 marks the beginning of a new chapter for Melbourne’s iconic tram network, the largest in the World. You will oversee a new franchise agreement and tram operator to deliver a strengthened and modernised tram service and deliver improved customer outcomes. You will also lead the network and infrastructure readiness for the introduction of Victoria’s next generation of trams helping to deliver over 147 million passenger trips per year!
Importantly, you will be part of a dynamic team that oversee the contract management of public transport in Victoria including metro train, regional rail, bus, and tram – this is an opportunity to be part of a collaborative and engaging leadership group that keeps Victoria moving!
Further information about DTP can be found at: https://www.vic.gov.au/department-transport-and-planning
Position
The Executive Director of Metropolitan Trams serves as the primary client and point of contact for the contract and performance management of the MR5 Tram Franchise, overseeing the state’s stewardship of Melbourne's iconic tram network, the largest in the world. This role leads the Metropolitan Tram Branch and collaborates with the Department and key stakeholders to manage the Yarra Trams franchise operator, ensuring the delivery of safe, reliable, and customer-focused tram services.
The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing the franchise's operations and leading project management initiatives to close out legacy contract obligations and oversee the new franchise agreement. This includes ensuring the franchisee meets all contractual obligations, managing asset performance, maintenance, and renewal activities, and identifying opportunities to optimize asset utilization. The role also leads contract governance, strategically managing risks related to project delivery and contract execution, including change management, while providing strong leadership in commercial and contractual matters to enhance service delivery and the passenger experience.
About you
As a commercially savvy and forward-thinking strategic contract manager, you approach challenging situations with optimism and curiosity. You enjoy working for the benefit of the Victorian people and championing a diverse, safe, inclusive culture aligned with the department’s values.
You are an authentic and energetic commercial leader with a contemporary skill set and a track record managing large complex contracts and programmes of work, with an adept ability to drive cost and service improvements in a large scale contract on behalf of all Victorians.
Operating as a trusted advisor, it is imperative you possess a high level of business acumen, integrity and interpersonal and communication skills, as your approach to establishing and strengthening relationships as well as your ability to influence will prove pivotal to your success in the role.
Key attributes include:
Proven track-record at executive level managing large multi-year contracts
Chief Commercial Officers, Chief Operating Officers and other senior executives who have experience with the implementation and ongoing management of large franchise agreements
Substantial experience within Transport and/or Infrastructure, Utilities, Telecommunications or other related sectors
Risk, Safety, Environment management and project governance
Contemporary people leader who exemplifies behaviours that engage, motivate and inspires; strong team-player and role model
Continuous improvement mindset, optimising systems and process, effective stewardship and performance management of contracts
Tertiary qualified in a relevant field as commerce, project management, business and law
You enjoy being hands-on and are decisive yet diplomatic, with a unique ability to build consensus and deliver exceptional customer service, engaging purposefully whilst fostering a sense of shared purpose among your team and stakeholders. You will be relied upon to provide high-quality, objective advice to senior leadership on financial, procurement, and commercial matters, making value-added recommendations and continuously improving internal methodologies to ensure DTP’s stewardship of the tram network is world-class.
For a confidential discussion and the candidate brief, please contact Chris Grant, Partner, Watermark Search, on 0493 714 171 or Bronwen Kerr, Engagement Manager, Watermark Search on (02) 9233 1200 or email search@watermarksearch.com.au
To express interest, please send your application quoting Ref No A005809 to Watermark Search International at search@watermarksearch.com.au. We will reply to the email address used for your application.
Closing date: 11.59pm AEDT Sunday, 26th January 2025