Director – Rail Advisory Services

About us

Network Rail Consulting (NRC) is the international consultancy arm of Network Rail, the owner of Britain’s railway, one of the largest rail operations in the world.

We have been active in the Australian, the Middle East and North American markets since 2013 and have successfully delivered over 200 consultancy contracts for government, public and privately owned organisations, and for passenger and freight owners and operators, achieving consistently excellent levels of client satisfaction.

Our work is driven by our values: passion, agility, collaboration, and impartiality

The secondment

How does it work?

During your time in Sydney, you will remain an employee of Network Rail. You may continue to contribute to the Railway Pension Scheme, if you are an existing member, and things like your continuous service history remain unbroken. You can also retain your safeguarded travel, if you have it.

You will leave your current job role to join us in Sydney. On you return to Network Rail, you will remain an employee of the company but will be unable to return to your previous role; we will help in finding a new suitable role for you.

We will obtain the appropriate visas, travel and residence documents for you and your family. We also do things like pay for your flights at the start and end of your assignment, help you to find somewhere to live, and provide a modest cash allowance to help you find your feet when you arrive.

What we offer

In addition to the benefit of remaining an employee of Network Rail, we are also offering an attractive salary that will support you and your family in New South Wales (NSW). Above all, you will have the opportunity to live in Sydney or Brisbane, vibrant cities that offer a fantastic lifestyle with sunny weather and a relaxed culture.

About the role

Due to continued growth, we are hiring an experienced Network Rail colleague with strong credentials in rail operations and maintenance (O&M), and broader experience in the development, procurement and ultimate delivery of complex multidisciplinary rail infrastructure projects This role will also require you to have experience shaping contract and commercial delivery and operating models to enable successful O&M performance outcomes. 

We are currently bidding for this project and have not yet secured it as an assignment. If you are successful, your offer of employment will be contingent upon us winning the contract.

Key Responsibilities

- Providing strategic leadership and guidance through project development and procurement.

- Offering expert rail advisory services to clients, ensuring alignment with their requirements and project objectives.

- Leading a team of senior rail professionals, ensuring they have the capacity and expertise to deliver services.

- Overseeing and guiding technical and operating performance specifications for contract delivery packages.

- Managing the team’s O&M inputs through procurement processes and activities.

- Handling client, stakeholder, third-party, and other project workstream interfaces and relationships.

- Ensuring all functional workstreams deliver high-quality outcomes that meet client expectations.

- Overseeing the ongoing development of customer and product requirements, including potential future network extensions.

- Providing strategic inputs to support the development of commercial delivery and operating models.

About you

We expect you to have the following types of skills and experience:

- Proven track record in a senior executive or project director role, with a strong background in complex rail infrastructure projects. Preferably including HSR.

- Extensive knowledge and experience in the rail industry, covering the entire asset lifecycle from upfront definition, project planning and development, major procurement, construction, to operations and maintenance.

- Demonstrated experience in managing multiple major EOI/ECI procurements to support the award of significant rail construction contracts.

- Proven ability to provide expert advisory services to high-profile clients, ensuring alignment with client requirements and project objectives.

- Strong leadership skills with the ability to lead and manage a team of senior rail professionals, ensuring the availability, capacity, and expertise to deliver client services.

- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

- Unique blend of practical, consulting, and commercial expertise, with the ability to provide strategic direction and ensure successful project delivery.

- In-depth knowledge of relevant rail industry standards, regulations, and best practices, ensuring compliance throughout the project lifecycle.

- Strong project planning and execution skills, with the ability to oversee the development and implementation of comprehensive rail project plans.

Although not essential, it would be an advantage if you had:

- Previous experience working as a management consultant in the rail industry.

- Recognition as a subject matter expert in the field (e.g., CEng, CPEng, RPEQ).

- Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., Engineers Australia).

Work pattern

We expect you to work in our office for 2-3 days a week. However, this may vary based on business needs, and there may be occasions when we need you in the office more than this to support the delivery of client assignments.

How to apply

Click 'Apply Now', create an account (if you don't already have one), and submit your application with your resume.

Background Employment Checks

You will undergo background pre-employment checks, including a national criminal history and reference checks. We will also verify your right to work in Australia.

Equal Opportunity Employer

NRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, or veteran status. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.