Director - Operations & Maintenance

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.

What we offer

We offer a great benefits package which includes an industry-benchmarked salary, life insurance, a novated car leasing arrangement, an employee recognition scheme and an annual leave entitlement of 25 days each year. We value work/life balance and offer flexible working conditions such as hybrid, part-time, job-shares and compressed work weeks.

About the opportunity

As part of our continued growth, NRC Australia is currently seeking a highly experienced rail professional with strong credentials in rail operations and maintenance, and broader experience in the development, procurement and ultimate delivery of complex multi-disciplinary rail projects.  This Sydney-based role requires proven experience in shaping contract structures, commercial delivery frameworks, and operating models that drive successful operations and maintenance (O&M) performance outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Leading the delivery of services with responsibilities including:

• Providing strategic leadership and guidance through project development and procurement to support successful award of delivery contracts that achieve the desired commercial and operating outcomes;
• Providing expert rail advisory services to the client, ensuring alignment with client requirements and project objectives;
• Leading a team of senior rail professionals, ensuring the availability, capacity, and expertise to deliver services;
• Overseeing and guiding technical and operating performance specifications for incorporation into contract delivery packages;
• Guiding and managing the team’s O&M inputs through the interactive procurement processes and activities;
• Managing client, stakeholder, third-party and other project workstream interfaces and relationships;
• Guiding and overseeing the team’s functional workstreams to ensure all inputs and deliverables provide high-quality outcomes that meet client expectations;
• Overseeing and managing the ongoing development of the Customer and Product requirements, including potential future network extensions and augmentation; and
• Overseeing and providing strategic inputs and guidance to support the development of commercial delivery and operating models to achieve desired O&M performance.

About you

We’re looking for someone who has the following 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 High Speed Rail;
• 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 major procurements, including early contractor involvement, to support the award of significant rail delivery 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 outcomes;
• In-depth knowledge of relevant rail industry standards, regulations, and best practices, ensuring compliance throughout the project lifecycle; and
• Strong project planning and execution skills, with the ability to oversee the development and implementation of multi-disciplinary projects.

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 (Engineering, Operations, Asset Management, Project Management etc.).
• Membership of a relevant professional body.

Sound interesting?

Apply today and our Talent Acquisition team will review your application in due course.

Background Employment Checks

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

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.