Title:  Director, Safety Operations

About Us

'Safe journeys, every time'. This is what we strive for at Safe Transport Victoria (ST Vic).

As the safety regulator for commercial passenger vehicles, buses and maritime, what we do impacts the everyday lives of Victorians. Our role is to work with these industries and the communities they serve to ensure a transport system that inspires confidence for users.

We are focused on creating impact by being an intelligence-led regulator, agile to technological disruptions in the market and highly responsive to community expectations and needs.

We are also in the business of thinking big. We are reimagining what’s possible in how we regulate, and we welcome those who are interested in reshaping and redefining how we work.

Safe Transport Victoria is committed to building a culture of ‘working as one’.  This means our people share openly, question respectfully and build together. This also means we invest in our people and provide personal and professional development programs to create a workforce that is empowered, innovative and adaptable.

Job Title

Director, Safety Operations

Salary

$232,790 - $298,488 (including superannuation)

Work type

Fixed Term (12 months)

About the Role  

Reporting to the Executive Director, Safety, Strategy and Regulation the role is responsible for Setting strategy, programs and initiatives in relation to Safety Audits and Inspections, the Director, Safety Operations will lead a broad team and ensure implementation of proactive and reactive compliance and assurance programs are delivered with impact, innovation and the safety of the community front of mind.

The responsibilities of the Director, Safety Operations will include, but are not limited to:

• Lead the development and delivery of proactive and reactive field-based compliance and assurance programs (aligned to ST Vic’s business objectives), including incident triage and response management, aligned to industry and community risks, with constructive industry and community engagement being a priority.

• Oversee development and delivery of operational plans and reporting aligned to ST Vic’s safety strategy and consolidated work programs, including co-regulatory and multi-agency operational initiatives

• Lead the development and delivery of fit-for-purpose systems, processes, practices, rolling quality assurance, evaluation and continuous improvement programs specific to the operational environment, ensuring alignment with ST Vic’s strategic objectives.

• Ensure the provision of high level, authoritative advice, reporting and analyses to the Executive Director, Executive Leadership Team and key stakeholders on a range of issues adhering to all legislative obligations, ministerial directions and ST Vic policies and procedures.

• Provide strong leadership, people management and support to the team where staff feel engaged, in an operating environment where there are high levels of cohesion and commitment to effective and efficient service delivery.

• Promote and support safe, inclusive and flexible team operations.

About you

Demonstrated experience leading complex operational compliance, assurance or regulatory functions within a safety, transport, enforcement or similar operational environment. Proven ability to develop and deliver proactive and reactive operational programs, manage incident response activities and drive risk-based regulatory outcomes aligned to organisational strategy and community expectations.

Strong leadership experience managing multidisciplinary operational teams within a dynamic environment, with the ability to build a positive, high-performing and accountable culture. Demonstrated capability in leading operational planning, quality assurance, continuous improvement initiatives and cross-agency or co-regulatory programs, while balancing operational priorities, stakeholder expectations and strategic objectives.

Highly developed stakeholder engagement, communication and advisory skills, with the ability to provide authoritative advice to senior executives and build constructive relationships with industry, government and community stakeholders. Experience supporting safe, inclusive and flexible workplace practices, while driving innovation and operational effectiveness, will be highly regarded.

To access the Position Description, click here

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in safety, regulation, public administration, business, risk management or a related discipline would be highly regarded.
• Postgraduate qualifications in leadership, management or a related field would also be highly regarded.
• Professional experience leading diverse teams within a complex organisation will be advantageous.

Further Information

For a confidential discussion, please contact Chris Banks, Executive Director - Safety, Strategy and Regulation via email chris.banks@safetransport.vic.gov.au   

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a National Police Check.

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

What we offer you?

ST Vic is committed to building a culture of flexible work arrangements, providing professional development programs and supporting ways of working that help employees balance work and life.  We welcome applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds, including veterans, people who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, have a disability, are from varied cultural backgrounds and those who identify as LGBTIQ+.

A Workplace committed to safety and wellbeing

ST Vic is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all its people, including contractors and visitors. We have a strong focus on initiating wellness events for our people to foster a sense of enjoyment and positive mental health. In some instances, ST Vic also offers flexible working arrangements.

Diversity and Inclusion

ST Vic’s broad diversity program enables us to attract, recruit, retain and develop a diverse workforce to foster greater innovation, greater customer connection and increased wellbeing and satisfaction.

Learning and Development

We want you to grow, develop and learn with us! ST Vic provides you with access to a range of internal and external learning and development opportunities to support your performance in your role and further your career aspirations.

How to Apply

Please click the ‘Apply Now' button. As part of the application process, you will need to provide a copy of your resume and a cover letter of no more than 1 page in length addressing your skills, experience and interest in the position.

Applications close at midnight 10 June 2026

If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process, or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on this ad.