Title:  Manager Vehicle Safety and Technology

About Us

The Department of Transport and Planning oversees key planning, transport and land use policy decisions and management across the State. A life-cycle approach to planning, building, connecting and sustaining communities means our people can come together to; improve services, deliver sustainable projects, focus on customer engagement, streamline regulatory approval pathways, facilitate community consultation and better realise local economic opportunities for more liveable communities across Victoria.

Road Safety Victoria is a Division within the Department of Transport and Planning, and is responsible for leading the Victorian Government towards its vision of zero road fatalities by 2050.

We’re 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.

About the Role

The Manager Vehicle Safety and Technology provides strategic leadership in developing and implementing vehicle safety countermeasures, policies, and initiatives to support the Victorian Road Safety Strategy and the Department of Transport and Planning’s objectives. This role works closely with government agencies, industry stakeholders, and advocacy groups to address current and emerging vehicle technologies, including connected and automated vehicles and e-mobility devices. The Manager will lead a multi-disciplinary team, applying expertise in vehicle safety and standards, evidence-based policy development, and innovative problem-solving to deliver initiatives that improve vehicle safety outcomes for Victoria and provide specialist advice across government.

To access the Position Description, please click here.

Position Outcomes / Accountabilities 

• Effective People Leadership – Provide effective leadership, people management and support to their team. Staff are engaged with high levels of cohesion and commitment and are delivering on the services required. The manager supports capability uplift and growth in the team and across Road Safety Victoria
• Specialist vehicle safety knowledge - Applies a high level of advanced specialist knowledge in relation to vehicle safety and standards, future vehicle technology, and relevant policies and initiatives.
• Specialist and high-quality advice - Senior leaders in the road safety partnership, across State and commonwealth government and other external stakeholders are provided with timely, accurate advice.
• Influence and negotiation - Lead and manage negotiations with senior management, external stakeholders and other government agencies that influence successful outcomes on issues which have a high impact on the organisation.

Key Selection Criteria

The DTP is seeking a strategic leader who excels in managing people, driving engagement, and fostering a high-performance culture. This role requires strong critical thinking, policy development, and project delivery skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and implement sustainable, cross-sector solutions. The ideal candidate will demonstrate adaptability, a focus on community outcomes, and a collaborative approach to working across teams and with external partners.

Qualifications and Experience

Mandatory

• A bachelor degree or higher in mechanical or automotive engineering or relevant discipline admitting to membership of Engineers Australia.
• Extensive relevant experience to the capabilities of the role.
• Extensive project management or policy experience.

Desirable  

• Experience in vehicle development, vehicle safety regulations and automotive industry.
• Experience in road safety policy and Safe Systems approach.

Culture Value 

We welcome applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds representing the community that we serve, including veterans, parents, carers, First Peoples, people with disability, multicultural, multifaith and LGBTIQA+ individuals. 

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and high-performance culture. Through shared actions and behaviours aligned with our strategy and direction, we empower our people to thrive and meaningfully contribute to the department’s goals. 

What we offer

• Meaningful work making Victorian communities more accessible and liveable
• Professional growth and development opportunities across the department and the wider Victorian Public Services
• A hybrid working model focused on collaboration and teamwork
• Optimal work-life balance initiatives including flexible working arrangements
• Opportunity to work across multiple urban and suburban hubs
• We prioritise the development of a safe and inclusive culture

Pre-employment checks and employment conditions  

All new appointments to the department will be subject to a National Criminal Records Check, Misconduct Screening, and a Qualification Check where there is a requirement for a mandatory qualification. Information provided to the Department of Transport and Planning will be treated in the strictest confidence consistent with the requirements of the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014. 

Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa necessary for the nature of the position. 

Recipients of Victorian Public Service (VPS) voluntary departure packages should note that re-employment restrictions apply. 

Non-VPS applicants will be subject to a probation period of six months. 

How to Apply

Click the ‘Apply’ button to be redirected to our recruitment platform, where you may need to create an account to submit your application. If you encounter any issues, refer to our Quick Reference Guide for step-by-step instructions.

Applications close at 11:59 pm on Tuesday 19th of August 2025. 

Please include both your resume and a cover letter. All applications must be submitted via the online portal, we’re unable to accept email or manual submissions. 

For further information about the role, please contact Nicola Fotheringham, Director Road Safety & System via Nicola.fotheringham@transport.vic.gov.au

Important Information: 

• If you require any adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, or need the advert or attachments in an accessible format (e.g., large print), please contact us by phone or email. We're here to support you.