Title:  Principal Lawyer

Requisition ID:  10747
Work Type:  Ongoing Full Time
Fixed Term Period:  Not Applicable
Location:  Melbourne - CBD
Date Posted:  23 Apr 2026

Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) is an integrated transport infrastructure and precincts planning project that will deliver a 90km rail line linking every major train service from the Frankston Line to the Werribee Line via Melbourne Airport, as well as investment in the suburbs, better connecting Victorians to jobs, retail, education, health services and each other. Suburban Rail Loop Authority (SRLA) is the statutory body established to plan all elements of the project, procure builders, develop structure planning for SRL Precincts and oversee construction and the other changes that will help transform Melbourne and Victoria.   

SRL is more than a rail project. It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to plan for and prepare our city and state to meet the needs of future Victorians, and we can’t do it alone. We are on the lookout for people with drive, expertise, fresh ideas and new perspectives to deliver Victoria’s biggest ever infrastructure project. You will be part of history in the making, and while we’re at it, we will be shaping your future too. 

About the opportunity 

The Principal Lawyer will be responsible for providing legal advice to SRLA and supporting SRLA’s legal and commercial strategies. Reporting to the Managing Principal Lawyer, the role will assist in the management of specific legal aspects of the project, including with respect to procurement and contract issues, in close association with the broader legal team. The Principal Lawyer will be a highly focused and driven person who is passionate about contributing to the delivery of public infrastructure, working within a high-performing project team to drive exceptional outcomes.  

 

Your responsibilities will include: 

 

  • Provide legal, commercial and risk management advice and activities in relation to all stages of project development and delivery for SRLA. 

  • Manage and coordinate certain legal aspects of the project’s procurement activities. 

  • Manage the timely resolution of legal or contractual matters with due consideration of alternative or competing priorities, including working closely with engineering, commercial and transaction specialists. 

  • Interface with SRLA’s external legal advisors to ensure a consistent and agreed approach is taken on legal positions that support SRLA’s expectations. 

  • Provide detailed advice to the project teams, the Head of Legal, Land & Infrastructure, and Director Commercial – Rail and Infrastructure on complex legal issues related to SRLA’s activities, including matters relating to legislation, contracting, interfaces, utilise services providers, procurement and public law matters. 

For more information about the role please read the position description. 

 

Why join us? 

  • An emphasis on work / life balance 

  • High-performing team environment 

  • Equal opportunity employer 

  • Personal & Professional development opportunities 

  • Committed to safety & wellbeing 

  • Training & development opportunities 

 

How to apply 

Please include a Cover Letter and Resume. We want to know why you want to work for Suburban Rail Loop Authority, why you are interested in the role, and, taking into account the Key Selection Criteria as a whole, how your skills, knowledge, experience and qualifications are applicable to the role. 

 

Applications close 11:59 pm – Thursday, 7 May 2026 

 

Please note, appointment of successful applicants will be made subject to a satisfactory pre-employment conditions check. 

Our People Strategy and Gender Equality Action Plan are designed to enhance diversity in our workplace through targeted attraction strategies. If you have any questions related to recruitment, please feel free to reach out to the recruitment adviser or hiring manager mentioned in the position description. 

For individuals with disabilities requiring adjustments during the recruitment process, our Inclusion team is here to provide support. The inclusion mailbox (inclusion@srla.vic.gov.au) is specifically for those seeking further information about targeted recruitment strategies and for individuals with disabilities requiring adjustments. Please contact us, and we will ensure your needs are met during the application and recruitment process.  

SRLA is committed to providing a working environment which is safe and without risk to the health of its employees and partners consistent with its obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OH&S Act).