Title: Senior Contract Manager - Next Generation Tram and Major Projects
About us
We create thriving places and connected communities. We bring together transport, planning, land use, precinct and policy functions in a single department to deliver the best outcomes for Victorians.
Together with our portfolio agencies, we are responsible for planning, building, operating and +maintaining Victoria’s transport, planning and land services for use by all.
We foster a safe, inclusive and constructive place to work.
Transport Services is a group within the department, and is accountable for the management and performance of today’s Victorian heavy and light rail and interurban coach networks. We manage franchisees, operators, contracts, leases, assets and projects, ensure compliance, provide assurance and enable collaboration across the department to optimise customer outcomes and value for money.
The Metropolitan Tram branch sits within Transport Services group and is responsible for the management and performance of the State's tram franchisee and contract to optimise customer-focused outcomes and value for money.
The Major Projects Readiness and Integration (Tram) team provides contract, commercial and governance advice in relation to the current Tram Franchise Agreement as a result of major projects that are underway across metro Melbourne. It also provides contract, commercial and governance advice and oversight in relation to the Next Generation Tram (NGT) Supply and Maintenance Agreement (SMA) and Franchise Interface Agreement (FIA).
About the role
*This is a Fixed Term Position until 30 June 2026*
Key Selection Criteria.
To be successful in this role, the candidate must bring extensive experience in contract and commercial management of major infrastructure projects. As the Senior Contract Manager – Next Generation Tram and Major Projects, they will lead the oversight of the 15-year NGT maintenance phase, ensuring contractual compliance, managing performance and insurance claims, overseeing operational expenditure and budgets, and providing strategic advice to executive and ministerial stakeholders. The role also plays a critical part in coordinating with broader infrastructure projects to ensure smooth integration with tram operations and maintenance.
To access the Position Description, please click here
Personal Attributes
The team operates in a collaborative and outcome-driven environment, so a flexible, adaptable, and community-focused mindset is essential. On a personal level, the successful applicant will thrive by embracing change, working across teams to deliver shared goals, and staying focused on creating meaningful impact for the community.
Position accountabilities
We’re seeking a dynamic and strategic professional to join the Department of Transport and Planning in a key leadership role that plays a pivotal part in shaping service delivery and operational performance. This role offers the opportunity to influence major projects, support team performance, and deliver tangible results for the Victorian community.
In this role, you will apply your critical thinking to complex challenges, evaluating issues from multiple perspectives and implementing practical, forward-thinking solutions. You will lead and contribute to the successful delivery of programs and projects by translating strategic objectives into clear, outcomes-focused initiatives. With a strong commercial mindset, you’ll bring a solid understanding of procurement, finance, and risk to guide informed investment decisions and maximise value.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate an advanced ability to build stakeholder relationships, engage with influence, and negotiate effectively across diverse internal and external networks. Your leadership style fosters accountability, continuous improvement, and high performance. You will also support and motivate teams, recognising and developing talent while upholding the values of the Victorian public sector.
This is an exciting opportunity to work in a collaborative and outcomes-driven environment where your expertise in project delivery, stakeholder engagement, and people leadership will directly contribute to the success of a forward-thinking department.
If you are adaptable, solutions-oriented, and committed to delivering public value, we invite you to apply and help shape the future of transport and planning in Victoria.
Qualifications and experience
Tertiary degree in engineering, business, commerce or law; or extensive experience managing public private partnership contracts or other high value high risk contracts.
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
Working at the Department of Transport and Planning provides people with the opportunity to contribute to creating thriving places and connected communities for all Victorians.
For further details please refer to Careers at the Department of Transport and Planning.
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 11.59pm on Thursday, 21 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 Rochelle Boland, Associate Director Major Projects Readiness and Tram at rochelle.boland@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.
