Title:  Senior Contracts and Commercial Officer

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.

The Regional Public Transport team provides contract, commercial and governance advice and oversight of the regional bus contracts operating on the public transport and school bus networks. The team provides a single user interface to the regional bus network and transport operators.

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 Senior Contract and Commercial Officer is part of the Public Transport division and plays a key role in managing regional public transport and school bus service contracts to ensure effective service delivery and value for money for the State.

The role provides expert advice to senior stakeholders on contract compliance and operational matters relating to regional bus services. A strong focus is placed on improving outcomes for users and managing contract performance in line with service standards.

As a representative of the Department’s Bus Services Team, the role engages with a wide range of stakeholders including the Department of Education, schools, local councils, third-party operators, other government departments, and various DTP divisions. These interactions involve a range of contractual, operational, and customer-facing issues.

Success in this role requires extensive experience in contract and commercial management, with the ability to assess and mitigate risks. Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills are essential to navigate complex environments and deliver effective outcomes.

The role also supports the coordination and design of the free school bus network in line with Department of Education guidelines and contributes to the development and review of related transport policies.

To access the position description please click HERE

Position Outcomes / Accountabilities 

• Effective Contract Management – Ensured effective management of the various agreements that support bus operations including Regional Bus Service Contracts, School Bus Service Contracts, and associated Transaction Documents. Ensured DTP compliance with requirements of these agreements and relevant legislation.
• Stakeholder Management – Developed and maintained constructive relationships with key internal and external senior stakeholders and negotiated at senior levels to support contract management initiatives and identified and mitigated contractual risks.
• Commercial Communications – Assisted in the negotiation and resolution of commercial issues with the operators and stakeholders as they arise and prepared detailed analysis and advice on complex commercial matters and politically sensitive issues for senior level Department decision making.
• Continuous Improvement – Supported continuous improvement initiatives and proactively sought opportunities to improve passenger outcomes and value for money outcomes for the State.
• Emergency Management – Provided excellent support and guidance in the delivery of Bus operations – crisis and emergency management, processes, procedures, and governance.

Key Selection Criteria 

The Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) is seeking an experienced and commercially minded professional to join our team as a Senior Contract and Commercial Officer. This is a dynamic and rewarding opportunity to play a critical role in the management of regional public transport and school bus service contracts across Victoria.

In this role, you will provide expert advice on contract compliance, performance, and commercial outcomes. You will work across a complex service delivery environment, engaging with a broad range of stakeholders including the Department of Education, local councils, third-party providers, and various internal divisions. Your ability to build strong partnerships and navigate competing interests will be essential to delivering improved services and value for money outcomes.

We are looking for someone with strong stakeholder management skills who can understand and respond to diverse stakeholder needs. Your ability to critically evaluate problems and develop sustainable solutions will be key, along with your strong customer focus and understanding of service delivery risks.

You will bring commercial and financial acumen, with a clear ability to influence expenditure decisions, assess value, and manage contract risks. Success in this role also depends on your ability to influence and persuade—building support, securing buy-in, and achieving results in a complex and evolving environment.

If you’re a collaborative, solutions-focused professional ready to make a difference in public transport services, we encourage you to apply and help us shape better transport outcomes for Victoria.

Personal Attributes 

the ideal candidate will be resilient, adaptable, and collaborative. They remain calm and constructive under pressure, respond positively to shifting priorities, and work confidently across teams and organisations. They value open communication, support colleagues, and foster a cooperative, solutions-focused team environment—even in challenging situations.

Qualifications and Experience

Mandatory 

• A relevant tertiary qualification; or extensive experience in a relevant field.

Desirable

•  Experience in complex operational environments and / or project environments.
• Practical knowledge of the Victorian bus industry and a thorough understanding of the extent of supplier capabilities to deliver on their performance requirements.

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

Culture Value

We are an equal opportunity employer, embracing a diverse range of applicants such as veterans, and people who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, LGBTQIA community members, individuals with disabilities and/or health conditions, as well as those from varied faith and cultural backgrounds. At our department, we prioritize the development of a safe, inclusive, and high-performance culture through shared actions and behaviours that align with our strategy and direction. This empowers our employees to effectively contribute to our goals.

How to Apply

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Applications close 11.59pm on Monday 21 July 2025.

Please include a resume and cover letter. All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We’re unable to consider email or manual applications at this time.

For further information about the role please contact Wayne Berryman - Manager, Contract and Commercial – Gippsland via wayne.berryman@transport.vic.gov.au

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Transport and Planning will be treated in the strictest confidence. Please let us know by phone or email if you need any adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process. If you require the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g., large print) due to viewing difficulties or other accessibility needs, we are happy to accommodate.