Executive Director - Commercial & Operations

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is seeking an Executive Director, Commercial and Operations, to join the Passenger Rollingstock and Signalling Branch in Brisbane. This senior executive role will help shape Queensland’s transport future by leading major commercial and operational initiatives that support safe, reliable and integrated passenger rail services.

The position will operate as part of a executive team, driving service improvements, strengthening commercial governance and supporting the successful integration of major rollingstock, signalling and light rail programs.

What’s on offer?

• Join a highly respected government department committed to delivering safe, reliable, accessible and sustainable transport outcomes for Queensland communities.
• Provide end-to-end stewardship of major commercial arrangements, including the New Generation Rollingstock Project Deed and Gold Coast Light Rail Project Deed, supporting transformative rail infrastructure and service outcomes.
• Work in an inclusive public sector environment that values diversity, supports flexible working arrangements and encourages professional development.

About the role

As Executive Director, Commercial and Operations, you will play a central role in strengthening commercial performance, operational readiness and service integration across key rail programs. Your responsibilities will include:

• Provide strategic direction and leadership to the Commercial and Operations team, ensuring government priorities are delivered through strong governance, collaboration and high-quality client service.
• Hold primary responsibility for major contracts, including the NGR Project Deed and Gold Coast Light Rail Project Deed, ensuring contractual obligations are managed effectively and performance is monitored within appropriate Public Private Partnership and commercial frameworks.
• Oversee financial governance for significant programs, including the $4.4 billion NGR project, preparing executive briefings and funding submissions, managing procurement processes and contract variations, and ensuring value-for-money outcomes.
• Lead operational planning, asset management, maintenance programs and service integration activities to support safe, reliable rail services across the network.
• Monitor service delivery performance across major programs, identify risks, gaps and improvement opportunities, and implement initiatives that improve operational efficiency and manage performance-linked payment mechanisms.
• Build strong stakeholder partnerships with internal teams, Queensland Rail, Public Private Partnership partners, delivery partners, external agencies and community stakeholders to support coordinated delivery of integrated transport outcomes.

About You

You will be a senior executive with substantial commercial and operational leadership experience in complex, high-value and multi-party environments, ideally across transport, infrastructure, heavy industry or related sectors.

You will have demonstrated experience in:

• Managing major, high-value contracts, ideally with experience in performance management, dispute resolution and acting as State or Principal Representative within complex commercial frameworks.
• Financial stewardship at scale, including oversight of large capital and operational budgets, preparation of high-level budget submissions, robust financial governance and delivery of value-for-money outcomes.
• Complex stakeholder engagement across multiple parties, including the ability to build and sustain effective partnerships with executives, operators, private sector partners, external agencies and community stakeholders.
• Influencing strategic outcomes through participation in senior working groups, advisory bodies and governance forums relating to major infrastructure and service delivery programs.
• Driving organisational capability and knowledge management by applying lessons learned from major contract delivery, Public Private Partnership arrangements and expansion programs to strengthen commercial frameworks and operational models.

Why work at TMR?

TMR’s purpose is to provide reliable, resilient and responsive transport networks and digital services that are safe and accessible for everyone. The department offers meaningful work, flexible working arrangements, professional development opportunities and the chance to contribute to transport outcomes that support communities across Queensland.

As one of Queensland’s largest public sector agencies, TMR provides a collaborative and inclusive environment where leaders can make a practical difference through safe, reliable and sustainable transport services.

Their vision centres around creating connected communities in a sustainable, thriving and inclusive Queensland..

TMR actively fosters diversity by welcoming applicants from diverse backgrounds and is committed to a recruitment process that is fair, accessible and respectful.



What's next:

For further information or to request the position description and candidate pack, please contact Noah Young at Robert Walters on 07 3032 2283.

Application process requires a written submission of a cover letter (max 2 pages) and your CV (max 5 pages). Please address the key criteria outlined in the position description.

Applications close on Wednesday 16^th September 2026.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are encouraged to apply.
To apply please click apply or call Jane Lowney on (07) 3032 2252 for a confidential discussion.