Project Director - Train Systems & System Integration

Lead the rolling stock and rail systems program for Australia's first high speed rail network. The Project Director is the Authority's senior executive accountable for the strategy, governance and delivery of major rolling stock and rail systems programs.

Lead the rolling stock and rail systems program for Australia's first high speed rail network.

• Senior executive role accountable for the strategy, governance and delivery of major rolling stock and rail systems programs.
• Own systems integration across rolling stock, signalling, communications, power and depots through to entry into service.
• Based in Sydney or Newcastle

About the High Speed Rail Authority

The Australian Government is planning a future high speed rail network to connect Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and regional communities across the east coast of Australia.

The High Speed Rail Authority (the Authority) is an independent corporate Commonwealth entity governed by an independent board, established to lead the development and delivery of high speed rail.

The Newcastle to Sydney High Speed Rail project will connect the two cities in around one hour on a dedicated high speed railway. From the Central Coast it will take around 30 minutes to get to Newcastle or to Sydney. With the project now in the Development Phase, the Authority is building the leadership team to develop and deliver this generational program.

High speed rail will contribute to key Australian Government priorities, including increased economic productivity, new housing options, and regional economic and tourism development zero.

About the role

The Project Director is the Authority's senior executive accountable for the strategy, governance and delivery of major rolling stock and rail systems programs.

The role shapes strategic direction, ensures integrated and safe delivery, builds productive multi agency and industry relationships, and communicates with influence to enable successful entry into service and the realisation of government priorities.

What you'll lead

• Lead the whole of program strategy for rolling stock and rail systems, integrating procurement, systems engineering, testing and commissioning, customer outcomes and operational readiness.
• Establish and maintain strong governance frameworks, including program assurance, safety and regulatory compliance, stage gate reviews and accurate reporting to the Executive and the Audit & Risk Committee.
• Direct systems integration across rolling stock, signalling and ETCS, communications, power, depots and operational technology to ensure safe, interoperable and compliant outcomes.
• Oversee engineering assurance, standards conformance and acceptance processes, including regulatory approvals and authorisation to operate, and resolve complex technical, operational and safety issues.
• Lead commercial strategy, procurement and contract performance across OEMs, systems suppliers, maintainers and delivery partners, securing value for money and lifecycle outcomes.
• Lead the end to end delivery program including manufacturing, fit out, testing, commissioning, transition to operations and early life support, maintaining oversight of schedule, cost, scope and quality.
• Ensure the operator, maintainer and supporting functions are fully prepared for entry into service, including training, depot readiness, spares, configuration management and safety documentation.
• Lead a high performing multidisciplinary program team and represent the Authority across whole of government, industry and stakeholder forums.

About you

We are seeking a senior rail systems and rolling stock executive with the technical depth and commercial judgement to deliver a safety critical program under public scrutiny. Specifically, you bring:

• Extensive experience leading major rolling stock, fleet or rail systems programs, including complex engineering, systems integration and safety critical delivery.
• Deep knowledge of rail standards, acceptance frameworks, regulatory approvals and assurance processes relevant to rolling stock and rail systems.
• Demonstrated capability in commercial strategy, contract management and supplier performance leadership across OEMs, systems suppliers and maintainers.
• Tertiary qualifications in engineering, project management or a relevant discipline, paired with significant executive delivery experience.
• A strong understanding of governance, risk management, regulatory obligations and public value stewardship, ideally in a Commonwealth or comparable environment.
• The ability to build and lead strategic relationships with operators, regulators, alliances, OEMs, unions and communities, and to lead senior level negotiations.
• Resilience, objectivity and accountability in a high risk, high scrutiny environment, with the ability to communicate complex technical and program issues with clarity.

Eligibility

Employment with the Authority is subject to the conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999. To be eligible, you must:

• Be an Australian citizen & hold a degree or equivalent working experience.
• Hold or be able to obtain a Baseline security clearance & satisfy a National Police check (mandatory pre-employment screening).

RecruitAbility

The High Speed Rail Authority (HSRA) is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce and supporting the employment of people with disability.

As a participating agency in the APS RecruitAbility Scheme, HSRA will progress applicants with disability to a further stage of the recruitment process where they choose to opt into RecruitAbility and demonstrate that they meet the minimum requirements of the role.

If you would like to participate in RecruitAbility, please indicate this when submitting your application.

HSRA is committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to ensure all candidates have an equitable opportunity to participate. Adjustments may include modifications to the recruitment process, accessible formats, specialist equipment, or other practical supports. If you require any adjustments, please include this information in your application or contact the nominated contact officer to discuss your needs.

For further information about the RecruitAbility Scheme, please visit the APS RecruitAbility Scheme Guide for Applicants.

Use of Artificial Intelligence

Before preparing your application for the High Speed Rail Authority (HSRA), please read APSC’s Principles for candidate use of AI in recruitment.

These principles are designed to support the responsible use of AI throughout the recruitment process, while ensuring fairness, transparency and the integrity of merit-based selection. They provide clear guidance on how AI may be used to assist with your application, as well as outlining the types of AI use that are not appropriate in APS recruitment processes.

Candidates are expected to comply with these principles and maintain the authenticity and integrity of their application at all stages of the recruitment process.

Next Steps

Applications close on Tuesday 6th Oct 11.59pm AEST.

To apply, please submit your CV together with a suitability statement via this advertisement.

A full position description is available to download on www.robertwalters.com.au/hsra.html or via request to the details below.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are encouraged to apply.
To apply, please click "apply" or contact Stuart Jeltsema on 0431 103 255 or stuart.jeltsema@robertwalters.com.au for a confidential discussion.