Director Operational Planning & Readiness

Director - Operational Planning & Readiness

V/Line’s purpose is to connect Victorians through safe, reliable, and accessible transport. We believe in giving all Victorians opportunities through travel and transport – connecting them to jobs, education, family and friends, services, tourism, and trade.

V/Line is experiencing significant growth and we’re delivering more services, more trains, cheaper fares, and huge projects. With more than 3700 weekly train and coach services, an expansive freight network, and unprecedented rail investment, millions of Victorians depend on us to deliver. You could be one of our 2700 committed team members who are up to the challenge.

About the role

The Operational Planning & Readiness Director is accountable for managing short-term changes to the Network Service Plan, as well as ensuring that capital works projects, major events and timetable changes are successfully implemented. 

The role oversees a short-term readiness program and framework that identifies and mitigates risks and achieves change objectives while ensuring safety, operational, and financial requirements are also delivered.   

Key Accountabilities include:

• Responsible for managing all V/Line's timetable readiness activities, including master and major Greenfield timetable changes.
• Developing interim and short-term timetable changes for maintenance, capital projects, special events, and other broader business needs, including responding to extreme weather, industrial action, and periodic resource constraints as required.
• Manage the Short-Term Planning team in its development and delivery of all interim alterations to the Network Service Plan, including coach procurement activity to support major occupations. 
• Ensure all requirements are identified and that all objectives, goals, and elements associated with the Enterprise Timetable Readiness program are met.
• Manage the planning interface with internal and external project representatives during project delivery.
• Ensure the Risk Management requirements are met by the Operations function during the delivery phase of change events, in collaboration with the Corporate Risk and Operations Standards teams.
• Implementing a high-performance planning culture that emphasises safety, efficiency, and customer focus.
• Building collaborative stakeholder relationships to ensure V/Line's plans are developed, communicated, and aligned with Government objectives.

About you

With a background in transportation planning, you will ensure service delivery is upheld through your commitment to managing safety, risk, and efficiency to support V/Line customers on their journey across the network.

Our ideal candidate will possess the following:

• The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience in a senior leadership role, as well as established experience in transport planning, risk management and change.
• High-level understanding of Rail Safety Legislation and operating procedures. 
• Ability to effectively communicate complex plans and make informed decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience leading and creating a culture of continuous improvement and high performance.
• Knowledge of Victorian Public Transport would be advantageous.
• Business and Change Management qualifications or equivalent experience are highly regarded.
• Demonstrated alignment with V/Line’s values of responsiveness, integrity, impartiality, accountability, respect, leadership, and human rights.

In addition to free Myki travel, we offer:

• Community impact – Make a genuine difference. Work in a role that connects Victorians, every day.
• Huge potential – We’re transforming, and you can too. Be a change maker, recognised for your contribution and creativity.
• Dynamic environment – V/Line operates in a constantly changing space. Join a fast-paced and exciting organisation.
• Collaborative team – You’ll be part of a broader supportive team. Surround yourself with talented, passionate peers.
• Flexible working – We support flexible working. Work in a way that supports you to thrive in your role.

How to Apply

Please use the ‘Apply’ button to submit your application, including a cover letter and current resume.

The recruitment and selection process may include aptitude assessments, behavioural and/or technical interviews, and employment references.

Successful applicants will be required to undergo pre-employment screening including, probity (police) checks, medical assessment, and Australian entitlement to work. Employees of V/Line are required to maintain a valid Working with Children Check Victoria (Employee) for the duration of employment. 

V/Line is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and we welcome applicants from any background. We value diversity and are continuously working towards creating a flexible and inclusive environment that is representative of the Victorian community.

Applications close; on 8th February 2024.