Program Director - Development

Lead end‑to‑end development of major rail infrastructure programs.
Shape Victoria’s future rail pipeline from concept to delivery‑ready.
3 Year, Fixed Term Contract, Full-Time

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 Projects Group is responsible for developing, delivering and assuring project-related changes and improvements across the regional rail network.

The Group coordinates, integrates and delivers major projects and network change in a safe, collaborative and innovative manner, enabling V/Line to shape the improvement and modernisation of V/Line’s regional transport service.

The Group supports Victoria’s Big Build, partnering with the State to deliver significant programs such and other improvement and capacity enabling projects across the regional network

The Program Director – Development is a senior leadership role accountable for the end‑to‑end development of complex, high‑value rail infrastructure programs from concept through to readiness for delivery.

As a member of the Project Development leadership cohort, the role is responsible for growing and shaping the future project pipeline, developing credible, value‑for‑money investment proposals and providing assurance that projects are fully scoped, costed, risk‑managed and compliant before transition into delivery

As well as performing duties specified in this position description you will also be required to perform duties from time to time as directed by management.

You will bring:

Lead the end-to-end development of Business Cases for the V/Line projects and lead V/Line's involvement in VIDA Rail and Department of Transport and Planning infrastructure programs (also including development of Business Cases) aligned to government and organisational priorities.
Shape and grow the future project pipeline through identification, scoping and maturation of priority initiatives.
Translate strategic objectives into delivery-ready development programs.
Provide authoritative advice to Executives and governance forums on options, risks, costs and benefits.
Lead scoping activities, including concept design, cost estimates, schedules and business case inputs.
Ensure development outputs meet governance, investment assurance and rail safety requirements.
Oversee preparation of key development, assurance and transition documentation.
Embed safety, risk management and value-for-money principles throughout project development.
Establish appropriate commercial and procurement strategies within a public sector context.
Represent the organisation across government committees, working groups and alliance arrangements.
Lead, develop and mentor multidisciplinary teams and build organisational development capability.
Ensure projects are ready for delivery, working closely with delivery teams to support successful transition and execution.

If your skills or experience don’t exactly match our listed requirements, we still encourage you to apply. We value diverse perspectives and believe in the potential for growth and development.

About You

As the Program Director – Development, you will report to the Director – Project Development and your role leads multidisciplinary teams, works closely with State Government agencies, and represents the organisation on governance forums, steering committees and alliances. The position operates with high autonomy and plays a pivotal role in aligning strategic priorities, stakeholder expectations and delivery capability.

Selection Criteria:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE and PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

Tertiary qualifications in Engineering, Construction, Project Management, Business or a related discipline.
Extensive senior leadership experience in the development of major infrastructure programs.
Demonstrated expertise in complex rail or transport environments, preferably within government.
Strong commercial, financial, risk and contract management expertise.
Proven experience leading multi‑disciplinary teams and managing programs under high public scrutiny.
Demonstrated judgement and analytical skills, and ability to work autonomously.
Strategic thinker with the ability to operate at both system and project levels.
Credible leader who builds trust and alignment across complex stakeholder landscapes.
Resilient, decisive and outcome‑focused in ambiguous and high‑pressure environments.
Strong change leader who drives continuous improvement and organisational capability.
Values‑driven, modelling integrity, accountability and leadership.
Exceptional stakeholder engagement, negotiation and communication skills, with proven experience communicating complex and sensitive matters at senior executive and ministerial levels, and the ability to adapt technical information for a broad range of audiences.
Ability to champion strong relationships and aligning ALL V/Line Stakeholders and other government agencies to deliver mutually solutions.
Ability to play a lead role in anticipating and resolving emerging issues and risks in a strategic and timely manner.

Why V/Line

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.

We are committed to ensuring a comfortable and accessible recruitment experience. If you need any adjustments or have specific accessibility requirements at any stage of the process, please contact our Talent team at TalentSupport@vline.com.au or 1800 800 007 for confidential support.

As an equal opportunity employer, V/Line is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace and network that reflects the communities we serve. We accept and value the contributions of all our employees regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, age or disability. We were also named a Work 180 endorsed employer for the second year in a row – meaning, we are committed to creating a great workplace for women.

We proudly acknowledge First Peoples of Victoria. We acknowledge their ongoing strength in practicing the world’s oldest living culture. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners’ lands, waters, and skies on which we live and pay respects to their Elders past and present.

At V/Line, safety is our priority. Successful applicants will undergo relevant pre-employment and medical checks to meet our safeworking standards. V/Line is also a proud Child Safe employer.

Applications close: Wednesday 27th May 2026