Executive Director Planning & Performance

You see the big picture, you’ve always worked on a grand scale, and now you’re ready to re-focus on grand impact.

Here's your chance to design and deliver efficient, customer-focused services that also enhance accessibility, sustainability and overall quality of living for more people than you've imagined.

An exciting new opportunity has emerged with the role of Executive Director Planning & Performance within Sydney Trains Rail Operations branch. This is a high-profile strategic leadership role that will lead and manage the end-to-end service planning for the NSW rail network, including suburban, intercity, regional, freight and third party operators. You will provide expert advice and be responsible for the development and optimisation of timetables, network access and operational performance.  The role is accountable for ensuring future readiness and effective planning by balancing customer needs, freight and third party operators, special event planning and track access for maintenance and major projects whilst driving improvements in network performance.

In this role, you'll

Report to the Head of  Rail Operations, and as the leader of the planning and performance function, some of your key responsibilities will include:

• Lead and direct the function to enable an enhanced focus on operational planning, planning accountability and capability and network performance
• Lead the development of the Standard Working Timetable and options for implementation to satisfy the outcome-based specification requirements from multiple stakeholders across the Transport portfolio and Government
• Effectively lead short-term operational planning including service design and network access approvals, managing the Daily Working Timetable, freight and third party operators, operational risk management and special event planning.
• Lead collaboration between operational branches and balance the competing demands of stakeholders to tactically and strategically manage rail assets, ensuring optimal alignment of operational requirements with passenger, freight, and third-party needs
• Drive continuous improvement in network performance, including leading the development of data-driven actionable insights and recommendations to improve network performance
• As a member of the Rail Operations leadership team, provide expert input into planning, design, and execution of service delivery ensuring alignment with organisational strategy and best practice.

Please see the role description and Information Pack for more information.

About You

You are an experienced operations professional looking for an opportunity to contribute to world class railway within an organisation that is subject to high levels of public scrutiny. You have strong stakeholder management skills with experience in leading a function within a high reliability / high risk working environment within a large and complex industrial and/or public sector organisation. Adaptable in nature, you lead by example with the ability to motivate team members towards achieving business objectives.

You bring demonstrated experience in and knowledge of planning and timetabling requirements and can demonstrate a strong ability in enabling future readiness in a rail context.

As a good problem solver, you will also have worked in a matrix-style reporting environment where it is essential to have a good understanding of customer orientation and the operational demands that come with service delivery.

Who we are

Sydney Trains provides train services throughout the Sydney metropolitan area and was established in July 2013.  Our mission is to keep Sydney moving by delivering safe, clean, reliable, customer-focused, and efficient rail services.

Join us

Our workforce is as diverse as the community we serve. If you’d like further information on our inclusion and diversity initiatives, visit Transport careers.

We offer a wide range of employee benefits, like our award-winning flexible and hybrid work options.

This role is hybrid-friendly, meaning you can mix in-person days at your team’s home base location with remote days. 

What are you waiting for…? Connect with us.  Apply now!

Applications close: 11:59 pm Sunday 6th July 2025.

For more information about this role, please contact ALEX.BURR@TRANSPORT.NSW.GOV.AU.

Aboriginal people and people living with disability are supported throughout the recruitment process and at work, and we encourage you to apply. Visit Supporting Aboriginal people or Supporting people with disability for more info or speak to your talent team member to arrange any adjustments to how you interact with us. 

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