- Lead the delivery of a $7 billion portfolio of complex, safety critical rail infrastructure
- Provide senior leadership across a once in a generation program of major rail investment
- Define and uplift engineering, safety and delivery standards across large-scale rail programs
Transport and Main Roads (TMR)
Transport and Main Roads (TMR) leads the planning, delivery and management of Queensland’s transport system, supporting how people move, connect and access opportunities across the state. Its responsibilities span policy, regulation, network operations and infrastructure delivery across one of Australia’s largest and most diverse transport portfolios. This includes an extensive road network, a growing rail system and South East Queensland’s integrated public transport network.
With more than 8,500 professionals across engineering, systems, project delivery, planning, policy and operations, TMR brings together deep technical and operational capability to deliver complex, state-shaping infrastructure.
As demand continues to grow and investment accelerates, particularly in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, TMR is delivering a pipeline of infrastructure that will reshape the state. This work is underpinned by a strong focus on safety, performance and long-term value for the community.
The Opportunity
The Rail Infrastructure Delivery Office (RIDO) is entering a critical phase of program delivery and is seeking an accomplished and strategic executive to join as Executive Director (Rail Delivery & Safety).
Reporting to the General Manager (RIDO), you will occupy a pivotal leadership role with responsibility for oversight, assurance and delivery direction across a $7 billion portfolio of major rail projects.
This is a role for a seasoned infrastructure leader who understands that delivery excellence in rail is not only measured by schedule and cost, but by safety, operational integrity and long‑term network performance. The decisions made in this role will help to shape the reliability, resilience and safety of Queensland’s rail network well beyond the current program horizon, including through the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and into the decades that follow.
You will provide enterprise‑level leadership across planning, delivery, integration and safety assurance, ensuring major programs are positioned for success from inception through to commissioning. Working across RIDO, Queensland Rail and industry partners, you will ensure delivery activity aligns with operational realities and regulatory expectations, while maintaining momentum across a highly complex and visible portfolio.
RIDO’s reputation for disciplined delivery and credibility with its partners is well established. This role builds on that foundation, stewarding delivery practices that will endure and strengthening safety and governance frameworks that protect the network and the communities it serves.
Key Responsibilities
As Executive Director, you will hold accountability for delivery performance across RIDO’s major rail portfolio, with an unwavering focus on safety, integration and execution quality. You will lead high‑performing multidisciplinary teams, setting clear expectations and fostering a culture where safety leadership, accountability and professional judgement are paramount.
You will provide oversight across the full project lifecycle, ensuring programs are well planned, risks are actively managed and projects are delivered in a manner that supports safe and efficient integration into the operational network. This includes leadership across design integration, staging, access and possessions planning, and construction methodologies.
A central aspect of the role is embedding a proactive and consistent safety culture across projects and delivery partners, moving beyond compliance to ensure safety assurance is intrinsic to how work is planned and delivered.
You will strengthen governance arrangements, sharpen reporting and provide clear, evidence‑based advice to support timely decision‑making in a complex and highly scrutinised environment. You will also identify opportunities to uplift delivery performance through improved systems, digital capability and contemporary construction approaches.
Operating in a complex stakeholder environment, you will work collaboratively with Queensland Rail, contractors, regulators and internal teams to manage interfaces and resolve delivery challenges, while maintaining focus on whole‑of‑network outcomes.
About You
You are an accomplished executive with substantial experience delivering large, complex infrastructure programs in safety‑critical environments, ideally within rail. You bring credibility through technical depth, sound judgement and a demonstrated ability to lead major programs through complexity and scrutiny.
You have led large, multidisciplinary teams and understand how to align people, systems and processes to deliver consistent outcomes at scale. You are confident operating at senior levels across government and industry, able to build trust, manage competing priorities and maintain momentum across interconnected programs.
You bring a strong understanding of rail safety, governance and regulatory frameworks, and the professional discipline required to balance safety, risk, cost and schedule without compromising outcomes. Your advice is measured, evidence‑based and grounded in operational reality.
Relevant tertiary qualifications in engineering, project management or a related discipline are highly regarded, alongside extensive experience in major infrastructure delivery environments.
Why Join TMR
This is a senior executive opportunity to shape the delivery of one of Australia’s most significant rail investment programs. The work is demanding, visible and complex, requiring leadership that is steady, thoughtful and deeply grounded in the realities of rail delivery.
As part of RIDO’s executive leadership team, you will contribute to building a rail network that is safer, more reliable and better integrated for future generations. The legacy of this role will be felt not only in projects delivered, but in the standards, systems and safety culture that endure long after construction is complete.
Please click ‘Apply Now’ and submit your CV and cover letter outlining your experience, motivation and suitability for the role. For a confidential discussion, please contact Neil McEwan on 0403 597 905 or Stephen Veness on 0488 336 857.
Davidson acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live. We are committed to equal opportunity and strive to promote diversity, inclusion, belonging, flexibility and accessibility in all that we do.
Should you require assistance throughout the recruitment process, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.
Applications close on 13th May 2026.
