Group Manager Operations – Puffing Billy Railway

• Lead rail service delivery, heritage, environmental and asset management functions
• Executive leadership role at one of Victoria’s most iconic heritage attractions
• Shape operational excellence, safety culture and long-term sustainability

Puffing Billy Railway is much more than a train ride – it transports visitors on a magical journey that becomes a cherished lifetime memory. As Australia’s foremost operating steam railway and one of the largest heritage railways in the world, Puffing Billy Railway is a Victorian State Government entity governed under the Puffing Billy Railway Act (2022) and reports to the Minister through the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions.

Puffing Billy Railway is seeking an accomplished and forward-thinking Group Manager Operations to lead the organisation’s rail service delivery, heritage and environmental management, and asset management functions. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, this critical role ensures operational excellence, compliance, and the preservation of a unique cultural asset while strengthening the organisation’s future capability.

As Group Manager Operations, you will oversee rail service delivery, heritage, preservation, environmental and asset management strategies ensuring safe, reliable and compliant service delivery in line with relevant legislation including the Rail Safety National Law and the Puffing Billy Railway Act (2022). You will lead the development of data-driven operational strategies and foster a proactive culture of safety, continuous improvement, and regulatory compliance. You will also steward the organisation’s heritage, preservation and environmental programs, ensuring these vital custodial responsibilities are upheld and strengthened.

A key focus of the role is the development and maturation of the asset management accountability framework, ensuring alignment with Victorian Government requirements and long-term sustainability. You will guide and unify multidisciplinary teams, contribute to organisational strategic planning, and represent Puffing Billy Railway across government, industry and community forums. You will also lead cultural transformation, embed consistent business systems and processes, and mentor leaders to build capability across the organisation.

The ideal candidate will bring significant executive experience in operational leadership within complex, multi-stakeholder environments preferably in rail, transport, infrastructure, tourism, heritage or public sector contexts. You will demonstrate strong commercial and analytical skills, a track record in safety and risk management, and experience delivering operational and cultural transformation. Exceptional stakeholder engagement and communication skills are essential, as is a strong commitment to child safety, public sector values and community stewardship.

To view the Success Profile for this opportunity, please copy and paste the following link into your browser: https://tinyurl.com/ym59b75r

To apply, please click ‘apply now’ and upload your CV and Cover Letter. For any questions not outlined in the PD and for a confidential discussion, please contact Natasha Diamond on 0412 822 348 or Kate Chase on 0412 254 802.

Davidson acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work and live. We are also committed to equal opportunity and strive to promote diversity, inclusion, belonging, flexibility, and accessibility in all that we do.

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Applications Close on Friday 2^nd October at 11:55pm