Executive Director (Logan to Gold Coast Faster Rail)

• Leading a major transport investment shaping South East Queensland’s rail future
• Drive whole-of-program performance across complex, multidisciplinary delivery
• Enable capacity, reliability and connectivity outcomes for South East Queensland

Transport and Main Roads (TMR)

Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is Queensland’s lead agency for integrated transport systems and infrastructure, responsible for planning, building, managing and maintaining one of Australia’s largest and most diverse transport networks. The department oversees more than 33,000 kilometres of state-controlled roads and coordinates public transport across South East Queensland, while also delivering major rail, road and active transport infrastructure programs. In addition, TMR leads policy, regulation and long-term transport planning for a rapidly growing state

TMR plays a critical role in enabling economic growth, regional development and community connectivity across Queensland, from metropolitan centres to regional and remote communities. With a workforce of more than 8,500 people, the department brings together deep expertise across engineering, project delivery, planning, policy and customer services. It is at the forefront of delivering city-shaping, state-significant infrastructure aligned to population growth and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Driven by a commitment to safety, sustainability and innovation, TMR is focused on creating a transport system that is accessible, resilient and future ready.

The Opportunity

TMR is seeking an accomplished infrastructure executive to join the Rail Infrastructure Delivery Office (RIDO) as Executive Director, Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail (LGCFR).

Valued at $5.75 billion, LGCFR is one of Queensland’s largest and most complex infrastructure investments. The program will increase rail capacity, reliability and connectivity across South East Queensland through major corridor upgrades, station improvements, level crossing removals and active transport infrastructure across approximately 20 kilometres between Kuraby and Beenleigh.

Reporting to the General Manager, RIDO, you will lead the delivery phase of the program, ensuring successful outcomes across time, cost and quality objectives while maintaining strong governance, commercial performance and stakeholder engagement. You will also be responsible for managing critical interfaces with major rail initiatives including Cross River Rail, ETCS Level 2, New Gold Coast Stations and the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program to ensure coordinated outcomes across the broader rail network.

The Role

As Executive Director, you will lead the end-to-end delivery of the LGCFR program, ensuring design and construction activities are effectively coordinated across multiple project packages. You will provide strategic oversight of commercial, financial, procurement and governance activities, while ensuring delivery partners, consultants and contractors remain aligned to program objectives. You will be accountable for program performance and will report on progress against time, cost and quality objectives, while ensuring that commercial strategies and negotiations deliver optimal value for the State.

You will provide strong leadership to multidisciplinary teams, consultants and contractors, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment that enables successful delivery outcomes. You will also lead stakeholder engagement efforts, maintaining trusted and productive relationships with Queensland Rail, delivery partners, local councils and community stakeholders.

As the senior escalation point, you will manage complex engineering, contractual, financial and delivery issues, ensuring timely resolution and continuous improvement across the program. You will oversee the development of program plans, submissions and executive reporting, and provide expert advice to senior leaders and government stakeholders. This role also requires effective management of interfaces with other major rail initiatives ensuring alignment and integration across the broader network.

About You

You are a proven executive leader with extensive experience ideally delivering brownfield rail or major rail infrastructure in complex operational environments. You understand the challenges of delivering significant construction within and alongside an operating railway and the critical interfaces associated.

You have successfully led large multidisciplinary teams, major contractors and delivery partners and can make high-quality strategic and commercial decisions in complex environments.

You bring strong systems integration and technical assurance capability, together with the discipline to monitor whole-of-program performance and manage safety, commercial, technical and delivery risks.

An influential stakeholder leader, you can build trusted relationships across government, the rail operator and delivery partners, reconcile competing priorities and communicate complex issues clearly to senior executives and government stakeholders.

You lead with clarity, accountability and sound judgement and have the resilience and strategic perspective required to operate successfully in a highly scrutinised major infrastructure environment.

Relevant tertiary qualifications in engineering, law, commercial disciplines, project management or a related field will be highly regarded.

Why Join TMR

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to lead infrastructure that will have a lasting impact on Queensland. You will lead a $5.75 billion program spanning multiple delivery packages, technical systems and network interfaces, helping create the rail capacity and connectivity required to support one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions.

As a member of RIDO’s leadership team, you will also influence outcomes beyond an individual project, contributing to the integration of major rail investments and the future performance of South East Queensland’s transport network. TMR offers a purpose-driven, inclusive and collaborative environment where experienced leaders can make a tangible and enduring contribution to Queensland’s future.

To view the Success Profile for this opportunity, please copy and paste the following link into your browser: https://tinyurl.com/4jetfc35

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 in your interactions with us or throughout the recruitment process, please let us know so we can provide appropriate adjustments.

Applications close: 7^th September 2026.