About this opportunity

Yarra Trams is proudly operated by Yarra Journey Makers, a joint venture between Transdev Australia and John Holland. We work with the Department of Transport and Planning, alongside its transport agencies and operators to provide a fully integrated, sustainable transport service for the people of Melbourne.

We’re looking for a visionary Director of Diversity and Inclusion to champion a workplace where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. In this pivotal leadership role, you’ll set the strategic direction and drive forward initiatives that embed diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) into the heart of everything we do.

You’ll be the driving force behind cultivating an inclusive culture—one that celebrates differences, fosters belonging, and empowers every individual to thrive. From influencing executive decisions to shaping everyday practices, your impact will be felt across all levels of our organisation. If you're passionate about creating meaningful change and building a workplace where everyone can succeed, we want to hear from you.

Reporting to our Chief People and Culture Officer this role will:

• Lead the strategic development and execution of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across Yarra Trams, ensuring seamless integration with commercial goals and community responsibilities.
• Oversee the Aboriginal Self-Determination Plan, embedding principles of self-determination, cultural safety, and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, with clear milestones achieved within the first 12 months of the franchise.
• Drive the development and integration of the Gender Equity Action Plan and Aboriginal Careers Strategy into the broader DEI framework, focusing on closing gaps and expanding equitable access to opportunities across the workforce.
• Establish and nurture employee networks, including an Aboriginal Employee Network, to promote connection, mentorship, and a culturally safe workplace environment.
• Partner with the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) and relevant government bodies to advance outcomes for Aboriginal Victorians and enhance societal impact.
• Collaborate with Learning and Development to design and implement a comprehensive DEI education framework that strengthens inclusive leadership and empowers employees to cultivate a respectful, inclusive culture.
• Champion initiatives that promote social inclusion through equitable employment, procurement, and community engagement, fostering trust, psychological safety, and a strong sense of belonging enterprise wide.
• Lead a whole-of-franchise approach to embedding diversity and inclusion, ensuring alignment across internal functions and external partnerships.
• Ensure all DEI programs align with the Leadership, Inclusion, Diversity, and People (LIDP) framework and are fully integrated within the broader organizational strategy.
• Work with the Talent Acquisition team to ensure recruitment strategies, Employee Value Proposition (EVP), and organisational culture are aligned and consistently reflect diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles to foster a more inclusive and representative workforce.
• Support and promote talent development programs targeting diverse leadership pipelines, including initiatives for women and underrepresented groups.
• Implement a Cultural Safety Framework encompassing Cultural Awareness Training, Immersion Programs, and supplier diversity initiatives.
• Establish and lead a First Peoples Advisory Group to provide a culturally safe platform for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees to engage with leadership and influence decision-making.

About you

This role requires someone who can inspire change, think strategically, and champion initiatives that not only transform the franchise but also contribute positively to society. The Director, Diversity and Inclusion will be at the forefront of driving inclusivity, empowering employees, and strengthening the company’s broader impact on diversity, equity, and social responsibility. Ideally you will have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Psychology or a related discipline (or relevant experience).
• Strategic and influential leadership with a deep understanding of cultural change management, DEI strategies, and community engagement.
• Cross-departmental collaboration: Ability to work with various teams to ensure the organization’s DEI goals are successfully achieved.
• Proven expertise in managing complex, large-scale diversity initiatives and driving real change within an organisation.
• Strong communication and influencing skills, enabling effective collaboration with both internal and external stakeholders.\
• 5 years’ experience in a similar role developing and implementing DEI Strategy.
• Certificate II, III, or IV in Business Administration (Desirable)
• Exposure to engineering, construction, rail operations, manufacturing or similar industry. (Desirable)