About this opportunity

At Yarra Trams, safety is at the heart of everything we do. We are seeking an experienced and strategic Manager, Risk to lead the implementation and continuous improvement of the operational risk management framework. This is a pivotal leadership role that will help shape a proactive, risk-aware and generative safety culture across the organisation.

Reporting to the Director, Risk and Quality, you will provide expert leadership in the identification, assessment, management and mitigation of operational risks across health, safety, environmental, sustainability and security disciplines. You will work closely with senior leaders and operational teams to ensure risks are effectively managed while promoting a proactive risk culture and ensuring compliance with regulatory obligations and internal standards.

In this role, you will:

• Lead the development, implementation and ongoing enhancement of Yarra Trams' Operational Risk Management Framework and Safety Management System.
• Drive organisational change by promoting a strong risk and safety culture across all levels of the business.
• Manage the Operational Risk Register, ensuring key risks are appropriately assessed, monitored, reported and escalated.
• Provide strategic risk advice and guidance to operational leaders, executives and key stakeholders.
• Lead the Management of Change (MoC) process to ensure operational changes are assessed and implemented safely.
• Coordinate Notifications of Change (NoC) with the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR).
• Support leaders in identifying, managing and mitigating safety and operational risks.
• Develop and deliver risk and safety training programs to enhance organisational capability.
• Monitor the integration of risk reporting, investigations and audit activities to strengthen organisational assurance and decision-making.
• Prepare and present risk and compliance reports to senior management, executive committees and regulatory stakeholders.
• Build strong, collaborative relationships across the organisation to influence positive safety outcomes.
• Deputise for the Director, Risk and Quality when required.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a risk and safety leader who is passionate about creating safer workplaces, influencing organisational performance and delivering meaningful change within a complex operational environment.

About you

You are a highly experienced risk and safety professional with a track record of successfully leading operational risk and safety programs in complex, technical or highly regulated environments. You are a strategic thinker who can influence at all levels of an organisation while remaining hands-on in driving practical outcomes.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Tertiary qualifications in Risk, Safety, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience across at least two of the following disciplines: risk, safety, engineering or compliance.
• Demonstrated experience implementing and operating within an integrated Safety Management System (SMS).
• Strong experience conducting risk assessments and managing operational risks within technical, infrastructure, construction or transport environments.
• Proven success leading complex safety initiatives, organisational change programs and continuous improvement activities.
• A deep understanding of Australian Occupational Health and Safety and Rail Safety legislation, standards and regulatory requirements.
• Experience establishing and maintaining compliance frameworks and assurance programs.
• Strong knowledge of operational rules, procedures, codes of practice and governance frameworks.
• Experience managing Management of Change (MoC) processes and supporting regulatory submissions.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to coach, influence and educate leaders at all levels.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare executive-level reports and presentations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to manage competing priorities and tight deadlines.
• An unwavering commitment to integrity, confidentiality and professional conduct.
• A passion for fostering a culture of safety, accountability and continuous improvement.