Strategic Rail Planning Lead

About the role

To support our continued growth, WSP is seeking an experienced Strategic Rail Planning Lead to join our Brisbane team. This pivotal role addresses a key gap in our expanding client-side rail business, including all aspects of rail scheme business case development such as rail operations, engineering advisory and rail network planning and strategy development.

Reporting directly to the QLD Rail Regional Executive, you’ll collaborate closely with our national Strategic Rail Planning team to shape the future of rail in Queensland and beyond.

Aligned with the Strategic Rail Planning Lead role, this position also encompasses responsibilities as the Rail Client Account Manager for one of our public sector principal clients. The dual role provides strategic leadership and oversight of a major client portfolio, representing one or more of WSP’s key brand clients. It requires a whole-of-business approach to building and maintaining strong client relationships, identifying and pursuing new opportunities, and effectively positioning WSP to win and deliver outstanding service. Central to this role is ensuring a coordinated, high-performing response that meets or exceeds client expectations, setting the benchmark for ‘gold standard’ service delivery.

The key responsibilities for this role include:

Leadership

- Lead a team delivering strategic rail planning projects, primarily within the Queensland market.

- Lead integrated, multi-disciplinary project teams, including specialists in rail operations and planning, engineering advisory, transport demand modelling, and broader transport planning and economics.

- Support and mentor staff to help them grow and realise their potential.

- Lead and foster a strong safety culture to ensure the well-being of all team members.

- Forge strong connections with WSP’s national Strategic Rail Planning team, leveraging national expertise and capabilities to pursue and deliver high-impact rail projects across Queensland.

Client Engagement & Relationship Management

As a key contributor to our rail team, you will play a dual role in both winning work and delivering value to clients. This includes:

- Build strong relationships with key decision-makers in Queensland transport, using initiatives like the Rail Network Strategy and 2032 Olympics planning to position WSP as a trusted advisor.

- Oversee WSP’s rail client TMR Rail relationships, including marketing, issue resolution, and feedback.

- Collaborate closely with the TMR Client Account Lead and Rail Client Account Team as part of WSP’s Client Program

- Stay up to date on client needs and priorities while boosting WSP’s visibility.

- Support key bids by working with proposal teams to strengthen our value proposition.

- Mentor team members on client engagement, panel processes, and contract terms.

Business Development & Strategy

- Engage regularly with clients and stakeholders to identify and shape strategic rail planning opportunities and develop action plans to win work.

- Lead bids for public and private sector clients, primarily in Queensland.

- Support business development by advising pursuit teams on client strategy, teaming, and submissions.

- Share relevant client and project insights across the business.

Collaboration & Strategic Contribution

- Interface closely with Queensland advisory, planning, and mobility teams to identify broader collaboration opportunities across rail and transport sectors.

About You

If you have a passion for team leadership, managing / delivering rail planning projects and building client relationships we’d love to hear from you.

We will discuss how to tailor the role to your unique skills and personal goals. WSP is committed to enabling flexible working arrangements and with our broad variety of projects, we can develop a role that suits you and allows you to thrive. Additionally, you will be supported to take your career and professional capabilities to the next level.

We welcome candidates from different technical / discipline backgrounds who believe they have what it takes to succeed. As a guide, the relevant skills and qualifications you may bring to the role include:

- Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Engineering, Project Management or equivalent. Masters’ Degree preferred.

- Minimum of 10 years' relevant post graduate experience.

- Broad experience in leading rail planning projects, especially at the strategic level to help public and private clients to shape their future networks.

- Deep knowledge and experience in business case development process in Australia, especially in Queensland.

- Well connected to rail professionals in Queensland, especially with decision-makers from governmental organisations.

- Ability and willingness to bring new businesses to the company, by maintaining and developing a professional network in Queensland, as well as preparing outstanding bids for clients.

- Great interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with people from many different disciplines in a dynamic environment.

- You will be actively encouraged to achieve and maintain registration with the relevant industry body (e.g. Engineers Australia or AITPM).

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.

An employee Share Purchase Plan is available to all our permanent employees who wish to become owners and vested partners in WSP’s collective success. To find out more about our commitment to the health and wellbeing of our people, and the programs we’ve designed to help you thrive, go to our Employee Benefits page.

With us, you can. Apply today.

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