Operational Readiness Specialist

Cross River Rail will transform the way we travel to, from and through Brisbane in the future. It will be a catalyst for 10 years of wider rail transformation across the whole of South East Queensland and it is already playing a key role in how we prepare for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Cross River Rail is a new 10.2km rail line including 5.9km of twin tunnels running under the Brisbane River and CBD. It includes the delivery of four new underground stations, two new above-ground stations, accessibility rebuilds for six stations, the construction of three new stations on the Gold Coast, and the introduction of a new world-class 'ETCS' signalling system.
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to work on one of Australia's largest infrastructure projects and to be a part of something that will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.
About the Role
With much of our infrastructure and assets built and new rail systems approaching testing phase the Operational Readiness Specialist will play a crucial role in managing interfaces between internal and external stakeholders to ensure the seamless integration and operational readiness of rail systems, assets, and networks for handover.
Key responsibilities include operational project management, schedule integration, risk identification, and issue resolution to deliver on contractual, commercial, performance and safety objectives. You will lead stakeholder engagement and coordination including facilitating workshops align activities across our delivery partners and government agencies.
Working from our modern corporate office in the heart of Brisbane's CBD, this opportunity is offered as a fixed term contract until December 2026 with possible extension.
**Key Responsibilities**:
Implement and refine the Operational Readiness Program within governance frameworks, with a focus on aligning stakeholder interfaces and achieving commercial goals.
Project manage operational readiness activities including schedule integration, tracking milestone progress and stakeholder performance.
Facilitate workshops and working groups to align stakeholders, define roles and responsibilities, and drive successful program outcomes.
Provide operational readiness support to Testing and Commissioning team and support the Operator through Service Testing and Service Demonstration activities.
Identify, document, and mitigate risks affecting operational readiness interfaces and schedules, maintaining comprehensive risk and action registers.
Provide high-quality reporting on progress, risks, and mitigation strategies, ensuring commercially viable solutions for senior leadership.
Foster strong relationships and engagement with internal and external stakeholders.
Lead the engagement between internal and external stakeholders, ensuring effective coordination, communication, and integration of activities.
**About You**:
Proven experience delivering complex operational readiness and integration activities in a large scale project environment preferably within rail or public transport infrastructure.
Strong project management skills, including risk and issue management, with recognised certifications such as PMP or Prince2 desirable.
Advanced communication and stakeholder engagement abilities to align internal and external partners toward commercially driven outcomes.
Proficiency in schedule and programme management tools, including MS Project and Primavera.
Extensive written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and effectively to varied audiences in a commercially viable manner.
Highly organised, with the ability to work with initiative and independence, ensuring timeframes are clearly communicated and met, and ability to adapt to sudden changes in expectations or priorities.
Why work with CRRDA?
On Cross River Rail you will not only work with the best but become your best. And as we enter a new phase of delivery, our project offers a rare career opportunity for top tier professionals to have played their part on something that is genuinely city shaping and transformative.
Our people are supported with flexible work options, career development through the Australian Institute of Management, salary packaging and access to world class employee assistance provider Telus Health.
At Cross River Rail we are an equal opportunity employer and strive to build balanced teams from all walks of life.
How To Apply