Centre of Excellence Principal Specialist

You’ll connect Queensland. We’ll connect you to an amazing career.

Queensland Rail stands on the foundation of true connection, encompassing the relationships we foster within our teams and the communities we serve across the state. For over 150 years, we've been instrumental in linking people and places, and now we invite you to contribute to our proud legacy and shape a brighter, sustainable future.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly skilled professional with a strong background in and application of continuous improvement methodologies, business process framework development, governance and compliance assurance to join our Centre of Excellence team within the procurement and supply chain functions. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on innovation, facilitates inclusive problem solving, and drives operational excellence via a continuous improvement and change management mindset, data insights, frameworks, and stakeholder engagement. A strong focus on continuous improvement methodologies—such as Lean, Six Sigma, Agile, or Kaizen—is essential, enabling the individual to systematically identify inefficiencies, implement sustainable solutions, and foster a culture of iterative learning and adaptability across teams.

In this role, you will:

• Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of key procurement and supply chain value chains (e.g. demand-driven supply and procurement, contract management, SRM, and ESG) that enhance the value and service delivery chain, business processes and optimise commercial outcomes.
• Embed governance, compliance, and risk mitigation practices across procurement and end-to-end supply chain processes, in alignment with Queensland Procurement Policy and QR internal controls.
• Champion and provide uplift via continuous improvement initiatives using proven methodologies and tools, such as Lean, Kaizen, and Six Sigma to streamline processes and achieve an increase in maturity of business efficiency.
• Facilitate workshops and collaborative sessions to co-create and develop solutions with stakeholders, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and the delivery of scalable, future-proof business outcomes that address both current needs and long-term goals.
• Support implementation of strategic transformation projects by coordinating business readiness, process mapping, and adoption of new ways of working.
• Apply data-driven root cause analysis techniques and enable evidence-based decision-making and measurable outcomes.
• Build capability across the function by mentoring staff, uplifting process maturity, and supporting training and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Ensure compliance and risk management strategies are embedded in all processes.

Click here for the full position description.

What We are Looking For

• A strong foundation in continuous improvement methodologies—such as Lean, Six Sigma, or Agile—paired with a proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives that drive measurable improvements.
• Strong facilitation skills with the ability to bring diverse stakeholders together, foster collaboration, and co-create solutions to complex business challenges.
• Demonstrated high-level interpersonal and advisory skills, with a track record of influencing senior leaders and operational stakeholders.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing governance, risk, and compliance frameworks, ideally in a procurement and supply chain context within a large and complex organisation.
• Demonstrated experience in change management and in uplifting functional capability through coaching, training, or supporting the rollout of new systems, policies, or frameworks.
• Advanced analytical capabilities and experience using data to make informed, data-driven business decisions, identify opportunities, and monitor performance outcomes.
• Tertiary qualifications in business, lean management, procurement, supply chain, or a related field, and/or professional certifications such as MCIPS (desirable).

Remuneration & Employment Type

This is a full-time, permanent position based in Brisbane CBD.  The role offers a starting salary of $151,359 plus 12.75% superannuation, along with hybrid work options to support a healthy work-life balance.

Benefits that Count

All that Queensland Rail achieves each day relies on the hard work and talent of our teams. That’s why we offer a range of attractive benefits designed to help you bring your best, including: 

• Balance your work and personal life with flexible working options
• Enjoy free travel to work and discounted rail travel
• QRI Lifestyle offers members access to over 2,000 exclusive discounts and services
• Prioritise your physical, emotional and financial wellbeing with our range of free services
• You and your family can get fit and have fun with access to over 380 gyms and pools with our Fitness Passport
• Eligible employees can receive up to 100% reimbursement for professional membership fees
• Shape your rewarding career with clear pathways, innovative projects and opportunities for growth and leadership.

And more! Click here to see the full range of benefits available to Queensland Rail employees.

Your journey matters. Make it with us.

If you’re ready to make a real impact and contribute to the future of our organization, we encourage you to submit your resume and cover letter before 11:59 PM (AEST) on Thursday, 12th June.

If you reside outside of Queensland, please note that this role requires relocation to Brisbane by your start date, as full-time remote work or fly-in/fly-out arrangements are not supported.

As part of the recruitment process, applicants may be required to undergo pre-employment alcohol and drug testing. The selection process may also include skills assessments, video or phone interviews, psychometric testing, pre-employment health evaluations, and background checks, including criminal history and credit assessments.

Recruitment Agencies: We are managing this process internally and do not accept unsolicited applications from agencies.

Supporting a Diverse Workforce

Queensland Rail acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Elders of the lands and waterways our network traverses.

Our teams are People who Count. We encourage diversity in our teams, including different genders, age, race, disability status, sexual orientation, religions, neurodiversity, education levels and many more aspects. No two journeys are the same, and it’s because of our differences that as a collective, we achieve great things.

If you would like to discuss reasonable adjustments in the recruitment process, please contact Judy Williams at judy.williams@qr.com.au.