Group Senior Manager Rail Safety

Where Connection Counts

At Queensland Rail, connection is at the heart of everything we do – connecting communities, supporting the economy and enabling the future of Queensland.

We are entering a defining period for rail in Queensland. Over the next decade, our network will undergo one of its most significant transformations, with major investments in infrastructure, new rail assets, digital signalling and network expansion changing how we operate and serve our customers every day.

Projects such as Cross River Rail, the rollout of the European Train Control System (ETCS), the Sunshine Coast rail expansion and broader network enhancements will unlock network capacity, improve safety and reliability, and reshape the customer experience across South East Queensland.

As we prepare for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Queensland Rail will play a central role in delivering a world-class transport network for Queensland. This transformation presents a unique opportunity for an experienced safety executive to influence the future of rail safety, governance and operational excellence at a critical time in the organisation's history.

About the Role

As a member of Queensland Rail's senior leadership team, the Group Senior Manager Rail Safety is responsible for leading the enterprise-wide Rail Safety, Governance and Assurance functions.

This permanent full-time position is based in Brisbane's CBD and will require periodic travel across Queensland to engage with regional operations, stakeholders and safety initiatives.

This role is critical to ensuring Queensland Rail continues to operate one of Australia's safest and most complex rail networks while supporting significant organisational growth, infrastructure investment and changing customer demands.

Working closely with operational leaders, executives and the Board, you will provide strategic leadership across safety governance, rail safety accreditation, assurance, investigations and compliance. You will also act as a key interface with the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR), ensuring Queensland Rail meets its legislative obligations and remains aligned with industry best practice.

This is a career-defining opportunity to:

• Lead Queensland Rail's strategic approach to Rail Safety.
• Influence safety outcomes across one of Australia's largest and most complex rail networks.
• Drive enterprise-wide safety governance, assurance and accreditation frameworks.
• Lead organisational learning through safety investigations, emergency preparedness and risk management initiatives.
• Partner with executive leaders, and the Board on critical safety, compliance and governance matters.
• Serve as the key interface in managing Queensland Rails accreditation with the Office of National Rail Safety Regulator.
• Support major infrastructure investments and network growth in operations while maintaining a strong focus on safe operational performance.
• Build upon Queensland Rail's strong safety culture and drive continuous improvement across the organisation.

People Who Count – About You

You are an influential and commercially astute leader with substantial experience in safety leadership, governance, assurance or risk management within a large, complex and highly regulated environment.

You will bring:

• Extensive experience leading enterprise safety, governance, assurance or risk functions within rail, transport, infrastructure or other safety-critical industries.
• Strong knowledge of rail safety legislation, accreditation requirements and regulatory frameworks.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing strategies that improve safety performance, compliance and organisational outcomes.
• The ability to influence and engage effectively with Boards, executive leadership teams, regulators and operational stakeholders.
• A proven track record of building high-performing teams and fostering a strong safety culture.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement, communication and change leadership skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to navigate complex operational challenges.
• A passion for continuous improvement and delivering safe, sustainable outcomes for customers, employees and the community.

Why Queensland Rail?

This is more than a safety leadership role. It is an opportunity to help shape the future of rail in Queensland as we prepare for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, deliver major network transformation projects and continue to connect communities across the state safely and reliably.

If you are passionate about safety leadership, governance excellence and leaving a legacy on Queensland's transport future, we would love to hear from you.

Our Culture and Commitment

At Queensland Rail, we are building a workplace where everyone feels respected, safe and able to contribute their best. We value diverse perspectives, experiences and ways of thinking because we know they lead to better outcomes for our customers and communities.

We are committed to attracting and retaining a workforce that reflects the communities we serve, and to creating an inclusive environment where people can thrive and grow.

What's on Offer

This is a unique opportunity to lead at scale during a period of unprecedented transformation.

Working with Queensland Rail, you'll benefit from:

• Hybrid working options (given the strategic nature of this role, a significant office presence is required)
• Free Citytrain travel to and from work
• Fitness Passport program
• Employee Assistance Program supporting health and wellbeing
• Executive-level exposure across the organisation
• The opportunity to contribute to major projects shaping Queensland's future
• An executive remuneration package reflective of the scope, complexity and strategic importance of the role, aligned to the successful candidate's experience and market expectations.

Learn more about Queensland Rail’s purpose, people, and progress – watch our short video here.

Why This Role Stands Out

This role offers the rare combination of:

• Enterprise-wide executive leadership and influence
• Direct engagement with the Board, Executive Leadership Team and regulators
• Ownership of Queensland Rail's Rail Safety governance, assurance and accreditation framework
• Exposure to major state-shaping infrastructure and transformation programs
• The opportunity to create a lasting safety legacy ahead of Brisbane 2032 and beyond

Your journey matters. Make it with us. 

 
There has never been a more exciting time to join Queensland Rail. We offer boundless opportunities to support your career today and for your future. 
 

Apply via our website by clicking the apply button before 11.59pm Sunday the 2nd of August 2026. To read the position description click HERE
 
Applicants for roles at Queensland Rail may undergo pre-employment alcohol and drug testing if they advance in the recruitment process. The selection process may include psychometric assessments, pre-employment health checks and background screenings, which could involve criminal history and credit checks.  

To learn more about this career opportunity, please contact Liam McKeown via email at liam.mckeown@qr.com.au

We’re a team of thousands and we’re proud of our individual journeys and stories. And as we grow, we need more diverse backgrounds and perspectives than ever before. We are committed to facilitating a barrier-free recruitment process and work environment. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.