Work Type: Fixed-term - Full-time
Salary: $138,631 - $185,518
Grade: VPS 6
Occupation: Projects
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Reference: 9124
About us
We create thriving places and connected communities. We bring together transport, planning, land use, precinct and policy functions in a single department to deliver the best outcomes for Victorians.
Together with our portfolio agencies, we are responsible for planning, building, operating and maintaining Victoria’s transport, planning and land services for use by all.
We foster a safe, inclusive and constructive place to work.
About the group
Investment and Technology leads and manages the investment lifecycle; drives commercial advice & negotiations to facilitate reform; and enables core delivery through Finance, Procurement & Enterprise Technology.
About the project
The Department of Transport, through Head, Transport for Victoria has a contracting relationship with our major train operator, Metro Trains Melbourne, managed on behalf of the Victorian Government.
Agreed and awarded in 2017, this franchise agreement is currently in place until 2027.
The Department of Transport and Planning established a new project team, MR5, which is comprehensively reviewing the State’s franchise framework. The team provided options and is constructing the future agreements for implementation following the expiry of the current MR4 Train franchise agreements in
November 2027.
The MR5 Train contract is being tendered through a competitive procurement process to obtain the best operator for Melbourne’s train network. The contract is the State’s largest service contract and details among other requirements, the day-to-day operation of services and performance standards; responsibilities about customer services, security and staffing; and maintenance and cleaning.
The project team supports the Department of Transport and Planning’s regular due diligence and review of existing and future proposed arrangements, ensuring that our contracts are providing the best value for money and enhanced services for the Victorian community..
About the role
This is a Full TIME FIXED TERM position until 28/11/2027
Reporting to the Finance Lead, MR5, this role will play a key, autonomous role in the delivery of the financial workstream to meet project objectives.
Working closely with the Finance Lead, MR5 and broader project stakeholders, and drawing on the expertise of specialist advisory consultancies, the Commercial Manager will be responsible for undertaking detailed analysis of the contractual arrangements and financial data to assess financial performance to inform future contractual requirements and due diligence; liaising with internal stakeholders on funding arrangements; identification and management of financial risks and issues; and production of project documentation for both internal and external audiences.
The successful applicant will have substantial experience with financial models relevant to complex contracts and familiarity with public sector funding and budgetary processes.
Experience with large scale, complex commercial transactions in the infrastructure and/or transport settings will be desirable.
To access the Position Description, please click here
We are seeking a proactive professional with accomplished capabilities in critical thinking, project delivery, data literacy, and commercial acumen, who can translate strategy into effective programs, derive value from data, and drive sound investment decisions. They will excel in leading stakeholder management and fostering a collaborative culture, navigating complex needs to deliver innovative solutions and high-value organisational outcomes.
Position accountabilities
– Gathered and analysed information from within DTP and from other sources to support development of financial arrangements for the new agreements, including ensuring budget impacts are fully considered.
– Prepared advice, including submissions to government and internal stakeholder briefings on the financial arrangements for the new agreements and other complex financial matters, including budgetary impacts.
– Lead the identification and resolution of commercial and strategic issues to support timely and effective decision making and negotiations.
– Oversaw preparation of project documentation that clearly and accurately reflect the financial impact of agreed commercial positions.
– Lead the achievement of value for money outcomes through participation in the financial evaluation of options.
Technical capabilities
– Management Accounting (Accomplished): Works with the business to analyse budget data, deliver reporting tools, and assess financial environment impacts. Works with the business to interpret budget data and analyse variances to prepare budget forecasts. Develops and implements complex financial information into consumable reporting mechanisms to support decision-making. Monitors, evaluates and reports on environmental factors that impact financial outcomes and decision-making processes.
– Financial Planning (Accomplished): Leads financial planning across portfolios, ensuring funding alignment, financial sustainability, and value delivery. Oversees development of multi-year financial plans across initiatives or asset groups. Leads financial components of business cases, funding submissions, and investment plans. Advises on cost–risk–performance balancing and financial sustainability. Applies lifecycle cost models and cost-benefit analysis to support asset investment decisions.
– Business Analysis (Accomplished): Holds advanced knowledge in business analysis. Leads initiatives, develops new methods, and effectively applies skills in complex situations. Contributes to the advancement of business analysis capabilities. Leads the development and implementation of comprehensive business analysis projects. Oversees complex requirement gathering and solution assessment activities. Develops and implements innovative solutions to address business needs and challenges.
Qualifications and experience
Mandatory
– Demonstrated experience with public sector funding and budgetary processes.
– Demonstrated experiences with financial models in with public or private sectors, ideally in an infrastructure or transport setting.
– A relevant tertiary qualification in commerce, finance, economics, business management or related commercial discipline.
Desirable
– At least 2 years of professional experience in a commercial transaction setting, ideally in an infrastructure or transport setting.
Other position-specific requirements
Occasionally working out of other DTP offices across Melbourne.
Culture Value
We welcome applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds representing the community that we serve, including veterans, parents, carers, First Peoples, people with disability, multicultural, multifaith and LGBTIQA+ individuals.
As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and high-performance culture. Through shared actions and behaviours aligned with our strategy and direction, we empower our people to thrive and meaningfully contribute to the department’s goals.
What we offer
Working at the Department of Transport and Planning provides people with the opportunity to contribute to creating thriving places and connected communities for all Victorians.
For further details please refer to Careers at the Department of Transport and Planning.
Pre-employment checks and employment conditions
All new appointments to the department will be subject to a National Criminal Records Check, Misconduct Screening, and a Qualification Check where there is a requirement for a mandatory qualification. Information provided to the Department of Transport and Planning will be treated in the strictest confidence consistent with the requirements of the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014.
Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa necessary for the nature of the position.
Recipients of Victorian Public Service (VPS) voluntary departure packages should note that re-employment restrictions apply.
Non-VPS applicants will be subject to a probation period of six months.
How to apply
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Applications close at 11.59pm on Monday, the 15th of December 2025.
Please include both your resume and a cover letter. All applications must be submitted via the online portal, we’re unable to accept email or manual submissions.
For further information about the role, please contact Finance Lead, Angela Yap via [email protected].
Important Information:
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