Job Overview & Organization Mission

Command nationwide heavy rail freight movements, locomotive fleet scheduling, and safety accreditation across interstate corridors.

Pacific National is seeking a proven Head of National Heavy Rail Operations based at our corporate headquarters in Sydney. You will lead interstate container rail freight services, manage driver depot networks, oversee train control centers, and maintain safety accreditation under the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR).

As a key member of the team at Pacific National in Sydney, NSW, you will play a central role in driving excellence, upholding top-tier Australian industry standards, and contributing directly to the strategic milestones of one of the nation’s premier employers.

Key Duties & Core Responsibilities

In this critical role, your operational duties and key performance responsibilities will encompass:

• Lead national: Lead national operations for transcontinental container rail services across the East-West and North-South corridors.
• Optimize locomotive: Optimize locomotive and rollingstock fleet utilization, cycle times, and fuel conservation.
• Ensure uncompromising: Ensure uncompromising safety compliance under the Rail Safety National Law (RSNL).
• Negotiate pathing: Negotiate pathing access agreements with Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) and state rail authorities.
• Manage train: Manage train crew rostering agreements, fatigue risk management systems, and driver training academies.

Required Qualifications, Licenses & Experience

To be successful in this position at Pacific National, candidates are expected to satisfy the following essential selection criteria:

• Mandatory Qualification: Degree in Engineering, Transport Logistics, or extensive Rail Executive Credentials.
• Relevant Experience: Minimum 5+ Years of verified industry experience in Australia or recognized overseas equivalence.
• Degree in Transport Logistics, Engineering, or equivalent senior rail operations background.
• 10+ years operational leadership experience within the rail transport or heavy freight sector.
• Demonstrated experience managing regulatory accreditation with ONRSR.
• Strong commercial acumen in multi-million dollar freight transport contracts.

Core Competencies & Key Technical Proficiencies

The successful applicant will possess demonstrated capabilities across the following domain skill sets:

Salary, Compensation & Employee Benefits

At Pacific National, we understand that our people drive our achievements. An outstanding remuneration and wellbeing package is provided in line with Australian benchmarks:

• Competitive Remuneration: AU$210,000 – AU$260,000 per year + standard Australian Superannuation (11.5%).
• Executive remuneration $210,000 – $260,000 + short-term incentive bonus + 11.5% super.
• Lead the vital rail backbone powering Australia’s domestic supply chain.
• Central Sydney CBD headquarters with national travel provisions.
• Leave Entitlements: 4 weeks annual leave (with 17.5% annual leave loading where applicable) plus 10 days paid personal/carer’s leave.
• Flexible Work: Progressive work-life balance options with supportive corporate culture and leadership development pathways.

About the Employer: Pacific National

Pacific National is Australia’s largest private rail freight operator, hauling critical bulk commodities and containerized freight across the nation.

Pacific National is deeply committed to building diverse, equitable, and culturally inclusive work environments. We proudly celebrate diversity and welcome applications from all qualified individuals including First Nations Australians, people with disabilities, and candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Application Process & Next Steps

Applications for this position are currently open and being reviewed on a rolling basis. Suitable candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible before the published closing date.

Please prepare an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a tailored Cover Letter highlighting your relevant experience against the key selection criteria outlined above.

To proceed with your application, click the Apply on Employer Site button to access the official Pacific National careers gateway.