Help turn national rail priorities into standards that work in practice.

Why ARISO – why now

ARISO brings industry and governments together around a national ambition: rail standards that are practical, trusted and increasingly harmonised across jurisdictions. By strengthening consistency and interoperability, our work can reduce unnecessary complexity, support safer operations and help unlock productivity across the Australian rail system. We are building the capability, systems and partnerships needed to turn that ambition into lasting industry outcomes.

ARISO is collaborative and connected, with clear decision pathways and meaningful access to senior leaders and industry decision-makers. You will have visible ownership of your contribution, with flexible working arrangements that support participation from across Australia. We also welcome relevant transferable capability from other regulated and safety-critical sectors.

Your opportunity to make an impact

Australia’s rail system has evolved across different networks, jurisdictions and operating environments. ARISO’s ambition is to help the industry move toward greater consistency and harmonisation where it improves safety, interoperability and productivity. Reporting to the Executive Director, Standards Development and Assurance, as Head of Standards Development and Maintenance you will lead the program that turns that ambition into authoritative, practical standards. You will lead the Standards Development Project Managers and Technical Writer, shape how new standards are developed, how the existing catalogue evolves and how industry expertise is brought into the process. This is a rare opportunity to influence the national standards lifecycle from priority and mandate through consultation, assurance, publication and ongoing maintenance.

What you will shape and deliver

Build and lead one integrated program for new standards development and published standards maintenance.

Establish clear portfolio priorities, stage-gates, delivery controls, configuration management and escalation pathways.

Lead approved standards projects from mandate and scoping through expert input, consultation, drafting, assurance preparation, approval and publication.

Own delivery of corrections, amendments, redevelopment, consolidation, retirement and republication across the standards catalogue.

Allocate internal and external capability, resolve delivery constraints and maintain realistic capacity, supplier and succession plans.

Lead and develop the Standards Development Project Managers and Technical Writer as an integrated professional team.

Mobilise Communities of Practice and trusted industry relationships to bring the strongest available expertise into standards work.

What you’ll bring

You are a senior standards, technical-governance or program leader who cares about both rigour and impact. You know that a good standard is not simply well written – it must be evidence-led, trusted by industry, capable of being implemented and maintained over time. You can bring experts together, navigate competing views and create disciplined delivery without losing sight of the bigger national opportunity. Rail experience is highly valuable, and we also welcome directly transferable experience from other nationally regulated or safety-critical sectors.

Extensive experience leading the development and maintenance of standards, rules, policies, engineering requirements or comparable regulated and safety-critical products.

Demonstrated success leading reform and translating strategic priorities into an integrated portfolio with clear governance, resources and delivery recovery.

Proven people leadership, including objective setting, coaching, feedback and performance management in professional teams.

Strong understanding of project governance, risk, configuration and document control, publication discipline and independent assurance principles.

Demonstrated ability to build and mobilise expert communities and influential cross-industry networks, with advanced consultation, negotiation and conflict-resolution skills.

Excellent written and verbal communication and sound strategic and analytical judgement in complex operating environments.

Strong capability with contemporary project, collaboration, document-management and standards-catalogue systems, including improving workflow traceability and management information.

Also valued: Relevant tertiary qualifications and experience in rail, transport, infrastructure or another nationally regulated and technically complex sector.

Role at a glance

Reports to: Executive Director, Standards Development and Assurance

Location: Flexible / remote working arrangements across Australia

Employment: Full-time

Inclusion and accessibility

We value diversity of background and experience. If we can make adjustments to the process so you can show your best, please let us know.

How to apply

Please apply with your CV and a maximum two-page statement addressing your motivation, your most relevant evidence of standards lifecycle and reform leadership, and the unique contribution you would bring.