About Laing O'Rourke

Laing O’Rourke is a $6 billion global engineering and manufacturing-led construction leader, delivering state-of-the-art infrastructure and buildings projects. In Australia, we’ve proudly operated under the Laing O’Rourke banner for over 20 years, building on more than 70 years of local expertise. 

Driven by our purpose - pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, in service of humanity - we create safer hospitals, cleaner water, secure defence facilities, and better-connected cities. We also build meaningful careers and inclusive workplaces where people thrive. Backed by global strength and deep local roots, our unique operating model combines cutting-edge technology with modern methods of construction to deliver certainty for clients and transform how infrastructure is engineered and built.

We also own two vertically integrated businesses: Select Plant Australia, the nation’s fourth-largest plant hire company, and Laing O’Rourke Rail Operations, supporting major projects and nationwide rail maintenance.

That’s the Power of Experience.

About the role

We are currently seeking a Senior Rail Safety Manager to join our Corporate HSE Governance and Assurance Team. We’ll consider applicants based in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to be based in one of our east coast head offices.  

This role will provide governance, assurance, support and guidance across the Australian business in all areas of rail infrastructure and rail safety. This ensures that Laing O’Rourke’s accredited rail safety management system remains compliant to national law and industry best practices and standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and strategic advice on rail and safety management systems, procedures and compliance Nationally.

• Work proactively to coach and mentor across regions to ensure high level of awareness and compliance to the rail safety management system requirements and requirements from the RIMs.
• Maintaining and continually improving the rail safety management system in line with legislation and accreditation requirements.
• Undertaking governance and assurance activities in line with Laing O’Rourke’s rail and safety management systems.
• Provide governance and assurance around Laing O’Rourke’s management of Rolling Stock and Rolling Stock accreditation.
• Driving Leaders capability in rail safety through coaching and other relevant development strategies.
• Participate in the development of rail‑focused risk mitigation and incident prevention initiatives.
• Engaging regulatory bodies, industry bodies and non-government organisations on rail safety issues.
• Ensuring accurate rail regulator reporting requirements are undertaken and met.
• Participate in third party accreditation audits.

 About you

• 10 years’ experience in similar high-risk industry.
• Demonstrated experience in large, high-risk construction organisations, preferably in rail, services, mining, infrastructure, or related sectors.
• Proficiency in implementing risk-based rail and HS systems and assurance programs, coaching leaders, and empowering teams.
• Strong interpersonal skills in order to influence and engage effectively with people all levels of the organization.
• A mindset that constructively challenges, improves, and evolves systems and processes.
• Holds a relevant degree or diploma or other tertiary qualification in specialist rail safety, HSE sector or engineering / business management and occupational hygiene.

Benefits

We work hard to create an environment that brings out the best in our people. We believe in building careers through providing a safe, connected and innovative culture that supports ongoing growth and development. We offer industry-leading benefits such as specialised learning and development programs, a mental health and wellbeing program, industry leading paid parental leave policy, an additional purchased leave option and coaching programs for staff on parental leave.

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the diverse society in which we live and work. Laing O’Rourke is recognised as a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality in 2020, 2022, 2024 and 2026. We know that the right culture and purposeful innovation are key to delivering impact.

Laing O'Rourke actively supports a diverse workforce and strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Download our Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan at https://www.laingorourke.com/company/diversity-and-inclusion

Applications from recruitment agencies will not be considered.