Lead Project Manager – Regional Rail Sydney Operations

• High-profile, transformative infrastructure project
• Lead cross-functional teams and foster collaboration
• Diverse and challenging scope 

About the Project:

The NSW Government’s Regional Rail Fleet Project is replacing the ageing XPT, XPLORER, and Endeavour train fleets with a modern fleet of 29 diesel-electric motor units. Under this ambitious and transformative project, UGL will deliver essential works and maintain these trains through a newly constructed state-of-the-art maintenance facility in Dubbo, while also upgrading and operating the existing Sydenham Maintenance Centre (SMC).

This role will be based in the Sydney project office to manage the key Critical Works Packages for the SMC including upgrades to the facility, site electrical supply and distribution, diesel fume extraction, fire and life safety systems, and much more, ensuring the infrastructure meets modern train fleet standards and building compliance. Interdependencies across these packages must be carefully planned and managed within a detailed program of works. UGL is a key player within the consortium and takes lead responsibility for delivering the subcontract maintenance and critical infrastructure works.

About Your Role:

As the Lead Project Manager, you will be responsible for driving and delivering impactful project outcomes for the Regional Rail Project and the Sydenham Maintenance Centre portion of works, including the Critical Works Packages and projects for NSW Passenger Maintenance. This role involves leading the team to ensure project success while adhering to UGL’s core principles, safety standards, and operational frameworks.

Your responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
 

• Lead planning, execution, and delivery of scope, budget, schedule, quality, and risk requirements.
• Act as the primary UGL project representative and client interface, ensuring strong collaboration and open communication.
• Monitor project KPIs, financial baselines, risks, and opportunities; propose improvements to drive performance.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Manage stakeholder engagement across functional groups, ensuring project alignment and timely delivery.
• Provide regular reporting and insights to internal leadership and clients.
• Deliver the project within budget and on time.

About You:

The successful candidate for the Lead Project Manager role must possess the following key attributes:
 

• Leadership Excellence: Proven ability to lead and manage cross-functional teams across various disciplines.
• Customer Focus: A team-oriented and results-driven approach, ensuring accountability and alignment with client expectations.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional oral and written communication skills, including strong negotiation and influencing capabilities, with the ability to build effective relationships at all levels, both internally and externally.
• People Management: Outstanding interpersonal and people management skills to inspire teams and foster collaboration.
• Operational and Financial Expertise: Comprehensive experience in systems, operations, financial management, resource planning, and reporting.
• Commercial Acumen: Strong business, financial, and commercial expertise to navigate complex project landscapes.
• Project Management Proficiency: In-depth knowledge of project management fundamentals and the project lifecycle.

Education and Experience:

To thrive in this role, candidates must possess the following qualifications and experience:
 

• Experience: A minimum of 10 years of demonstrable experience in project management, specifically in multi-disciplined infrastructure, rolling stock, rail systems, manufacturing, maintenance, or engineering environments.
• Project Management Certification: Preferably a Certificate IV or above in Project Management; Certified Practicing Project Manager (CPPM) certification is highly regarded.
• Engineering Judgement: Demonstrated ability to apply sound engineering insights and provide solutions to project matters, including technical design aspects, financial considerations, and commercial implications.
• Project Lifecycle Expertise: Extensive experience delivering projects across all phases of the lifecycle, beyond interface management roles.
• Education: A tertiary qualification in Engineering.
• Proficiency with scheduling tools, including MS Project and Primavera P6.
• Experience with project control techniques, such as earned value management (EVM), S-curve reporting, risk and opportunity management, and project financial forecasting.

Our Benefits:

• Strategic Impact: Lead significant projects, including Critical Works Packages and NSW Passenger Maintenance projects, and directly contribute to the success of a high-profile Regional Rail initiative.
• Leadership Opportunity: Serve as the primary UGL representative, leading cross-functional teams and fostering collaboration in a matrix-style project environment.
• Working with Industry Leaders: Be part of UGL, a trusted name within the CIMIC Group and a leader in the rail, infrastructure, and engineering industries.
• Career Development: Enjoy opportunities for growth in one of Australia's largest and most respected infrastructure and engineering organisations.
• Dynamic Work Environment: Work on diverse projects offering unique problem-solving and technical leadership opportunities.
• Collaborative Culture: Join a team that prioritises innovation, safety, and accountability, ensuring excellence in project execution and delivery.
• Excellent Remuneration: Receive an attractive salary and benefits package that rewards your expertise and leadership.
• Core Values: Work in alignment with UGL Principles, upholding professionalism, integrity, and respect in every interaction.

About UGL

UGL is a well-known and respected for providing end-to-end engineering, construction and maintenance services within; rail and transport, communications and technology systems, oil and gas, power, renewables and resources, water and defence markets. UGL partners with some of the world’s largest blue-chip companies and government agencies, private enterprises and public institutions. We are a member of the CIMIC Group of companies.

At UGL, we value diversity – in the backgrounds, ideas, work styles and perspectives of our team. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly encourage people with disability, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people, mature aged workers and people from culturally diverse backgrounds to apply.

Please note that relevant screening checks will be conducted as part of the recruitment process. These may include a national criminal history check and for you to undergo pre-employment medical assessment including drug and alcohol screen.

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