Manager - Operational Projects

About the Role We’re establishing a new capability within the Chief Operations Office to drive strategic business initiatives from concept through to operational implementation. Sitting at the intersection of construction delivery, operational performance and technology, this role will partner with stakeholders across the business to translate strategic priorities into practical, measurable outcomes. You'll lead complex business enablement projects, shape how initiatives are assessed and delivered, and help embed lasting change across John Holland. This is a unique opportunity to build something new. Working across operations, Group Functions and IT, you'll influence how John Holland adopts technology, improves business processes and drives operational performance across our projects and business. The location of this role is flexible and can be based in either our Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne offices. What you will do • Lead strategic operational initiatives from business case development through to implementation and benefits realisation • Partner with operational leaders, functional teams and technology stakeholders to define requirements and drive business outcomes • Manage project scope, budget, schedule, risks, dependencies and stakeholder engagement across multiple initiatives • Develop implementation, communication and change management strategies that support successful adoption • Monitor performance, track benefits and provide clear reporting and recommendations to senior stakeholders and governance forums • Drive initiatives through implementation and into business operations, ensuring outcomes are embedded and sustainable What we are looking for • Extensive experience delivering business improvement, transformation or operational projects within construction, engineering or infrastructure environments • Strong track record delivering complex projects within a Tier 1 contractor environment, coupled with the ability to engage effectively across operational, Group Functions and technology stakeholders • Demonstrated experience developing business cases, securing stakeholder alignment and leading complex initiatives through to execution • Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders, navigate organisational complexity and drive meaningful change • Strong commercial acumen, problem-solving capability and the ability to simplify complex business challenges • Tertiary qualifications in Engineering, Business, Civil Engineering or a related discipline What we offer • Competitive salary and benefits, including salary continuance and salary sacrifice options • Flexible work arrangements and generous leave, including 18 weeks paid parental leave • Career development through technical, leadership and emerging talent programs • Opportunities to work on some of Australia's most iconic projects • A diverse and inclusive culture where everyone feels they belong • Wellbeing support and benefits designed to help you thrive At John Holland, our purpose is simple: we transform lives with everything we do. We know infrastructure is about people - our customers, our employees and the communities we work in every day. That's what sets us apart: deep expertise, proven capability and a genuine commitment to creating better outcomes for people along the way. With expertise spanning engineering, construction and operations, we're delivering the projects and services that keep communities moving. From rail, roads and bridges to hospitals and stadiums, we've helped shape Australia through iconic projects. You'll even see us operating buses, trains and trams. Be part of a team that's up for the challenge of transforming lives. John Holland does not accept any speculative or unsolicited CV’s from agencies that have been sent to our internal recruitment team or hiring managers.