Executive Director, Standards Development & Assurance

Melbourne | Sydney | Brisbane

Full-time | Executive Leadership

Exceptional people. One national ambition.

Lead the standards that will shape Australia’s rail future.

Australia’s rail industry is changing, and we’re looking for an exceptional executive to help lead that transformation.

At ARISO, we’re building a stronger, more connected national rail system through modern standards, technical excellence and genuine industry collaboration.

We’re seeking an Executive Director, Standards Development & Assurance who is excited by the opportunity to lead national reform, inspire talented people and help shape the future of rail safety, productivity and interoperability.

About ARISO

The Australian Rail Industry Standards Organisation (ARISO) is a national, industry-owned, not-for-profit organisation with a big ambition: to help create a safer, more productive and interoperable Australian rail network.

We’re strengthening our role as a national technical authority, working with industry, government and regulators to develop and implement standards that make a real difference.

We’re a growing, evolving organisation with an important national purpose and a team of people who care about the work they do and the people they work with.

Our culture is built on Care, Collaboration and Making a Difference. We welcome new ideas, encourage curiosity and believe great outcomes happen when talented people work together.

About the opportunity

Reporting directly to the CEO and joining ARISO’s executive leadership team, you’ll provide strategic and technical leadership across national standards development, quality assurance and rail risk systems.

You’ll lead the modernisation of ARISO’s standards development framework, strengthen technical governance and ensure national standards deliver practical, high-quality outcomes for industry.





This is a highly influential role with the opportunity to help shape Australia’s evolving national rail standards framework.

What you’ll be doing:

- Lead the development, review, assurance and publication of nationally consistent rail standards.
- Drive the implementation and continuous improvement of ARISO’s Standards Development Framework.
- Strengthen quality assurance, technical governance and regulatory alignment across the standards lifecycle.
- Lead strategic improvements to rail risk systems, supporting better safety and risk management outcomes.
- Build productive relationships with government, regulators, industry leaders and technical experts.
- Inspire and develop high-performing teams across standards development, maintenance, quality and practice.
- Provide strategic technical advice to the CEO, Board and executive leadership team.
- Help turn national reform priorities into practical, measurable industry outcomes.

About you

You’re an experienced technical and strategic leader who combines deep industry knowledge with the ability to bring people together and deliver change.

You’ll bring

- Relevant tertiary qualifications in engineering, transport, law, policy or a related discipline.
- Significant experience leading technical standards, regulatory frameworks or assurance functions in complex environments.
- Strong knowledge of Australia’s rail industry, including safety, interoperability and regulatory requirements.
- Proven experience leading multidisciplinary technical teams and building organisational capability.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement, influencing and communication skills.




- The ability to navigate complex regulatory and policy environments and turn strategic priorities into practical solutions.
- A collaborative leadership style, sound judgement and a genuine commitment to continuous improvement.

You’ll be equally comfortable discussing technical detail with specialists, engaging senior industry stakeholders and contributing to strategic decisions at executive and Board level.

Why join ARISO?

This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting contribution to Australia’s rail industry while helping build an organisation with a transparent national purpose.

At ARISO, you’ll enjoy:

- Purpose and impact: Lead work that supports safer, more efficient and better-connected railways.
- National leadership: Influence the development of standards that will shape the future of Australian rail.
- A collaborative culture: Work with talented, passionate people who support one another and enjoy solving challenges together.
- An exciting time to join: Help build new capability, modernise systems and shape how ARISO delivers its mission.
- Flexibility: Be based in Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane, with opportunities to collaborate across the country.

We believe great leadership is about more than technical expertise. It’s about curiosity, collaboration, integrity and helping others succeed.

Ready to help shape what’s next?

If you’re an experienced leader who wants to make a meaningful contribution to Australia’s rail industry, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply through ARISO’s recruitment portal with your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience.

Applications close Friday, 30 October 2026.

ARISO welcomes applications from people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. We are committed to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace where everyone can contribute and thrive.

Exceptional people. One national ambition.

📌 Executive Director, Standards Development & Assurance (Australia)
🏢 ARISO
📍 Australia