RATP Dev, a subsidiary of the RATP Group, ensures the operation and maintenance of urban and interurban transport networks in 15 countries through over 100 subsidiaries. With over 27,000 employees and the expertise and backing of a global leader in public transportation, our subsidiaries provide performance, dynamism and reliability to our customers and passengers to their networks.

RATP Dev is strongly growing in APAC, with automatic metro lines recently won in Sydney, Melbourne and Singapore. To support the growth and secure the delivery and mobilization of our recent contracts won, we are looking for a COO Australia.

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) Australia is responsible for leading the operational and commercial performance of RATP Dev’s activities in Australia. The COO oversees two major GoA4 (Grade of Automation level 4) metro projects in mobilization and construction phases:

• Western Sydney Airport Metro Line – entering operational mobilization in the coming years
• Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) East – Melbourne – long‑term project delivery with operations commencing in 2035

The COO has one direct report (Managing Director position) for each project and leads all in all a team of 50 employees, with a ramp up to come with the mobilizations. He reports to the CEO APAC.

Strategic and Operational Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership for all Australian operations, ensuring alignment with RATP Dev’s global GoA4 standards and the Asia Pacific regional strategy.
• Lead the operational readiness and mobilization of the Western Sydney Airport line and support long‑term delivery of the SRL program.
• Ensure contracts deliver safe, high‑quality passenger service, regulatory compliance, and industry‑leading operational performance.

P&L Accountability & Commercial Strategy for the two GoA4 contracts

• Accountable for P&L performance of the two contracts
• Drive commercial performance, including revenue optimisation, cost control, contract variation strategy, financial forecasting and risk management.
• Lead negotiations and commercial discussions with clients, partners, contractors, and government stakeholders.

Delivery & Mobilisation Excellence

• Oversee delivery activities during construction and testing phases in close coordination with project partners.
• Champion operational readiness, ensuring that operational, maintenance, safety, workforce and systems elements are delivered on time and to specification.
• Implement GoA4 best practices, drawing from RATP Dev’s international metro portfolio.

Synergies & Group Coordination

• Identify and maximise synergies between both Australian projects (resources, training, technology, procurement, processes).
• Collaborate with Group metro centres of excellence and with other RATP Dev GoA4 metro networks worldwide.
• Ensure standardisation of operating models, digital tools, safety culture, and maintenance frameworks where possible.

Leadership of Managing Directors

• Provide direction, coaching and performance oversight to each contract’s Managing Director.
• Establish a high‑performance culture focused on safety, customer experience, operational excellence and continuous improvement.
• Ensure that leadership teams have the capabilities, governance and resources needed for delivery and operations.

Risk, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure a proactive and robust safety management system across all operations and mobilizations.
• Oversee contract compliance, regulatory obligations, and stakeholder governance.
• Mitigate operational, commercial and technical risks through strong processes, reporting, and controls.

External Representation

• Represent RATP Dev Australia with senior stakeholders, including transport authorities, government bodies, consortium partners, joint‑venture representatives and industry forums.
• Enhance RATP Dev’s reputation as a global leader in driverless metro operations and integrated mobility.

• Based in Sydney/Melbourne, Australia

• Proven experience as a COO or senior operational executive in a rail, metro or large-scale transport organisation.
• Demonstrated experience in delivery and railway mobilization, ideally in an automated metro or complex rail environment.
• Track record of managing multi‑contract or multi‑site transport operations with full P&L accountability.
• Strong background in commercial negotiations, contract management, and partnership management.
• Experience in large PPP or multi‑stakeholder transport projects is a strong asset.
• International exposure and experience working within global, matrixed organisations preferred.
• Strong commercial acumen with capacity to drive profitable growth.
• Exceptional operational leadership and understanding of railway systems, safety, maintenance, and performance management.
• Ability to manage complex stakeholder ecosystems and represent the business confidently.
• Strong people leadership, coaching and organizational development skills.
• Hands‑on, pragmatic, and solutions‑oriented leadership style.