Network Planning Specialist

• Shape and optimise Pacific National’s Intermodal tactical and network possession train planning functions.
• Coordinate network capacity, track possessions and service changes across a complex operational environment
• Safely Every Day — That’s Our Promise

Join Pacific National – Australia’s largest private rail freight operator

Every day, we transport millions of tonnes of critical freight around the country for our customers. We haul coal, intermodal containers, steel and bulk commodities that keep Australia moving.

An opportunity has arisen for an experienced Network Planning Specialist to join our Long-Term Planning team in Sydney.

What You’ll Do

You will develop, coordinate and execute the Intermodal Weekly Train Plan, ensuring our services meet customer requirements while maximising network capacity and operational efficiency.

Reporting to the Network Planning Access Manager, you will:

• Develop and coordinate the national Intermodal Weekly Train Plan.
• Manage tactical planning activities, including track closures, possessions, service rescheduling and network capacity.
• Work with access providers and operational stakeholders to minimise disruption and maintain reliable service delivery.
• Identify and implement planning solutions that improve network capacity and the utilisation of Pacific National’s assets and labour.
• Lead the resolution and escalation of operational conflicts, including the interpretation of access undertakings and agreements.
• Coordinate planning teams and business units to deliver practical, customer-focused solutions.
• Provide timely and accurate information to customer service and operational teams.
• Build strong relationships with access providers, industry bodies and internal stakeholders.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives that simplify processes, reduce operating costs and improve service performance.

What You’ll Bring

You will be a commercially minded planning professional who can make sound decisions in a dynamic and complex operating environment.

You will also bring:

• Relevant tertiary or vocational qualifications in logistics, engineering, business, law or a related discipline.
• Experience in rail freight, transport, logistics, network planning or a similarly complex operational environment.
• An understanding of rail operations, network access arrangements and capacity planning.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, influencing and negotiation skills.
• The ability to interpret contracts, access agreements and operational performance measures.
• Demonstrated commercial awareness and sound business judgement.
• Strong analytical, critical-thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
• Experience managing competing priorities and multiple stakeholders.
• A track record of improving processes, operational performance and business outcomes.
• Clear and confident communication skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all organisational levels.
• Strong attention to detail, time management and Microsoft Office skills.
• A collaborative approach and a strong commitment to safety and quality.

Why join us?

At Pacific National, we value the contribution of every team member. Our values underpin our commitment to creating an inclusive culture where everyone is accepted.

Some of the benefits we offer include:

• Paid parental leave
• Novated leasing
• Fitness Passport
• Purchase leave program
• Access to our employee assistance program through Sonder

We live by our Values: Make it Simple, Share More, Kindness, Gratitude, Curiosity and Own It — helping us build strong connections and do our best work every day.

Ready to deliver what matters?

Click ‘Apply Now’ and start your journey with Pacific National. Learn more at Pacific National Careers.

Pacific National acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work, live and rail.