Overview
Keolis Downer is one of Australia’s largest private operators of multi-modal public transport and provides services to more than 250 million people each year. As one of the largest multi-modal transport operators in Australia, Keolis Downer has a long-term commitment to Australia and aspires to be the partner of choice for public transport authorities by delivering on our commitment to ‘think like a passenger’.
Why we need you
Keolis Downer is looking for an experienced senior leadership and management professional to join our team in a critical position of General Manager within our South Link and Link SA operations based primarily in the Adelaide Hills but with travel required across multiple depots within the business units.
If you showcase strong leadership and people management capabilities to drive forward business goals and motivate teams, we are looking for you to contribute to the success of Keolis Downer Bus in South Australia in 2025 and into the future.
To learn more about this exciting opportunity to lead and become a part of our dynamic, collaborative, and enthusiastic executive team, please see further details below and consider applying today!
About the role
As a General Manager, you will play a crucial role in providing visionary leadership across multiple depots in South Australia with the South Link and Link SA business units. You will inspire, support, and empower all team units to strive for high performance, promoting continuous improvement, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment, achieving key performance indicators (KPIs), and ensuring growth and profitability of the organization.
You will build strong relationships with all team units and stakeholders including assertively advancing the transport vision for Keolis Downer in South Australia, ensuring its prompt and effective implementation of key initiatives and projects.
Accountable for the attainment of key corporate and business objectives across all operational and departmental areas.
As an influential member of the KD Bus senior leadership team, you will develop and present strategic recommendations, conduct comprehensive analysis of systems and trends, and engage actively in forward-thinking strategic planning for the KD Bus business units to optimize performance outcomes.
Directly reporting to the KD Bus national Chief Operating Officer.
To be eligible for this opportunity you will have
Qualifications: Graduate qualification in transport, management or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
Experience: At least 10 years’ experience in the management of a service business, preferably transport or public transport related.
What we are looking for
We are looking for someone who has
- Extensive experience in senior management roles, focusing on service delivery, planning, team leadership, and problem solving.
- Exceptional commitment to stakeholder management, engagement, and employee consultation.
- Financial acumen and proficiency in conducting financial analysis to identify and execute performance improvement initiatives.
- Skilled in strategic relationship development with customers, government, and community organizations.
- Effective in leading and motivating teams to achieve goals.
- Knowledgeable in a coordinated Business Management System, including Quality and Asset Management, Workplace Health and Safety, and Environmental Management standards.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, analytical thinking, and computer literacy.
Responsibilities
- Responsible for overall business profitability, growth, and development while balancing Safety, Compliance, Customer, Cost, and People KPIs in line with KD Bus in South Australia and KD Bus policies and Core Operating Values.
- Adapt to changing customer needs and business environments while achieving results aligned with KD Bus in South Australia and KD Bus Business Plans.
- Foster employee and industrial relations that promote safety, quality, innovation, teamwork, and continuous improvement through communication and feedback.
- Ensure operations comply with policies, laws, and delegated authority. Plan for business outcomes, implement contingency plans, and manage risk.
- Oversee contract negotiations, and manage public relations and external communications.
- Represent the company in interactions with government bodies and professional organizations.
- Oversee the Business Management System and Quality Assurance policies including ISO certifications Quality ISO 9001, Asset Management ISO 55001, Workplace Health and Safety ISO 45001, and Environmental Management ISO 14001.
What we offer you
- Competitive Salary Package and Other Perks: Company Car, Fuel Card, and more.
- Retail Discounts: Access exclusive discounts at hundreds of retailers across over 9,000 locations in Australia through your mobile wallet.
- Health and Wellbeing Programs: We prioritise work-life balance by offering flexible working arrangements, wellness programs, staff discounts, and Fitness Passport memberships for you and your family.
- Team-oriented Culture: Foster and lead supportive and dynamic team that values your contributions and offers opportunities for professional development both within KD in South Australia, KD Bus business units nationally and Keolis Downer across Australia and the Keolis Group internationally.
How to Apply
Interested in joining our Keolis Downer Bus team? Apply now! Applications close Friday 24 October 2025.
Keolis Downer is a leading public transport operator and a committed partner to public transport authorities in Australia. Together, we deliver safe, reliable, sustainable, and inclusive mobility services to local communities. Established in 2009, Keolis Downer is a joint venture between Keolis, a leading public transport operator established in 13 countries, and Downer, the leading provider of integrated services in Australia and New Zealand.
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