Planning Leader
Location: Dry Creek, South Australia
Aurizon’s footprint in South Australia continues to grow, and we’re looking for a dynamic and forward-thinking Planning Leader to join our high-performing team and drive excellence across our centralised planning operations.
At Aurizon, we champion innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to delivering value through a safe and efficient supply chain. As Planning Leader, you will bring your expertise in demand forecasting and supply chain optimisation to develop and lead strategic planning initiatives across multiple sites. You’ll work closely with customers, internal teams and external partners to enhance forecasting accuracy, improve inventory outcomes and support the delivery of safe, reliable and cost-effective services.
You’ll be a key member of the Bulk Central team, contributing to the long-term success of our regional operations.
About the role
Reporting to the Regional Operations Manager, you will lead the design and execution of integrated demand and fleet planning strategies that ensure optimal performance across the region. This role would be suitable for a FIFO arrangement from Adelaide, or DIDO arrangement from Whyalla or Port Augusta on a rotational roster.
You will:
- Lead and embed a culture of safety and planning excellence across the business.
- Develop and implement demand planning strategies and governance across multiple sites.
- Partner with internal teams and customers to deliver accurate forecasts, optimised inventory and improved operational responsiveness.
- Oversee the use and continual improvement of modelling and planning systems.
- Provide mentorship and leadership to a centralised planning team, ensuring capability development and the adoption of best practices.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to align supply chain plans with customer requirements and business objectives.
- Analyse historical data and market trends to proactively identify risks and opportunities.
- Monitor and report on planning performance, driving continuous improvement.
- Shape and contribute to short-, medium- and long-term strategic planning for the terminal operations.
- Support operational and commercial leaders by delivering data-driven insights to influence critical decision-making.
About you
You’re a driven leader and strategic thinker with a passion for data and performance. With a strong background in supply chain, logistics or resource industries, you are skilled at building relationships, influencing change, and delivering planning outcomes that create value.
You will bring:
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in supply chain, logistics or heavy industry, with demonstrated leadership in planning functions.
- Strong experience in demand forecasting, inventory management and planning systems.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills to align teams and stakeholders with key initiatives.
- Proficiency in modelling tools, Excel, and planning management systems.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a commercial mindset.
- Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment, prioritise effectively and adapt to changing conditions.
- Experience working in regulated or high-risk operational environments.
- Tertiary qualification (desirable).
- Proven ability to develop and lead high-performing teams and drive process improvement initiatives.
What we can offer you
At Aurizon, we invest in our people. Whether it's developing leadership capability or advancing technical skills, we provide the support and pathways to help you reach your full potential.
- Career growth and professional development
- Inclusive culture and diverse workforce
- Mentoring programs for women and Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander employees
- Discounts on health insurance, travel, retail and more
- Parental Leave Program and Super Booster benefits
At Aurizon, we believe in connection
Connection is what drives us — connecting people, places, and possibilities. We’re committed to building a workplace where everyone belongs and feels valued. We embrace diversity and inclusion because we know it makes us stronger.
About Aurizon
Aurizon is Australia’s largest rail freight operator and a top ASX-listed company. Every year we transport over 250 million tonnes of Australian commodities across our national network. We connect industry with global and domestic markets and are committed to safety, sustainability and delivering value for our customers and communities.
Discover more about who we are and what we stand for: www.aurizon.com.au/careers
For more information about this role, please contact Amanda Allom at amanda.allom@aurizon.com.au
