Technical Director, Ports, Marine & Coastal

About the role

As a Technical Director in the Ports, Marine & Coastal team based in Perth, you will set the technical direction for port simulation, optimisation and data‑science services and contribute to projects that strengthen communities and create a sustainable future.

Key responsibilities

• Set the technical direction for port simulation, optimisation and data‑science services across planning, terminal operations, marine logistics, asset management and Defence infrastructure.
• Lead simulation and decision‑support studies covering vessel and berth operations, cargo and yard flows, landside interfaces, resource allocation, maintenance, capacity and operational resilience.
• Apply methods such as discrete‑event simulation, Monte Carlo analysis, optimisation, forecasting, statistical modelling, machine learning and scenario analysis to solve complex port and terminal problems.
• Translate operational data and modelling results into practical recommendations for master planning, capital investment, asset utilisation, operating strategies, service levels and risk management.
• Establish robust model governance and collaborate with port planners and multidisciplinary engineers to ensure models are accurate, validated, reproducible and representative of real‑world assets.
• Lead client engagements, proposals and cross‑functional teams while developing scalable digital solutions and building enduring port simulation and analytics capability.

Required profile

• A degree in computer science, data science, operations research, applied mathematics, engineering or a related quantitative discipline; a master’s degree or PhD is highly regarded.
• Typically 15+ years of senior‑level experience leading data science, optimisation, simulation, quantitative modelling or complex software solutions.
• Proven record of developing and validating analytical systems for high‑stakes operational environments, delivering measurable improvements in capacity, productivity, reliability, cost, risk or decision‑making.
• Advanced capability in statistical modelling, Monte Carlo simulation, optimisation, forecasting and machine learning, with strong proficiency in Python or comparable technologies and experience delivering production‑grade analytical solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to establish robust model governance, communicate assumptions and uncertainty clearly, and lead cross‑functional teams involving technical specialists, operational stakeholders and clients.
• Strong consulting, client leadership and business development capability, with experience in ports, transport, logistics or industrial sectors.

Required skills

• Python (or comparable programming languages)
• Statistical modelling
• Monte Carlo simulation
• Optimisation techniques
• Forecasting
• Machine learning
• Discrete‑event simulation
• Scenario analysis