Title:  Commercial Finance Manager - Freight

Commercial Finance Manager - Freight

Position Description

• Drive performance outcomes
• High-level financial experience in large, complex businesses
• Permanent, Auckland based

He kōrero mō mātou | About us:

At KiwiRail, we connect New Zealanders sustainably, powering economic growth and ensuring vital freight and passenger services run smoothly. Our mission, "Stronger Connections, Better New Zealand," highlights our dedication to sustainability and community well-being. 

Our people make KiwiRail exceptional. By fostering a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace, we empower everyone to contribute their best. If you’re passionate about innovation and safety, we’d love to welcome you aboard. 

He whakamārama mo te tūranga mahi | About the role:

The Commercial Finance Manager – Freight (CFM Freight), serves as a strategic business partner to provide financial oversight and commercial insight for KiwiRail’s C&G functions for Freight.

This role supports the General Manager Commercial – Customer & Growth (GMCC&G) for Freight.

The CFM Freight will partner with the C&G team, alongside other Finance leaders to drive performance outcomes and enhance financial value by focusing on the key value drivers of safety, customer proposition, yield and volume growth, contribution margin, line returns, network performance, asset utilisation, and financial processes related to revenue management, costing and account receivables.

Strategic focus: Focuses on strategic performance management. This role uses commercial insights to influence sales strategy, drive growth initiatives, and optimise overall business performance. It is about the “why” and “how” behind sales outcomes.​

Scope of influence: Influences a broad range of commercial levers—sales performance, customer segmentation, channel strategy, and profitability. Often works cross-functionally with finance, marketing, and operations to shape commercial direction.​

Business insights: Leverages data-driven insights to identify trends, opportunities, and risks. This role is analytical and forward-looking, often involved in forecasting, performance reviews, and strategic planning.​

The CFM Freight will work closely with various business unit support teams and the financial control teams to capture, classify and process all the business transactions into accurate, timely and relevant financial information.

The CFM Freight’s responsibilities include managing CAPEX and OPEX spend within agreed budget and forecast and aligning financial outcomes with KiwiRail’s operational and strategic goals.

Areas of responsibility include:

• Financial management, reporting and business unit support
• Budgeting and forecasting
• Month end process oversight
• Strategic business partnering
• Leadership, development and guidance

Ngā pukenga e rapu nei mātou | What (skills) you will bring:

Knowledge and experience

• You demonstrate experience in high-level financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting for large and complex businesses
• You possess a working knowledge of ERP systems, particularly SAP, and are adept at leveraging these for financial and asset management
• You have a track record of strategic financial partnership with senior management, including influencing and challenging decisions
• You can use computer tools for information management
• You know how KiwiRail interacts with other agencies and the Government

Ways of working / Work-related qualities

• You act as a change agent and can drive business transformation to strategically align business practices
• You communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels, fostering a culture of transparency and trust
• You exhibit strong decision-making abilities, showing agility and strategic insight in a complex project environment
• You demonstrate resilience and adaptability, working effectively under pressure and navigating organisational change
• You prioritise customer needs, aligning financial strategies to deliver high-value outcomes for KiwiRail
• You champion diversity, inclusion, and collaborative practices, contributing positively to KiwiRail’s work culture

Qualifications

• You hold a degree in finance, accounting, or a related field.
• Relevant professional certification (e.g., CPA, CA) is preferred.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you:

• Competitive salary plus 4% employer KiwiSaver contribution
• 25 annual leave days
• Professional development opportunities to help you grow and succeed
• Access to NZ Rail Staff Welfare Trust benefits, including holiday homes, medical support and discounted travel
• Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace dedicated to innovation, sustainability and community impact

Kua rite, kia rite | Ready to Make a Difference?

Rā aukati | Applications close: 14 September 2025