Title:  Network Control Manager - Auckland Metro

Network Control Manager – Auckland Metro

Position Description

• Leadership, mentoring and guidance
• 24/7 operations
• Permanent, Auckland based

He whakamārama mo te tūranga mahi | About the role:

Network Access and Control is responsible for the management of all network access and activity on the rail corridor.  This includes the movement of freight, long-distance passenger services, both planned and unplanned infrastructure maintenance, capital project work, and metro passenger services. 

The role of the Network Control Manager is to lead the team of Train Controllers on shift, overseeing the performance of the network to ensure customer requirements are satisfied through the application of safe working practices, observance of operating rules and policies, and the effective management of all service disruptions and recovery actions.

Additionally, a key element of the role is to ensure the culture within the Rail Operations Centre underpins a constructive and cohesive working environment, where behavioural and performance standards align with expectations and KiwiRail values.

This is a people leadership role involving mentoring and providing guidance, feedback, and support to ensure any problems or issues experienced by the team on shift are resolved promptly. You will also work closely with other stakeholders onsite to ensure network access issues are managed and resolved efficiently, restoring services with minimal delay.

You will be the ‘go-to person’ (Incident Response Team Leader), linking closely with the Network Control Manager in Wellington in the event of any disruption to the Auckland network that impacts the day of operation. You will work across the business and with external parties to plan and coordinate necessary recovery actions. In this capacity, you will lead incident response and communication to ensure all stakeholders understand the business impact, remedial plans or activities, and expected timelines for service resumption.

In line with the 24/7 operation of the network, this position requires shift work to provide this coverage.

Accountabilities include:

• Lead, coach, and support the Train Controllers to deliver high performance in network operations, safety, compliance, and customer service.
• Work closely with the Operator to manage delivery of the passenger timetable and collaboratively plan and execute recovery operations to minimise train running disruption.
• Oversee and monitor the wellbeing of staff, prioritising workload and managing fatigue.
• Ensure all operating desks are resourced to support network activity by resolving any unplanned absences or events that could disrupt operations.
• Ensure compliance with network access agreements and train control operations, providing network performance information in the wider KiwiRail daily operations forum.
• Lead incident response and communication during network disruptions, ensuring timely recovery and stakeholder engagement.
• Act as the escalation point for access conflict resolution decision-making.
• Manage weather reporting information to determine any escalation requirements when risk to operations is predicted.
• Undertake safety compliance assessments on Train Controllers to ensure all train control-related safe working policies and procedures are correctly observed.
• Address any performance, behavioural, and non-compliance issues in accordance with established procedures.
• Maintain a culture within the Rail Operating Centre focused on support, collaboration, learning, and above-the-line behaviours.

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

Knowledge and experience

• You have demonstrated ability to lead teams, positively influence others, and embed core values and behaviours.
• You can motivate and bring about change, providing feedback, coaching, and reinforcement.
• You have strong relationship skills, able to collaborate and engage with others to achieve outcomes.
• You are a problem solver, able to plan, develop, and implement solutions under pressure.
• You can make quality decisions, manage conflict, and communicate effectively at all levels.
• You are dedicated to meeting customer expectations and act with the customer at the forefront of decision making.
• You have experience working in operational environments following safety critical rules, processes, and procedures.
• You have a reputation of high performance, consistent delivery and the ability to positively influence others.

Ways of working / Work-related qualities

• Ability to guide teams through challenges with positivity.
• Strong ownership of team goals and outcomes.
• Commitment to continuous learning and collaboration.
• Focus on high-quality service and safety outcomes.

Other Requirements

• Ability to work shift patterns supporting 24/7 operations.
• Strong commitment to health, safety, and wellbeing.

Qualifications

• Hold or have held a Train Control Practitioner Licence (desirable).
• Relevant experience in rail operations, network control, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you:

• Competitive salary plus 4% KiwiSaver employer contribution
• 25 annual leave days
• Access to join NZ Rail Staff Welfare Trust where you will enjoy a range of benefits including access to holiday homes across New Zealand, as well as support for optometry, physiotherapy, GP services and prescription costs
• A wide range of discounts at retailers and on scenic trains and Interislander

• 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:  6 April 2026