Title:  Rail Care Senior Project Manager

Rail Care Senior Project Manager

•    Keep New Zealand’s tracks on the right path – lead the way in metro rail transformation.
•    Fixed term until June 2028
•    Based in Otahuhu, Auckland 

Position Description 

He kōrero mō mātou | About us:
At KiwiRail, we’re focused on strengthening connections to create a better New Zealand. With over 150 years of rail behind us, we’re continuing to modernise our network to deliver safe, reliable, and sustainable transport for future generations.We’re proud of our team of over 4,500 people across Aotearoa, working together to keep communities and goods moving. Our values guide how we connect, collaborate, and care – because when we work as one, we move further, faster.

He whakamārama mō te tūranga mahi | About the role:
As Rail Care Senior Project Manager, you’ll be a key player in transforming the metro rail network in Auckland and Wellington. You’ll lead the rail care strategy within our Network Readiness team – driving improvements in track condition, reliability, and safety.

You’ll manage rail inspection data, develop proactive maintenance strategies, lead field trials, and support the rollout of innovative rail technologies. You’ll also mentor a team of NDT specialists and collaborate with engineering, protection, and maintenance teams to deliver long-term rail network performance.

• Lead analysis of data from different inspection equipment and personnel (including but not limited to NDT UT, EC-SM, ACFM) in order to form a view on the rail condition of the Metros Networ

• Support the Rail Care PM to propose and document a strategy for the rail management with the intention of achieving the required performance of the network

• Collaborate with the Rail Care PM, Asset Engineering, and Track Engineering to define thresholds for rail management intervention, proposing a process for the grinding and track maintenance teams to deliver the strategy

• Work with Asset Engineering and Track Engineering to deliver new and update current task instructions and processes associated with the rail management strategy proposed

• Engage with key stakeholders, including but not limited to Infrastructure, Engineering, and Protection, to deliver the best outcome for the Rail Care Strategy for the Metros

• Coordinate with the Track Machinery Group, Engineering, and Track Maintenance teams to deliver rail management maintenance on the Metros Network

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

We’re looking for someone with a balanced mix of leadership, technical knowledge, and a strong commitment to safety and collaboration.

You’ll bring:

•    Experience in analysis of data from different inspection equipment and personnel (including but not limited to NDT UT, EC-SM, ACFM 
•    Experience in the proposal of documentation and strategy for rail management
•    Proven experience delivering complex infrastructure or rail projects
•    Knowledge of project management processes and methodologies (PMP, PRINCE2 preferred)
•    Understanding of track maintenance and rail condition assessments (NDT experience is a plus)
•    Ability to develop strategy, manage change, and lead continuous improvement
•    Excellent stakeholder engagement skills across technical and operational teams
•    A tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline

Nōu te rourou | What’s in it for you:
•    A competitive salary and access to comprehensive benefits
•    A key leadership role shaping the future of New Zealand’s rail network
•    Opportunities to work on impactful, high-profile infrastructure projects
•    Strong professional development pathways within KiwiRail
•    A collaborative team environment that values innovation, safety, and integrity

Kua rite, kia rite | Ready to make a difference?

If you’re ready to help shape the future of rail care in Aotearoa, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and play your part in delivering a safer, smarter metro network for all New Zealanders.

Applications close Wednesday 13th of August 2025.