Title:  Metro Protection Operations Manager - Auckland

Metro Protection Operations Manager

Keep Auckland’s rail network safe and moving forward

Position Description

• 2-year fixed-term, full-time opportunity
• Based at our Southdown office in Onehunga, Auckland
• Primarily office-based, with flexibility to align your hours with 24/7 operations
• Includes periodic field work across 24/7 shifts, including some weekends and public holidays, to support crews and engage with stakeholders on-site

He kōrero mō mātou | About us

At KiwiRail, we connect people, goods, and communities across Aotearoa. For more than 150 years, rail has been at the heart of New Zealand’s transport network. Our purpose - Stronger Connections, Better New Zealand - drives us to deliver safe, reliable, and sustainable services.

We’re a team of over 4,500 people working together with integrity, care, and commitment. Safety is our top priority, and we’re proud of the role we play in keeping New Zealand moving.

What is ‘Protection’ at KiwiRail?

In rail, “Protection” means putting measures in place to keep workers safe while they are on or near the tracks. In a busy metro environment like Auckland, this means coordinating carefully planned safety controls so rail projects can happen with minimal disruption to passenger and freight services.

He whakamārama mō te tūranga mahi | About the role

As Metro Protection Operations Manager, you’ll lead the 24/7 operations of our Metro Protection team and services in Auckland, that keep our people safe while trains continue to run in Auckland’s busy metro network.

This is a key leadership role that blends operational management with people-focused leadership. It’s ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-moving, complex environment and can balance immediate operational demands of a metro rail system with longer-term improvements.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Leading people – managing six team leaders and a wider workforce of about 40, supporting their growth, and building a high-performing, safety-first culture
• Managing operations – coordinating protection services across a 24/7 metro network, balancing worker safety with the need to keep trains moving
• Delivering safety leadership – ensuring robust safety controls are in place for work on or near tracks, learning from incidents, and driving continuous improvement
• Corporate stewardship – taking responsibility for people, budgets, and assets, and ensuring resources are used effectively to deliver safe, efficient outcomes.

Ngā pukenga e rapu nei mātou | What you will bring

We’re looking for a safety-focused and collaborative leader with strong operational experience. Ideally, you’ll bring:

• 3–5+ years’ experience in rail, transport, or infrastructure management
• Be able to evidence effective corporate stewardship of personnel, budgets and assets
• Proven leadership of frontline managers and large operational teams
• Strong knowledge of rail protection, safety, risk, and compliance
• The ability to build trusted relationships and support culture change
• A full NZ driver licence and the ability to pass drug and alcohol screening
• It’s also an advantage if you hold rail certifications or relevant tertiary study – read position description at the top of the advert to know more

Nōu te rourou | What’s in it for you

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Career development and leadership training
• Opportunities to shape safety in Auckland’s metro network
• A supportive team culture with shared values
• Travel privileges on scenic trains and Interislander
• Enhanced Parental leave policy
• Local gym, pool and leisure centre discounts
• Access to NZR welfare holiday homes across NZ & Australia, and receive refunds for you and your whanau’s day-to-day healthcare

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

If you’re ready to lead with safety, care, and collaboration, we’d love to hear from you.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Apply online with your CV and cover letter. If you are a current KiwiRail employee, please apply using your internal profile and KiwiRail email address.

Please note: all successful candidates must undergo and pass a pre-employment drug screen, criminal conviction and AML verification checks. Applicants must hold New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency.

Rā aukati | Applications Close

Applications close on Thursday 25th September, unless filled sooner.