Title:  Design Review Manager - Interislander

Design Review Manager – Fixed Term

Position Description

• Be part of our Ferry Replacement Programme
• Integral member of the team applying your technical expertise
• Fixed term 12 months, Wellington 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 excellent technical design, innovation and safety, we’d love to welcome you aboard.

He whakamārama mo te tūranga mahi | About the role:

During the design phase of the new ferries, KiwiRail as the Operator, will provide advice on the technical design and the equipment and materials selected for the new ships. The Design Review Manager will be an integral part of the team involved with the basic and then detailed design of the ship. The basic and detailed design phase will require KiwiRail to rapidly review technical ship designs, seeking and applying appropriate technical expertise while ensuring appropriate Customer and Operator outcomes.

Typically, 300-350 ship drawings and documents will be produced of varying size, complexity and significance. KiwiRail will need to review and accept approximately 60 drawings and documents of varying complexity. Each drawing or document will require detailed engagement with specialist and technical advisors and will follow a clearly defined review process within a required 3–8 day turnaround.  Given the expected nature and high volume of technical design acceptance requests and the requirement to fully document all interactions between KiwiRail and the Design Authority, a dedicated Design Review Manager is required for a fixed term of twelve months.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing the ship design review process
• Facilitating input/direction from Technical Authorities and Design Review Advisors on proposed drawings and documents
• Maintaining an accurate register of design issues, tracking to resolution and document acceptance decisions
• Triaging basic and detailed technical design changes and advising key stakeholders
• Advising the KiwiRail Ship Workstream Lead on the acceptance of minor design changes

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

Knowledge and experience

• Proven experience in design review management with a ship build project or programme
• Proven experience in medium to large scale change projects
• You will have 5+ years’ experience in the marine sector
• Experience within the rail, transport and/or logistics industries
• Customer relationship experience

Ways of working / Work-related qualities

• Strong communication skills
• Demonstrated ability of building relationships with employees, leaders and stakeholders to enable the delivery of effective outcomes
• Flexible and practical attitude
• Ability to apply sound risk-based judgement

Other Requirements

• Experience with using the Microsoft Office suite of products including MS Project

Qualifications

You need either:

• Relevant engineering or maritime tertiary qualification
• You have a post tertiary education experience

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you:

• Competitive salary plus 4% employer KiwiSaver contribution
• 25 annual leave days
• 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 January 2026

We value your application and interest in working for KiwiRail, however our Recruitment team are away from Monday 22 December 2025 until Monday 12 January 2026. Please expect a delayed response to your application, we will endeavour to respond as soon as possible.