Title:  Group Manager Regulatory

• Lead KiwiRail’s regulatory strategy and protect our licence to operate
• Permanent full‑time role
  Location: Auckland or Wellington

Position Description:

He kōrero mō mātou | About Us

At KiwiRail, we’ve been connecting New Zealand for over 150 years, moving freight, passengers, and tourists across Aotearoa. As a proud State‑Owned Enterprise, we deliver sustainable, inclusive transport solutions that create economic, social, and environmental value for New Zealanders.  Safety, health, and wellbeing are our number one priority — ensuring our people return home safe every day. With more than 4,500 employees nationwide, we’re one team, working together to build stronger connections for Aotearoa.

He whakamārama mō te tūranga mahi | About the Role

As Group Manager Regulatory, you will provide strategic leadership across KiwiRail’s rail and maritime regulatory environment, playing a critical role in maintaining confidence in our licence to operate and promoting our focus on continuous learning and improvement of safe and reliable operations.

Reporting to the Chief Strategy, Risk & Corporate Affairs, this senior leadership role oversees KiwiRail’s regulatory strategy, compliance frameworks, and engagement with regulators including NZTA, Maritime New Zealand, and TAIC. You will lead the administration and ongoing maintenance of the Rail Safety Case and Licence to Operate, while proactively identifying regulatory risks and improvement opportunities.

You’ll work closely with Executives, senior leaders, and operational teams to embed safe, compliant practices across the business, ensuring regulatory obligations are understood, managed, and continuously improved during a period of significant organisational change.

Ngā pukenga e rapu nei mātou | What You Will Bring

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Significant experience in regulatory management, compliance, or safety leadership roles
• Proven capability engaging with regulators and managing complex regulatory environments
• Broad safety and risk experience, ideally within heavy industry, infrastructure, or operational settings
• Strong strategic thinking, with experience developing and delivering regulatory or assurance strategies
• Confidence providing expert advice to Executives and senior leaders on regulatory risk and obligations
• Experience leading teams, with strong coaching, mentoring, and people leadership capability
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparing high‑quality briefings and submissions
• Sound judgement, with the ability to make defensible decisions under pressure and tight timeframes
• Working knowledge of New Zealand’s legislative and regulatory frameworks
• A strong commitment to safety, wellbeing, and inclusive ways of working

Nōu te rourou | What’s in it for You

At KiwiRail, we offer more than just a job — we offer the opportunity to influence outcomes that matter nationally. You’ll enjoy:

• A senior leadership role with real impact on safety and regulatory outcomes
• Competitive salary plus 4% employer KiwiSaver contribution
• Southern Cross medical insurance (staff discount)
• A wide range of retail and lifestyle discounts
• 5 weeks annual leave and 10 days sick leave
• Discounted staff travel
• Access to the NZ Rail Staff Welfare Trust, including holiday homes and health subsidies
• Professional development opportunities to support your leadership growth
• Being part of a values‑driven organisation focused on safety, sustainability, and public good

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

If you’re a strategic regulatory leader passionate about safety, compliance, and enabling sustainable operations, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now to help protect and strengthen KiwiRail’s licence to operate and support safer transport for Aotearoa.

Applications close Sunday 26th of April 2026