Title:  Product Owner Lead - Digital Infrastructure

• Influence senior leaders and drive the future of digital product delivery across critical infrastructure
• Permanent full-time role based in Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch
• Competitive salary plus 4% employer KiwiSaver contribution

Position Description 

He whakamārama mō te tūranga mahi | About the role:

As the Product Owner Lead – Digital Infrastructure, you will play a key leadership role in driving KiwiRail’s digital transformation across our infrastructure business. You will lead a team of Product Owners while shaping and delivering a cohesive product strategy that supports productivity, safety and innovation across the rail network. Working closely with senior leaders, ICT teams and operational stakeholders, you will oversee multiple product lines, ensuring alignment with business objectives while delivering high-value outcomes for customers and the wider organisation.  This is a pivotal role where you will balance strategic leadership with hands-on product oversight, championing best practice product management and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading, coaching and developing a team of Product Owners to deliver outcomes across multiple workstreams
• Defining and executing the infrastructure product strategy and roadmap aligned to organisational priorities
• Establishing consistent product management frameworks, tools and best practices across teams
• Building strong relationships with senior stakeholders and influencing decision-making across the business
• Driving data-led decision making through KPIs, insights and product performance metrics
• Managing resource allocation and capacity planning to optimise delivery outcomes
• Contributing to the wider uplift of product management capability across KiwiRail

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

• 10+ years’ experience in product management, digital delivery, or related roles
• Proven experience leading product teams in complex organisational environments
• Strong understanding of agile delivery and product management frameworks
• Ability to define and execute strategy across multiple product streams
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability with a data-driven mindset
• Experience coaching, mentoring and developing high-performing teams
• Relevant tertiary qualification in software engineering, business, or a related discipline

Nōu te rourou | What’s in it for you:

• Competitive salary plus 4% employer KiwiSaver contribution
• Staff-discounted health insurance and retail benefits
• Discounted staff travel across the KiwiRail network
• Access to the NZ Rail Staff Welfare Trust
• Ongoing learning, leadership development and clear career pathways
• Opportunity to contribute to nationally significant infrastructure transformation
• A collaborative and forward-thinking team environment

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

If you are ready to lead product innovation and deliver meaningful outcomes that support the future of rail in New Zealand, we would love to hear from you.

Bring your leadership, strategic thinking, and passion for product excellence.

Apply today and join us in building Stronger Connections for a Better New Zealand.

Rā aukati | Applications close: Monday 6th of July 2026.