Title:  Project Manager - Wellington Metro

Project Manager – Wellington Metro

Position Description

• Develop well-planned projects
• Contribute to the successful realisation of programme outcomes
• Permanent, 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 innovation and safety, we’d love to welcome you aboard. 

He whakamārama mō te tūranga mahi | About the role:

Our Project Manager – Wellington Metro reports to a Network Delivery Manager and is accountable for day-to-day project performance, risk management, and stakeholder coordination. They actively contribute to the successful realisation of programme outcomes through providing the project management expertise needed to successfully plan, initiate and deliver complex infrastructure projects and work packages assigned.

Responsibilities include managing the initiation of new work – developing well-planned projects to enable successful delivery outcomes, that meet organisational objectives and are aligned to regulatory requirements and meet technical standards.

The Project Manager may also be required to manage delivery projects and holds responsibility for creating project success and meeting business case objectives by motivating and supporting a project team to consistently deliver results, the application of good-practice project management, meeting technical standards and regulatory requirements, championing opportunities to innovate, coaching people and  fostering a safety culture that is second to none.

You are also responsible for building positive and enduring stakeholder relationship and working closely to deliver project outcomes utilising both internal and external people and organisations effectively.

You will be required to:

• Convert business cases and initial plans into achievable projects that will deliver to KiwiRail’s rail and investment strategies and are fully scoped, approved and resourced with the right technical capabilities, in readiness for successful execution by the Delivery team. 
• Develop accurate and achievable detailed project plans (scope, dependencies, approach, risks, resourcing and costs), schedules and budgets - drawing on team, wider KiwiRail and specialist expertise as required.
• Apply good practice project management disciplines and determine and implement appropriate levels of construction monitoring required to meet project, contractual, and regulatory obligations.
• Project manage detailed design, build, completion and handover stages of assigned delivery projects – delivering on the individual project targets and contributing to programme outcomes.
• Actively manage all aspects of financial forecasting, budgeting and spend including the development of cost plans, spend analysis and resolving budget variances when required. 
• Proactively identify risks and changes to plan, managing resolution in line with programme and project controls.
• Manage all procurement and resourcing activities for assigned planning, initiation and delivery work.
• Manage contractors and consultants to ensure the timely delivery of agreed outputs in line with budgets.
• Provide accurate, insightful and transparent project reporting to enable effective governance.

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

Knowledge and experience

• Proven minimum 5+ years’ experience in a complex project environment working delivering infrastructure or rail projects.
• Strong understanding of safety-critical delivery environments.
• Experience coordinating multi-disciplinary works within constrained access windows.
• Sound commercial and contract management capability.
• Ability to work alongside independent planning and workforce functions.

Ways of working / Work-related qualities

• Demonstrates strong safety leadership and personal accountability.
• Communicates clearly with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Takes a pragmatic, delivery-focused approach to problem solving.
• Manages pressure effectively and makes sound decisions.
• Builds trust across organisational boundaries.

Other Requirements

• You can pass regular drug and alcohol screenings.
• You hold a current and valid NZ driver’s licence.
• You are prepared to travel regularly within your area of responsibility.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in engineering, project management, construction management or equivalent experience.
• Rail, safety, or project management qualifications desirable.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you:

• Competitive salary plus 4% KiwiSaver employer contribution
• 25 annual leave days
• Access to join NZ Rail Staff Welfare Trust where you will enjoy a range of benefits including access to holiday homes across New Zealand, as well as support for optometry, physiotherapy, GP services and prescription costs
• A wide range of discounts at retailers and on scenic trains and Interislander

• 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:  3 May 2026