Title:  Risk Manager

Risk Manager

Position Description

• Identify, assess and manage risks
• Take a high-engagement, field-connected approach
• 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:

The Risk Manager – Commercial and Operations (Wellington Metro) is responsible for proactively identifying, assessing, and managing risks across the Wellington Metro network and associated capital projects. The role ensures operational resilience, safety, and compliance by embedding robust risk management practices into day-to-day operations and project delivery. Acting as a key advisor to the Commercial and Performance team, the Risk Manager provides integrated risk reporting, supports governance processes, and fosters a culture of risk awareness to enable informed decision-making and continuous improvement.

This role takes a high-engagement, field-connected approach to risk management, focusing on building trust, surfacing real concerns early, and turning insight into practical action — rather than relying solely on formal workshops and documentation.

This role is required to:

•       Identify, assess, and monitor operational, delivery, and system risks impacting network reliability, safety, customer outcomes, and performance, drawing insight from direct conversations as well as formal data sources

•       Maintain, update, and curate network and delivery risk registers

•       Apply risk management principles across capital projects, including during procurement, design, and delivery

•       Consolidate network and project risk profiles to provide a clear, joined-up view for senior leaders and governance boards

•       Prepare accurate, insight-led monthly risk reporting, focusing on trends, movement, and effectiveness of controls rather than static lists of risks

•       Monitor contingent risk positions and provide practical input into budgeting, forecasting, and prioritisation decisions

•       Facilitate targeted risk workshops where they add value

•       Ensure compliance with KiwiRail risk management policies, frameworks, and statutory obligations

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

Knowledge and experience

•       Significant experience working in complex, operational environments (e.g. rail, infrastructure, construction, utilities, or similar), where safety, reliability, and delivery pressures coexist

•       Demonstrated experience identifying, understanding, and managing risk in practice, even if this has not been your formal job title (e.g. through operational leadership, project delivery, engineering, planning, safety, or assurance roles)

•       Working knowledge of ARM or similar risk management software tools is desirable

Ways of working / Work-related qualities

•       You demonstrate strong safety leadership and personal accountability

•       A strong ability to build trust and credibility with frontline teams, supervisors, and leaders, and to have open, constructive conversations about what could go wrong

•       Strong analytical thinking and judgement, with the ability to turn informal concerns and observations into clear, practical risk insights that support decision-making

•       Confidence working across disciplines and levels of the organisation, with the ability to influence without authority

•       You communicate clearly and confidently at all organisational levels

•       You’re pragmatic and practical, focused on helping the organisation manage real risk rather than producing perfect artefacts

•       You take a high-engagement, people-centred approach, preferring conversations and observation over checklists and workshops

Other Requirements

•       You can pass regular drug and alcohol screenings

•       You have a current and valid NZ Driver's Licence

Qualifications

You need:

•       A relevant qualification or equivalent practical experience in engineering, construction, operations, safety, risk, or a related discipline

Desirable but not essential:

•       A relevant degree in engineering risk management, engineering, or commerce

•       Risk management industry membership or a recognised accreditation

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:  6 April 2026