Title:  Risk and Change Manager - Infrastructure

Risk and Change Manager - Infrastructure

Position Description

• Lead and embed effective risk management and change control practices
• Partner, coach and mentor
• Permanent, Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch location

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 mo te tūranga mahi | About the role:

The Risk and Change Manager leads and embeds effective risk management and change control practices across rail infrastructure. The role ensures strategic, programme, operational and safety risks are identified, assessed and managed proactively. It governs all infrastructure-related changes through a transparent, structured, and value-focused process, ensuring alignment with funding, safety, business and customer requirements, and KiwiRail’s strategic priorities.

This role is required to:

• Serve as the approval gatekeeper for all infrastructure changes, including engineering standards, material specifications, codes, and operational processes
• Drive structured change initiatives aligned with the Enterprise Change Management framework
• Assess the impact of changes, confirm implementation plans, and ensure effective dates are agreed before approval
• Monitor and enhance change adoption and effectiveness across the infrastructure portfolio
• Integrate risk and change considerations into project planning, execution, and close-out
• Manage the central change register and provide monthly change insights and trends to senior leadership and funding stakeholders
• Partner with programme, engineering, and commercial teams to assess changes and facilitate informed decisions
• Facilitate workshops and forums to build awareness and capability in risk and change practices
• Lead the implementation of risk management practices across all rail infrastructure projects and programs, aligned to SHE and enterprise frameworks
• Provide actionable risk insights to support leadership decision-making
• Develop and maintain the asset and programme-level risk management framework for Infrastructure
• Lead risk identification and assessment workshops and ensure risks are escalated, reported, and tracked through governance forums
• Provide assurance and expert advice to delivery teams to ensure projects operate within risk appetite and deliver on time, scope, and budget
• Develop and implement tools, templates, and processes to standardize risk and change across projects
• Coach and mentor teams in risk and change management best practices

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

Knowledge and experience

• You have deep knowledge of risk management and change management frameworks
• You have experience in infrastructure risk and change management governance
• You understand Safety in Design principles, and SHE change protocols
• You have strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills
• You are proficient in Risk, and change management tools

Ways of working / Work-related qualities

• You lead your team to identify and address safety hazards
• You seek out diverse perspectives and incorporate them into decisions
• You communicate with enthusiasm and tailor your messages to different audiences
• You guide your team through challenges, ensuring they remain positive and productive
• You take ownership of team goals and foster a results-driven environment
• You encourage continuous learning and improvement across your team

Other Requirements

• You can pass regular drug and alcohol screening
• You hold a current and valid NZ driver’s licence
• You can travel domestically as required

Qualifications

You need either:

• A relevant tertiary degree in risk, business, engineering, or project management, or
• Equivalent experience in infrastructure Change Management and risk management.

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: 20 October 2025