Job Description
Full job description
Risk and Change Manager - Infrastructure
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 2026
