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
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.
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 processesDrive structured change initiatives aligned with the Enterprise Change Management frameworkAssess the impact of changes, confirm implementation plans, and ensure effective dates are agreed before approvalMonitor and enhance change adoption and effectiveness across the infrastructure portfolioIntegrate risk and change considerations into project planning, execution, and close-outManage the central change register and provide monthly change insights and trends to senior leadership and funding stakeholdersPartner with programme, engineering, and commercial teams to assess changes and facilitate informed decisionsFacilitate workshops and forums to build awareness and capability in risk and change practicesLead the implementation of risk management practices across all rail infrastructure projects and programs, aligned to SHE and enterprise frameworksProvide actionable risk insights to support leadership decision-makingDevelop and maintain the asset and programme-level risk management framework for InfrastructureLead risk identification and assessment workshops and ensure risks are escalated, reported, and tracked through governance forumsProvide assurance and expert advice to delivery teams to ensure projects operate within risk appetite and deliver on time, scope, and budgetDevelop and implement tools, templates, and processes to standardize risk and change across projectsCoach and mentor teams in risk and change management best practicesWhat you will bring
Knowledge and experience
You have deep knowledge of risk management and change management frameworksYou have experience in infrastructure risk and change management governanceYou understand Safety in Design principles, and SHE change protocolsYou have strong stakeholder engagement and communication skillsYou are proficient in Risk, and change management toolsWays of working / Work-related qualities
You lead your team to identify and address safety hazardsYou seek out diverse perspectives and incorporate them into decisionsYou communicate with enthusiasm and tailor your messages to different audiencesYou guide your team through challenges, ensuring they remain positive and productiveYou take ownership of team goals and foster a results-driven environmentYou encourage continuous learning and improvement across your teamOther Requirements
You can pass regular drug and alcohol screeningYou hold a current and valid NZ driver’s licenceYou can travel domestically as requiredQualifications
You need either :
A relevant tertiary degree in risk, business, engineering, or project management, orEquivalent experience in infrastructure Change Management and risk management.Nōu te rourou | What\'s in it for you
Competitive salary plus 4% employer KiwiSaver contribution25 annual leave daysAccess to NZ Rail Staff Welfare Trust benefits, including holiday homes, medical support and discounted travelBe part of a diverse and inclusive workplace dedicated to innovation, sustainability and community impactKua rite, kia rite | Ready to Make a Difference?
Rā aukati | Applications close : 20 October 2025
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