Key Account Executive - IMEX and Regional Development
Region : Otago and Southland
Permanent, Dunedin or Christchurch based
Position Description
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.
About the role
The Key Account Executive will drive revenue and business growth by developing and executing strategic sales and regional growth plans, with a specific focus on expanding rail freight services. This role is responsible for building and nurturing strong customer relationships, identifying new market opportunities, and working cross-functionally to maximise regional performance.
You will be expected to create and implement tailored regional strategies that align with national business objectives, ensuring alignment with KiwiRail’s long-term growth targets. A key focus of the role is to enhance regional uptake of rail services through customer-centric solutions, market development, and optimisation of existing services.
You will also be responsible for developing KPIs that reflect the mutual value created through these relationships, driving yield and volume improvements, and increasing KiwiRail’s presence and profile across the assigned region. Active engagement with internal stakeholders will be crucial to align capability with customer requirements and deliver against budgetary targets.
Key areas of responsibility
Regional Sales Strategy & Growth
- Develop and implement regional growth plans focused on increasing rail freight market share
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities aligned with regional economic trends and logistics demands
- Use market intelligence to recommend service adjustments and new offerings that support growth
- Collaborate with the wider sales team to ensure consistency in approach and best practice sharing
Key Account & Relationship Management
Maintain regular and strategic contact with key stakeholders within customer organisationsEnsure customer satisfaction and retention through proactive service managementManage multiple stakeholder levels within accounts to ensure account depth and resilienceProtect and grow revenue by maintaining account health and identifying up-sell / cross-sell opportunitiesRevenue & Pricing Management
Ensure pricing strategies support both cost recovery and regional competitivenessMonitor and report on revenue targets, forecasting variances and growth opportunitiesIdentify and reduce poor-quality service costs; implement solutions in collaboration with operationsSeek new value-added opportunities within the customer supply chain (e.g. first / last mile solutions)Ensure compliance with pricing and approval protocolsOperational & Interdepartmental Collaboration
Collaborate with operational and network teams to align service capability with customer demandFacilitate communication between customer service, planning, and delivery teams to ensure smooth executionResolve regional operational issues impacting customer satisfaction and service deliveryBudget & Financial Responsibility
Actively contribute to budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning for the regionDeliver cost-reduction initiatives that improve regional financial performanceMonitor customer payment performance and contribute to debtor managementReporting & Insights
Provide regular regional sales performance reports and customer insightsReport on pipeline development and key account activities weeklyShare relevant market and competitive intelligence with leadership to guide strategyWhat (skills) you will bring
Knowledge and experience
5–7 years of experience in sales, business development, or key account managementProven experience developing and executing growth strategiesDeep understanding of freight and / or logistics, preferably railStrong analytical skills and ability to interpret financial and performance dataExcellent interpersonal and negotiation skillsCapable of managing complex customer accounts and projectsDesirable
Experience working with regional economic development agencies or supply chain stakeholdersExperience in transport, infrastructure, or industrial B2B environmentsFamiliarity with CRM and sales performance toolsAbility to influence cross-functional teamsNōu te rourou | What\u2019s in it for you
Competitive salary plus 4% employer KiwiSaver contribution25 annual leave daysProfessional development opportunities to help you grow and succeedAccess 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?
N.B. Applications close : 29 September 2025
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