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

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 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

What 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.

Nou 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?

Ra aukati | Applications close : 20 October

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