General Manager - Risk, Change & Assurance

• Permanent, full-time position
• Based in Auckland or Wellington

KiwiRail delivers sustainable and inclusive growth for our customers, communities, and people. For over 150 years, we have connected communities, delivered goods, and showcased our stunning landscapes. Our purpose, ‘Stronger Connections, Better New Zealand,’ highlights how we move forward through connected people, networks, and innovative ways of working.

About the Role

As the GM (Group Manager) for Risk, Change & Assurance, you will play a pivotal role in shaping KiwiRail’s future as the strategic leader enterprise wide in risk management, change management, and assurance. You will guide a high-performing team and collaborate with senior leaders, the Executive and the Board to mature systems and embed best practices that align with KiwiRail’s long-term objectives. This is a unique opportunity to influence key strategic decisions and help KiwiRail navigate a dynamic, evolving operational landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead enterprise-wide as a chief risk officer and advising the Executive Team and Board.
• Act as a business partner to integrate risk, change, and assurance strategies and systems into operations, driving KiwiRail’s resilience and long-term success.
• Facilitate risk workshops with senior leaders, offering expertise in risk mitigation and high-quality decision-making.
• Foster a culture of learning and continuous improvement, embedding best practices across the organisation.
• Balance standardised frameworks with flexible, practical approaches to meet business needs.
• Drive support for large-scale change initiatives from key stakeholders and senior leaders.

What We’re Looking For
 

• Has held  senior leadership roles such as a Chief Risk Officer with risk management and maturity, organisational change, and assurance professional qualifications.
• Excellent and innovative communicator and coach who can make the complex simple and is able to influence at all levels of the organisation.
• A strategic thinker with a commercial and customer mindset, capable of linking risk management and change management to business outcomes.
• Expertise in governance principles and providing strategic advice to boards and executives.
• Proven track record of implementing risk and assurance strategies in large, complex organisations and preferably with strong infrastructure industry experience.
• Strong knowledge of risk management methodologies, assurance frameworks, and best practices.
• Experience in the transport or infrastructure sectors is highly desirable.  
• Collaborative leader who fosters inclusivity, resilience, and adaptability.
  Able to thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments and navigate complex challenges.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualifications in business, risk management, or related fields.
• Relevant professional certifications (e.g., CPRM, CCMP, or CIA).

KiwiRail Benefits

• Southern Cross discounted health insurance for you and your whānau.

• Supportive and diverse team culture.
• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• Access to discounted travel, medical cost support, and holiday homes via the NZ Rail Staff Welfare Trust.
• Contribute to shaping New Zealand’s future through sustainable transport solutions.

Our people are everything. That’s why KiwiRail is committed to an inclusive, flexible, and supportive workplace where everyone can feel valued, respected, and have equal opportunity to succeed. We encourage applications from people of all ages, genders, sexual orientation, personalities, ethnicities, abilities, and cultures.

Join Us!
 

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact on New Zealand’s infrastructure and commercial landscape? If you’re prepared to take your career to the next level, KiwiRail is ready for you. Apply now!

Applications close: Sunday 3rd of November 2024 

Position Description: