Head of Legal and Governance | Auckland or Wellington

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KiwiRail is hiring a Head of Legal & Governance, a permanent executive leadership role based in Auckland or Wellington, to lead the legal function and provide strategic, commercial advice to the Board, CEO and ELT during KiwiRail’s transformation. You will shape enterprise-wide governance, manage legal risk, oversee compliance and board secretariat functions, and build a high-performing team in a public-facing, regulated environment. The right candidate brings extensive senior-level legal experience, proven GC or Head of Legal capability, deep governance and risk expertise, and strong stakeholder influence. To stand out, tailor your CV to board advisory, regulatory engagement, large contracts, and team leadership; NZ residency or citizenship is required; apply by July 20, 2026.

Head of Legal & Governance

• Provide strategic commercial legal advice, leadership, and governance excellence across a nationally significant organisation
• Permanent executive leadership role based in Auckland or Wellington
• Influence Board-level decision making, manage risk, and shape KiwiRail’s legal and governance framework across Aotearoa

Position Description

He whakamārama mō te tūranga mahi | About the role:

KiwiRail is in a significant phase of transformation, delivering a five-year plan to modernise and grow rail and ferry services across Aotearoa.  As Head of Legal & Governance, you will provide strategic leadership of KiwiRail’s legal and governance function, ensuring the organisation is enabled, protected, and operating with strong governance practices.  Reporting to the Chief Strategy, Risk & Corporate Affairs Officer, you will act as a trusted advisor to the Board, Chief Executive, and Executive Leadership Team, providing expert  advice on significant commercial, and strategic matters.  This is a highly influential leadership role where you will shape enterprise-wide decision making, strengthen governance frameworks, and contribute to KiwiRail’s strategic and performance outcomes.

Key accountabilities include:

• Leading KiwiRail’s legal function, providing strategic, commercial, and public law advice and leadership across the business
• Advising the Board, Chief Executive, and Executive Leadership Team on complex commercial, regulatory, and strategic matters
• Overseeing legal risk management, corporate compliance, and governance frameworks
• Leading governance and Board Secretariat functions, including Company Secretary responsibilities
• Supporting effective Board and Executive decision making through strong governance processes and frameworks
• Building and maintaining trusted relationships with regulators, government agencies, and external stakeholders
• Leading and developing a high-performing legal and governance team, fostering a culture of integrity, performance, and continuous improvement
• Enabling organisation-wide compliance with legislation, policies, and best practice governance standards

Ngā pukenga e rapu nei mātou | What you will bring:

• Extensive senior-level legal experience, with proven General Counsel or Head of Legal experience and capability
• Strong experience advising Boards and Executive Leadership Teams on commercially and strategically complex legal and governance matters
• Deep knowledge of corporate governance frameworks, compliance, and risk management
• Commercial expertise across large-scale projects, procurement, and contracting
• Demonstrated ability to lead high-performing teams and deliver through others
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, including in government and regulated environments
• Strong judgement, strategic thinking, and ability to operate effectively in complex, fast-paced settings
• A collaborative, adaptable approach with high levels of integrity and professionalism

Nōu te rourou | What’s in it for you:

• Competitive salary plus 4% KiwiSaver contribution
• Discounted medical insurance and staff travel benefits
• Access to the NZ Rail Staff Welfare Trust
• A key leadership role within a nationally significant organisation
• Opportunity to influence strategy and decision making at Board and executive level
• Supportive, values-led and collaborative team culture

Kua rite, kia rite | Ready to make a difference?

If you are an experienced legal leader ready to operate at the highest-level guiding strategy, strengthening governance, and managing risk across a complex, public facing organisation we encourage you to apply.

Bring your expertise, judgement, and leadership to help KiwiRail deliver Stronger Connections for a Better New Zealand.

Applications close: Monday 20th of July 2026

Applicants must hold New Zealand residency or citizenship.

KiwiRail is committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, abilities, and experiences—because together we are stronger.