Linehaul Locomotive Controller- Auckland

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KiwiRail’s Auckland (Ellerslie) Linehaul Locomotive Controller is a full‑time, permanent role that ensures the train plan is fully resourced and executed across a 24‑hour horizon, allocating locomotives and TEM assets, maintaining the Master Locomotive and TEM plan, scheduling maintenance, and supporting service recovery in a dynamic network. The role operates on a 12‑hour, 24/7 rotating shift with rosters planned in advance to support work‑life balance. Ideal candidates bring 2+ years in scheduling, planning or logistics, strong administrative and Excel skills, the ability to analyse information and make sound decisions under pressure, and excellent communication with the ability to influence across teams; rail or transport experience is preferred. Benefits include five weeks leave, staff travel discounts, purpose‑driven work, and access to welfare supports. To apply, tailor your CV to highlight planning, data analysis and teamwork, submit before 10 July 2026, and be prepared for pre‑employment medical and drug screen; NZ residency or citizenship is required and KiwiRail values inclusivity.

• Excellent learning opportunity with career progression opportunities  
• Position Located in Auckland (Ellerslie)
• Shift work with rosters planned in advance to allow work-life balance
• Full time, permanent (40 hours) 24/7 rotating shift pattern – 12-hour shifts  

Position Description

He whakamārama mo te tūranga mahi | About the role: 

As a Linehaul Locomotive Controller, you’ll play a critical role in ensuring KiwiRail’s train plan is fully resourced and executed over a 24-hour operational horizon.

Working within a 24/7 logistics environment, you’ll manage the allocation and optimisation of locomotive power and Train End Monitors (TEMs), ensuring efficient utilisation while maintaining the flexibility to respond to incidents across the network. You’ll maintain and manage the Master Locomotive and TEM plan, coordinate maintenance scheduling, and support service recovery to minimise disruption.

This is a dynamic and high-impact role where you’ll be at the centre of operational decision-making, working closely with teams across KiwiRail to ensure freight moves safely, reliably, and on time.

Key responsibilities include:

• Allocating and optimising locomotives and TEM assets across the network
• Maintaining the Master Locomotive and TEM plan and managing daily variations
• Scheduling locomotive maintenance and coordinating with Mechanical Services
• Providing contingency planning for shortages or failures and communicating impacts
• Recording and reporting locomotive availability data
• Supporting service recovery and minimising operational disruption
• Collaborating with planning, operations, and network control teams

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

• Experience in scheduling, planning, rostering, logistics, or coordination roles (2+ years)
• Strong administrative and organisational skills with high attention to detail
• Advanced Microsoft Office capability, particularly Excel
• Ability to analyse information and make sound decisions under pressure
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence and guide others
• A proactive, solutions-focused mindset with strong problem-solving ability
• Ability to build effective working relationships across diverse teams
• Resilience and composure in a fast-paced, 24/7 operational environment

Logistics, freight, or transport experience (preferred)

Nōu te rourou | What’s in it for you:  

• Five weeks annual leave  
• Discounted staff travel  
• The opportunity to work in a purpose-driven organisation making a real impact across Aotearoa 
• Access to the NZ Rail Staff Welfare Trust, offering: Holiday homes across New Zealand & Support for healthcare costs (GP, physio, optometry, prescriptions) 

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

If you thrive in a fast-moving environment, enjoy solving complex operational challenges, and want to play a part in keeping New Zealand’s freight moving, we’d love to hear from you.

Applications close: 10 July 2026 (unless filled sooner) 

Successful candidates must pass a pre-employment medical and drug screen  

Applicants must hold New Zealand residency or citizenship  

KiwiRail is committed to an inclusive, flexible, and supportive workplace where everyone can feel valued, respected, and have equal opportunity to succeed. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, abilities, and experiences because together, we’re stronger