Safety Health and Wellbeing Continuous Improvement Lead

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KiwiRail is recruiting a permanent, full-time SHW Continuous Improvement Lead to steer practical, systems-based improvement across Safety, Health and Wellbeing and the wider business from Auckland or Wellington. You will apply Human and Organisational Performance and human factors to understand how work is done, lead or support improvement initiatives, coach leaders, and embed new practices that lift safety performance in a complex operation. Key requirements include experience in SHW or a related role, strong continuous improvement capability, risk management, and the ability to influence senior stakeholders and translate insights into practical improvements. To apply, tailor your CV with measurable outcomes, share specific learning reviews and investigation examples, demonstrate coaching capability, and confirm NZ residency or citizenship. Applications close Sunday 12 July 2026.

• Lead continuous improvement across KiwiRail’s Safety, Health and Wellbeing function and greater business
• Permanent role based in Auckland or Wellington
• Drive practical change, influence capability uplift, and strengthen safety performance in a complex operational environment

Position Description

He whakamārama mō te tūranga mahi | About the role:

KiwiRail is undergoing significant transformation to modernise and grow our rail and Interislander services across Aotearoa. As our SHW Continuous Improvement Lead, you’ll play a critical role in improving how safety, health and wellbeing is delivered in practice across the business. Working alongside SHW Business Partners and operational teams, you will apply systems thinking, such as Human and Organisational Performance (HOP), and human factors to understand how work is done and identify practical opportunities for improvement.  You will be instrumental in turning insight into meaningful, sustainable change—strengthening learning, improving performance, and embedding safer, more effective ways of working across KiwiRail.

What you’ll be doing:

• Leading or supporting hands-on SHW continuous improvement initiatives across the business
• Partnering with Business Partners and operational teams to identify opportunities and implement improvements
• Applying HOP, human factors and continuous improvement systems thinking to understand operational realities and provide solutions to safer outcomes
• Facilitating learning reviews and strengthening investigation outcomes
• Driving targeted interventions to address risk and performance gaps
• Building capability in leaders and teams through coaching and mentoring
• Supporting sustained change by embedding improved practices into everyday work
• Using data and insights to measure impact and inform future improvements

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

• Experience in Safety, Health and Wellbeing or a related operational role within complex environments
• Strong understanding of continuous improvement, systems thinking and risk management
• Proven ability to influence and coach leaders at all levels
• Experience delivering change initiatives and working with senior stakeholders
• Ability to translate insights into practical, user-focused improvements
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
• High attention to detail, strong problem-solving capability, and sound judgement

You’ll also bring:

• Experience in complex operational environments
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including reporting and facilitation
• A collaborative, adaptable approach with a focus on continuous improvement
• A genuine passion for safety, wellbeing, and better ways of working

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
• Ongoing professional development opportunities
• A chance to lead high-impact improvement initiatives in a nationally significant organisation
• Supportive, collaborative team environment focused on safety and performance

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

If you’re passionate about improving how work is done and want to make a real impact on safety outcomes, we’d love to hear from you.  Bring your expertise to help KiwiRail deliver Stronger Connections for a Better New Zealand.

Applications close: Sunday 12th of July 2026

Applicants must hold New Zealand residency or citizenship.

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