Safety Health & Wellbeing Systems & Assurance Lead | Auckland or Wellington

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KiwiRail seeks a SHW Systems & Assurance Lead to design and own the SHW Management System, lead SHW assurance auditing, and strengthen governance across Aotearoa from Auckland or Wellington. The role requires extensive SHW systems experience in complex operations, lead-audit capability, and the ability to influence senior leaders and drive risk-based governance. You will drive a risk-based assurance framework, translate audit insights into action, ensure a practical user-friendly system aligned to operations, and lead change across the rail transformation. To apply, tailor your CV to highlight system design governance and audit outcomes; confirm NZ residency; deadline 12 July 2026; benefits include salary, KiwiSaver and development opportunities.

Safety Health & Wellbeing (SHW) Systems & Assurance Lead

• Lead KiwiRail’s safety systems and assurance framework across Aotearoa
• Permanent Systems & Assurance leadership opportunity based in Auckland or Wellington
• Shape system design, strengthen governance, and drive meaningful safety performance across a complex organisation

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 Systems & Assurance Lead, you will play a critical leadership role shaping how Safety, Health and Wellbeing is managed, assured, governed and continuously improved across the organisation.  You will lead the design, ownership and evolution of KiwiRail’s SHW Management System and assurance framework—ensuring it is practical, risk-based and embedded into everyday operations.  Working closely with senior leaders, operational teams and specialist functions, you will reshape, the SHW management system, and drive  the assurance activity, its effectiveness, consistency, to enable meaningful insights that support better decision-making and safer outcomes across the business.

What you’ll be doing:

• Leading the design, ownership and continuous improvement of KiwiRail’s SHW Management System along with Leading the SHW Assurance Auditing Team.
• Establishing and maintaining robust governance, standards and system frameworks
• Ensuring the system is practical, user-friendly, and aligned to operational needs
• Designing and leading a risk-based assurance and audit framework across the organisation
• Providing clear, actionable insights from audits and assurance activities
• Partnering with leaders and stakeholders to strengthen system adoption and implementation
• Supporting alignment between system requirements, risk frameworks and operational practices

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

• Extensive experience in Safety, Health and Wellbeing systems within complex operational environments
• Strong experience with SHW assurance frameworks and  audit programmes – ideally with lead auditor expertise
• Proven ability to influence senior leaders and drive enterprise-wide outcomes
• Strong understanding of risk management, governance and critical risk management (including control verification and effectiveness)
• Experience working in highly regulated and/or unionised environments
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
• Strong analytical capability with the ability to turn insights into action
• High attention to detail, sound judgement, and a continuous improvement mindset

You’ll also bring:

• A passion for safety, wellbeing and improving how work is done
• Strong communication, facilitation and coaching capability
• Experience building capability and embedding change across teams
• A practical, collaborative approach focused on real-world outcomes

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 work across a nationally significant organisation
• Supportive, values-driven culture focused on safety, people and performance

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

If you’re an experienced SHW leader who enjoys shaping systems, influencing stakeholders and driving meaningful change, 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.