Safety System Replacement Technical Lead | Auckland

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KiwiRail in Auckland is hiring a Safety System Replacement Technical Lead to drive the design and delivery of the next generation SHW system, replacing ORA. This permanent on-site role sits at the crossroads of SHW, Digital and the wider business, defining requirements, guiding solution design, and ensuring the build, testing and implementation are practical and fit for purpose. You’ll lead functional input into procurement, vendor evaluation and solution selection, and build strong relationships across SHW, Digital, procurement and business units while supporting change readiness and adoption. To win, demonstrate proven experience delivering complex system design in a large organisation, deep SHW risk management or digital platforms, and strong stakeholder engagement. Benefits include competitive salary plus KiwiSaver, staff benefits, and professional development; applications close 12 July 2026; NZ residency/citizenship required.

Safety System Replacement Technical Lead | Auckland

• Lead the design and delivery of KiwiRail’s next-generation Safety, Health & Wellbeing (SHW)system
• Permanent role based in Auckland
• Shape future state design, drive system transformation, and deliver meaningful business improvement

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. ORA - KiwiRail’s system for tracking, assuring, and reporting SHW risk and performance is ready for replacement and as our Safety System Replacement Technical Lead, you’ll play a critical role in shaping the future of our Safety, Health & Wellbeing (SHW) systems. 

This role will lead the functional design and business readiness for replacing KiwiRail’s ORA assurance and reporting platform. Working at the intersection of SHW, Digital, and the wider business, you’ll define requirements, guide solution design, and ensure the successful build and implementation of a system that is practical, intuitive, and fit for purpose. You’ll be instrumental in ensuring the new solution not only replaces the current system, but improves how we manage risk, assurance, and performance across KiwiRail.

What you’ll be doing:

• Leading the functional design and business ownership of the new KiwiRail Safety, Health & Wellbeing (SHW) risk, assurance and reporting system/database

• Defining business, process, reporting, and user requirements, and shaping the future state design
• Providing leadership on system architecture, data structures, workflows, and integration requirements
• Ensuring the system supports SHW risk management (including critical risk), assurance, insight reporting, and performance management needs
• Leading functional input into procurement, vendor evaluation, and solution selection
• Guiding build, configuration, testing, and implementation readiness
• Building strong relationships across SHW, Digital, procurement, vendors, and business units
• Supporting change readiness, risk management, and successful system adoption
• Leading transition from legacy systems while driving simplification and continuous improvement

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

• Experience leading or managing complex system design and delivery within a large organisation
• Able to navigate large organisations, building the key relationships that support the design, build, and implementation of a new SHW system
• Proven experience working with digital platforms for SHW that underpin  risk management, critical risk and control verification and support assurance for safe working environments
• Strong understanding of business requirements, process design, and system implementation
• Experience working with senior leaders on strategic initiatives and large-scale change programmes
• Ability to translate complex requirements into practical, user-focused solutions
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills across technical and business audiences
• 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 documentation
• A collaborative, adaptable approach with a focus on continuous improvement
• A 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 a high-impact transformation project 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 a technically strong, business-savvy leader who enjoys shaping systems, influencing stakeholders, and delivering real change, we’d love to hear from you.

Bring your expertise to help KiwiRail deliver safer, smarter systems that support 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.