Job Description
General Manager Communications & External Relations
- Senior leadership opportunity reporting to the Chief Strategy, Risk & Corporate Affairs Officer
- Lead enterprise-wide communications, media, stakeholder engagement and government relations functions
- Influence Executive Leadership Team and Board-level decision making
- Auckland preferred, with Wellington considered
He whakamārama mō te tūranga mahi | About the role
KiwiRail is investing in the future of rail and ferry services across Aotearoa through an ambitious programme of modernisation and growth. As General Manager Communications & External Relations, you will play a pivotal role in shaping how KiwiRail communicates, engages and builds trust with its people, customers, stakeholders and communities.
Leading a team of communications and engagement professionals, you will develop and execute an integrated enterprise-wide communications and stakeholder engagement strategy that supports KiwiRail’s purpose, strategic priorities and reputation. This role brings together internal communications, media relations, government engagement, community relations and stakeholder management to ensure a consistent and authentic voice across the organisation.
As a trusted advisor to the Executive Leadership Team and Board, you will provide expert guidance on strategic communications, external affairs, reputational risk and crisis management while helping position KiwiRail as a trusted and valued State-Owned Enterprise.
What you'll be doing
- Developing and delivering an enterprise-wide communications and stakeholder engagement strategy aligned to KiwiRail’s long-term ambitions
- Providing strategic advice to senior leaders, the Executive Leadership Team and Board on communications, reputation and stakeholder matters
- Leading internal and external communications to support organisational performance, employee engagement and transformation initiatives
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with media, government agencies, regulators, community leaders and industry stakeholders
- Designing and embedding effective stakeholder engagement approaches across the organisation
- Overseeing issues management, crisis communications planning and response activities
- Ensuring consistent messaging and communication standards across all channels and audiences
- Leading key stakeholder events, consultations and engagement programmes
- Building, mentoring and developing a high-performing Communications & External Relations team
- Partnering across the business to strengthen trust, reputation and strategic outcomes
Ngā pukenga e rapu nei mātou | What you will bring
- Significant senior leadership experience within communications, corporate affairs, external relations, public relations or stakeholder engagement environments
- Proven ability to influence Executives, Boards and senior stakeholders on complex organisational issues
- Experience working within large, complex operational organisations with diverse stakeholder groups
- Deep understanding of government, regulatory, media and community landscapes across New Zealand
- Exceptional stakeholder engagement and relationship management capability
- Demonstrated success managing reputation, issues management and crisis communications
- Strong experience building and leading high-performing teams
- Strategic thinking capability with the ability to translate complexity into clear and compelling communications
- Excellent judgement, credibility and the ability to influence at all levels
- Relevant tertiary qualification in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Political Science or a related discipline (or equivalent postgraduate qualification and experience)
Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you?
- Opportunity to influence the future direction of one of New Zealand’s most iconic organisations
- Executive leadership role with significant enterprise-wide impact
- Competitive remuneration package
- 4% KiwiSaver employer contribution
- Discounted health insurance and staff travel benefits
- Access to the NZ Rail Staff Welfare Trust
- Flexible work arrangements and national exposure
- Opportunity to contribute to KiwiRail’s transformation and growth journey
- A collaborative and values-driven culture focused on connecting New Zealand communities
Kua rite, kia rite | Ready to make a difference?
If you're an accomplished communications and stakeholder engagement leader who thrives in complex environments and is passionate about building trust, influencing outcomes and shaping organisational reputation, we'd love to hear from you.
Join KiwiRail and help create stronger connections for Aotearoa New Zealand.
Applications close: Sunday 19th of July 2026
