Job Description

Lead the future of rail asset intelligence and help transform how KiwiRail manages critical infrastructure across New Zealand.

• Permanent leadership opportunity
• Flexible location - Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch
• Drive the integration of asset information, digital inspection technology, and engineering readiness across a nationally significant rail network
• Lead the transition to data-driven asset management and Smart Infrastructure practices

Position Description

He kōrero mō mātou | About us

At KiwiRail, we're dedicated to building a better-connected and more sustainable Aotearoa. For more than 150 years, rail has played a vital role in connecting communities, supporting businesses, and keeping New Zealand moving. Today, we're investing in the future of our network and services while staying true to our purpose of Stronger Connections, Better New Zealand. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, working together to deliver safe, reliable, and customer-focused rail services across the country.

He whakamārama mō te tūranga mahi | About the role

This is a unique opportunity to join KiwiRail in a national strategic leadership role at the forefront of rail technology, asset management, and infrastructure innovation. As the National Asset Integration Manager - Specialist Plant, you will lead the integration of asset information, engineering readiness, operational planning, and digital inspection capability across Specialist Rail Services. You'll play a pivotal role in transforming how KiwiRail manages railway infrastructure by introducing modern inspection technologies, predictive asset insights, geospatial information, and data-driven decision making. Working across operational, engineering, digital, and asset management teams, you'll ensure new technologies and inspection systems are successfully commissioned, integrated, and embedded into everyday operations. This is a highly influential role that will help shape the future of Smart Infrastructure across New Zealand's rail network.

What you'll be doing

• Leading the development and implementation of Specialist Rail Services technology and asset information roadmaps
• Driving the integration and operational commissioning of advanced track measurement and inspection technologies
• Championing the use of digital inspection outputs to improve maintenance, renewals, and asset performance strategies
• Providing strategic leadership for asset information governance, data quality, and regulatory reporting
• Working across engineering, operations, planning, and digital teams to strengthen asset management capability
• Supporting business readiness, training, and change management programmes
• Developing governance frameworks for asset information, geospatial data, and digital inspection systems
• Providing technical expertise for business cases, supplier relationships, and future technology investments
• Leading initiatives that improve network reliability, infrastructure resilience, and operational performance

Ngā pukenga e rapu nei mātou | What you will bring

You will be a strategic and collaborative leader with a passion for infrastructure, engineering, technology, and asset management. You'll enjoy working across multiple disciplines, influencing stakeholders, and driving meaningful change in complex operational environments.

You will bring:

• Experience leading asset management, engineering, infrastructure, or technology integration programmes
• Strong knowledge of asset information management, governance, and digital transformation
• Experience working with infrastructure inspection systems, engineering data, GIS, or enterprise asset management platforms
• A proven ability to build strong relationships across operational, engineering, digital, and leadership teams
• Experience leading organisational change and business readiness initiatives
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills
• A commitment to safety, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management capabilities

Ngā tohu me ngā wheako | Qualifications

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Information Management, Engineering, Information Systems, or a related discipline
• Relevant experience in asset management, infrastructure, engineering, or information governance environments
• ISO 55000 (Asset Management) or ISO 19650 certification, or a willingness to work towards certification
• A current New Zealand Driver Licence

Nōu te rourou | What’s in it for you?

• A key strategic leadership role with national influence
• The opportunity to shape the future of KiwiRail's Smart Infrastructure journey
• 4% KiwiSaver employer contribution
• Discounted health insurance and staff travel benefits
• Access to the New Zealand Railways Staff Welfare Trust
• Professional development and career progression opportunities
• Exposure to industry-leading technologies and infrastructure programmes
• A supportive environment that values collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement
• The opportunity to make a lasting impact on New Zealand's rail network

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

If you're passionate about infrastructure, asset intelligence, technology integration, and leading strategic change, we'd love to hear from you.

Bring your leadership, technical expertise, and vision to help KiwiRail deliver Stronger Connections for a Better New Zealand.

Applications close: Friday 18th of September 2026.

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.