Job Description

• Position can be based in Auckland, Wellington
• Full-time role (40 hours per week, Monday to Friday) on an 18-month fixed-term contract
• Offers strong career development and growth opportunities

He whakamārama mō te tūranga mahi | About the role:

KiwiRail is entering a significant period of transformation as we modernise and grow our rail and Interislander services across Aotearoa.

As the Supply Chain Planning Process Lead, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping how KiwiRail plans its freight operations. You will design, govern, and continuously improve the planning processes that support a reliable, efficient, and customer focused rail freight network.

Working across demand, supply, asset, and operations planning, you’ll ensure plans reflect real‑ world network constraints, asset availability, and terminal capacity—enabling better, more informed decision-making across the business.

In this role, you will:

• Lead end-to-end supply chain planning processes, including demand, supply, operations planning, and IBP inputs
• Establish and maintain consistent planning standards, governance frameworks, documentation, and performance measures
• Improve planning accuracy, responsiveness, and decision-making across the supply chain
• Support scenario planning by providing insight into capacity trade-offs, constraints, and operational readiness
• Partner closely with Commercial, Operations, Network Control, Rollingstock, Terminals, and Finance teams
• Champion continuous improvement and support the adoption of advanced planning tools, systems, and ways of working

This role suits someone who can successfully balance day-to-day operational priorities with longer‑ term process improvement and planning maturity.

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

We’re looking for a collaborative and analytical planner who is confident operating in complex, asset intensive environments.

You will bring:

• Experience in supply chain or operations planning within rail, transport, logistics, manufacturing, utilities, or similar industries
• Strong capability in process design, governance, and continuous improvement
• Experience with IBP/S&OP, ideally in freight or transport settings
• Strong planning analytics, scenario modelling, and reporting skills
• The ability to translate commercial and operational priorities into practical planning solutions
• Confidence influencing stakeholders across multiple teams
• Excellent communication skills and strong attention to detail
• Familiarity with advanced planning systems and digital transformation (advantageous)
• Knowledge of rail operations, rolling stock, or asset management (beneficial)

You’ll also need:

• A current New Zealand Driver’s Licence
• A relevant qualification in supply chain, logistics, analytics, or equivalent experience
• Relevant industry certifications (desirable)

Nōu te rourou | What’s in it for you:

At KiwiRail, you’ll be part of an essential industry that keeps Aotearoa moving.

We offer:

• A competitive salary, plus a 4% employer KiwiSaver contribution
• Southern Cross medical insurance available at discounted staff rates
• Access to a wide range of retail discounts through our partner network
• Discounted staff travel across KiwiRail services
• Membership of the NZ Rail Staff Welfare Trust, providing access to holiday homes across New Zealand and support for optometry, physiotherapy, GP visits, and prescription costs
• The opportunity to be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace committed to innovation, sustainability, and positive community impact

This is your chance to help shape smarter, stronger freight operations for Aotearoa.

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

Joining KiwiRail means playing a part in building a safer, stronger, and better-connected Aotearoa. If you’re ready to grow your career and be part of the team that keeps New Zealand moving, we’d love to hear from you.

Applications close: 29 May 2026 (unless filled sooner)

Successful candidates must pass a pre-employment medical and drug screen 

Applicants must hold New Zealand residency or citizenship 

KiwiRail is committed to an inclusive, flexible, and supportive workplace where everyone can feel valued, respected, and have equal opportunity to succeed. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, abilities, and experiences because together, we’re stronger!