Construction Jobs in Waitematā, New Zealand (Now Hiring) — 6 open

GM Safety, Health & Wellbeing – Metros

• Lead safety, health and wellbeing across KiwiRail’s Metro operations (Auckland and Wellington)
• Permanent senior leadership role based in Auckland with regular travel to Wellington required
• Drive Line-Led Safety, influence senior leaders, and shape a high‑performing safety culture

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 GM Safety, Health & Wellbeing – Metros, you will play a critical leadership role in ensuring safety is embedded at the heart of our Metro operations.  Reporting to the Chief Safety, Health and Wellbeing Officer, you will partner closely with the Chief Metro Officer and other Metro senior leaders to drive Line-Led Safety, strengthen leadership accountability, and ensure safety, health and wellbeing (SHW) is fully integrated into decision-making.  This is a high-impact role where you will provide strategic direction, lead a small team of SHW professionals, and influence outcomes across a complex and operationally diverse environment.

What you’ll be doing:

• Leading the delivery of SHW strategy across Metro operations, aligned to KiwiRail’s enterprise priorities
• Acting as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, influencing behaviours to embed Line-Led Safety
• Overseeing critical risk management, assurance, and investigation outcomes to ensure effective controls
• Translating SHW strategy into practical delivery plans integrated into business operations and change initiatives
• Leading and developing SHW Business Partners, building capability and consistency across the function
• Ensuring strong contractor safety management across a complex supplier and delivery environment
• Providing clear insight and reporting on SHW performance, trends, risks and priorities to executive and governance forums
• Driving continuous improvement through learning from incidents, audits and assurance findings
• Coordinating specialist SHW support to enable safe, effective and practical outcomes across Metro operations

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

• Significant senior experience in safety, health and wellbeing leadership within complex operational environments – ideally with rail infrastructure or construction experience.
• Proven ability to influence senior leaders and embed safety as a core business priority
• Strong experience in critical risk management, assurance, and incident investigation
• Experience leading high-performing teams and delivering outcomes through others
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in unionised and highly regulated environments
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to partner at executive level
• Strong judgement, resilience and ability to lead through complexity and change
• A genuine passion for safety, wellbeing and continuous improvement

Nōu te rourou | What’s in it for you:

• Competitive executive salary package plus 4% KiwiSaver contribution
• Discounted medical insurance and staff travel benefits
• Access to the NZ Rail Staff Welfare Trust
• Ongoing leadership development and career opportunities
• A chance to contribute to a nationally significant organisation and critical infrastructure
• Supportive, values-led culture focused on safety, people and performance

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

If you’re an experienced safety leader who thrives in complex, high-risk environments and wants to shape the future of safety across KiwiRail’s Metro operations, we’d love to hear from you.

Bring your leadership, influence, and 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.