Manager - Rail Operations - Upper North Island

• Lead the future of rail safety regulation in New Zealand.

• Build and develop a high-performing team in a newly shaped leadership role.

• Influence industry-wide safety outcomes through strong regulatory leadership.

• Auckland location

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We're looking for an experienced people leader and regulator to join NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) as Manager Rail Operations – Upper North Island.

This newly established leadership role has been created as part of our operating model evolution and presents a unique opportunity to shape the future direction, capability and culture of the Rail Operations team. Reporting to the Head of Rail Safety Regulation, you'll lead the delivery of rail regulatory activities focused on improving safety outcomes and reducing harm across New Zealand's rail system.

We are seeking a strong regulatory leader who has either worked within a regulatory organisation or brings significant experience working in highly regulated environments. You'll be comfortable navigating complexity, making evidence-based decisions, and leading regulatory responses where safety, compliance and public trust are critical. Experience in investigations, compliance, audit, assurance or enforcement environments would be highly beneficial.

In this role you will:

• Lead, develop and grow a high-performing team of regulatory specialists.

• Oversee investigations into safety occurrences, complaints and alleged breaches relating to rail participants and rail operations.

• Lead regulatory responses to rail accidents and incidents, including engagement with partner agencies and oversight of follow-up actions.  

• Deliver intelligence-led and risk-based regulatory interventions that improve safety outcomes and regulatory compliance.  

• Build trusted relationships across the rail sector, government agencies, iwi, unions, industry bodies and other regulators.  

• Provide leadership across the rail safety system, driving continuous improvement and addressing critical and persistent risks.  

• Contribute as a key member of the Safer Rail Leadership Team to support strategic and operational success.  

You will find out more about the role here Position Description.

Ko koe tēnei | About you

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Significant leadership experience leading teams in complex operational, regulatory or infrastructure environments.  

• Experience working within a regulatory organisation or extensive experience operating in highly regulated environments.

• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with the ability to build credibility and trust across a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.  

• Experience leading investigations, compliance activities, regulatory interventions, audit, assurance, risk or enforcement functions.

• Demonstrated ability to lead change, build capability and develop high-performing teams.  

• Strong decision-making ability, using evidence and intelligence to identify risk and determine effective interventions.  

It would be advantageous if you had the following:

• Experience within rail, transport, infrastructure, health and safety, aviation, maritime or other safety-critical industries.

• Knowledge of New Zealand's rail regulatory environment.  

• Experience working with regulatory investigations, compliance monitoring, audit or assurance frameworks.

You will demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori. You will also have knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an appreciation of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) as it applies in the public service.  

Mō mātou | About us

Te Rōpū Waeture – Regulatory is the lead regulator for land transport in New Zealand. Our purpose is to ensure the transport system is safe, efficient, effective and operates in the public interest. We work to improve safety and reduce harm by being a firm and fair regulator grounded in good regulatory practice and Te Ao Māori values.  

The Rail Operations Team provides effective and efficient regulation of New Zealand's rail system, helping ensure rail safety risks are actively managed through licensing, compliance monitoring and regulatory response activities delivered using an intelligence-led and risk-based approach.  

Ka whiwhi koe i te aha | What you will get in return

This is an exciting opportunity to join NZTA during a period of change and maturity in our regulatory function. You'll have the chance to establish your leadership footprint, shape a newly evolved team and influence safety outcomes that matter to communities across New Zealand.

Along with our other benefits, we also offer:

• Five weeks annual leave.

• Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance for permanent employees.

• Flexible working arrangements.

• Ongoing professional development and leadership opportunities.

• A values-led culture focused on making a meaningful difference for New Zealanders.  

Ready to take the next step in your career? We'd love to hear from you. Apply today and join a team that is helping shape the future of rail safety regulation in Aotearoa.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Please click apply to upload your CV and cover letter detailing your suitability for the role.

Rā Katinga | Applications close:

18 August 2026

For further information, email: [email protected]

To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values. Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.