General Manager Leadership and Capability

About KiwiRail

KiwiRail plays a vital role in building a stronger and more sustainable New Zealand by connecting people and goods nationwide. Their work contributes to reducing carbon emissions, alleviating congestion, and keeping communities linked. They are currently undergoing transformative growth and emphasized leadership development as a central focus for their future success.

Role Overview

This executive leadership position leads KiwiRail’s newly created Leadership & Capability division, operating from Auckland or Wellington. Reporting directly to the Chief People & Culture Officer, the role is responsible for overseeing a broad team dedicated to learning, leadership development, organisational capability, technical and regulatory training, safety education, and culture initiatives across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and nurture a high-achieving Leadership & Capability team to empower KiwiRail personnel in delivering exceptional customer service now and in the future across technical training, leadership, and cultural programmes.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive leadership and capability strategy aligned with corporate objectives.
• Serve as a trusted consultant to senior executives, including the CPO and Executive Leadership Team, on leadership growth, organisational efficiency, and cultural matters.
• Oversee enterprise-wide leadership development schemes and succession planning initiatives.
• Advance the modernisation of learning platforms, instructional delivery methods, and operational approaches.
• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with industry bodies, regulatory agencies, educational providers, and funding sources.
• Manage a high-performing team, control budgets, and ensure solid governance and commercial results.

Qualifications and Experience

• Significant executive or senior management experience in leadership and organisational development, learning and development, or broader people & culture operations.
• Proven ability to create and execute impactful leadership, learning, capability, and organisational development strategies within complex, large-scale organisations.
• Track record in designing and delivering leadership development initiatives that foster cultural improvement and commercial benefits on a wide scale.
• Experience operating within regulated, operational, or safety-sensitive environments.
• Strong skills in stakeholder engagement and influence, with credibility across frontline to executive levels.
• Demonstrated leadership in culture and employee engagement across diverse and operational or safety-critical workforces.
• Sound commercial skills including financial oversight, vendor management, and external partnership cultivation.
• Capacity to lead transformational change, modernise functions, and promote ongoing enhancement.
• Preferred tertiary qualifications in Human Resources, Psychology, Organisational Development, Learning & Development, Business, or related areas.

Benefits

• Senior executive leadership position shaping capability and culture within a major and varied New Zealand organisation.
• Opportunity to create and lead a newly expanded Leadership & Capability division.
• Competitive salary package alongside a 5% employer KiwiSaver contribution.
• Staff discounts on Southern Cross medical insurance.
• Access to discounts on staff travel and partner retail offers.
• Provisions for professional development and opportunities for executive leadership growth.
• Eligibility for NZ Rail Staff Welfare Trust benefits and an array of employee perks.

Additional Information

Applications are reviewed on receipt, so early submission is encouraged. The deadline for applications is Friday, 2 October 2026.