Track Maintenance Superintendent

About KiwiRail

KiwiRail connects people and freight across New Zealand with a commitment to sustainable development and economic growth. Their mission, "Stronger Connections, Better New Zealand," emphasizes a dedication to safety, innovation, and community well-being within a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Role Overview

The Track Maintenance Superintendent is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing track and corridor maintenance across the Wellington Metro KiwiRail network. This position ensures that critical track assets such as rails, sleepers, ballast, turnouts, formations, and corridor infrastructure are maintained in a safe, reliable, and compliant state to support 24/7 rail operations. The role involves setting maintenance strategies, risk management, and coordinating closely with operational, engineering, and asset management teams. This position collaborates with the Network Workforce and Track Workforce Manager to ensure skilled crews are safely and effectively deployed.

Key Responsibilities

• Champion and foster a robust safety culture across all track and corridor maintenance operations, ensuring adherence to relevant rail safety legislation, standards, and KiwiRail procedures.
• Manage and control track maintenance budgets by monitoring productivity, materials use, access efficiency, and proactively address potential cost pressures.
• Develop and implement enhanced track maintenance methods and standards that optimize value for money while balancing asset condition, intervention timing, and rail service disruptions.
• Guarantee asset code compliance through effective planned maintenance programs.
• Coordinate with the Track Asset Engineering team for timely, accurate performance and condition reporting to support preventative, corrective, and predictive maintenance strategies that enhance asset lifecycle value.
• Be accountable for the reliability and performance of track infrastructure throughout the network.
• Supervise safety-critical work, fault responses, incident investigations, and related corrective and preventive measures.
• Ensure the timely execution of programmed maintenance activities with emphasis on safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Plan and manage maintenance activities, access possessions, and resources using the Maximo Asset Management system to meet work program deadlines.
• Work with Track Inspector teams to conduct quality assurance of maintenance operations, confirming adherence to standards, work instructions, and engineering requirements.
• Collaborate with Network Planning and Integrity teams for effective scheduling and prioritization of maintenance work.
• Provide technical leadership and specialized advice on track maintenance to internal stakeholders.
• Support asset management plans, renewal programs, and capital projects through maintenance expertise.
• Promote continuous improvement, standardization, and adoption of modern maintenance techniques, equipment, and technologies.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Extensive proven experience in track maintenance, rail infrastructure, or civil asset maintenance.
• Demonstrated leadership in safety-critical and operational rail environments.
• Strong comprehension of rail track standards, safety management systems, and maintenance practices.
• Experience in managing incidents, defects, and operational risks effectively.
• Relevant qualifications in civil engineering, rail infrastructure, or equivalent significant industry experience.
• Certified rail industry safety critical competencies.
• Valid New Zealand driver's license and ability to meet KiwiRail’s drug and alcohol screening standards.
• Ability to achieve and maintain required rail safety certifications.
• Preparedness to participate in on-call and emergency response duties.

Desired Personal Qualities

• Strong leadership with a focus on safety and sound operational decision-making.
• Effective communication skills across technical and operational stakeholders.
• Capability to manage and prioritize competing demands efficiently.
• Practical, resilient, and decisive when handling dynamic and challenging situations.
• Collaborative and values-driven leadership approach.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with an additional 4% contribution to KiwiSaver.
• 25 days annual leave entitlement.
• Access to the NZ Rail Staff Welfare Trust benefits, including holiday homes nationwide and support for eye care, physiotherapy, general practitioner services, and prescription expenses.
• Discounts on retail, scenic train journeys, and Interislander services.
• Opportunity to contribute to a diverse, innovative, sustainable, and community-focused working environment.

Additional Information

Applicants must be able to apply by the closing date of 28 September 2026. This is a permanent, Wellington-based, full-time onsite position. The role involves managing safety-critical operations and maintaining compliance with rail regulations. The position demands engagement with emergency response and on-call requirements as needed.