Programme Manager – Fixed Term

• Lead the successful delivery of Freight Billing programme
• Coordinate multiple workstreams across multiple stakeholders
• Fixed term 12 months, Auckland based

He kōrero mō mātou | About us:

At KiwiRail, we connect New Zealanders sustainably, powering economic growth and ensuring vital freight and passenger services run smoothly. Our mission, "Stronger Connections, Better New Zealand," highlights our dedication to sustainability and community well-being.

Our people make KiwiRail exceptional. By fostering a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace, we empower everyone to contribute their best. If you're passionate about innovation and safety, we'd love to welcome you aboard.

He whakamārama mo te tūranga mahi | About the role:

Our Programme Manager will lead the successful delivery of the Freight Billing programme, with a primary focus on automating and improving freight billing processes. This role ensures the programme meets its objectives of reducing manual intervention, improving billing accuracy, and enhancing customer experience, while also laying the foundation for future extensibility across KiwiRail.

You will coordinate multiple workstreams, manage critical dependencies, and work closely with senior sponsors, technical experts, and business stakeholders to deliver outcomes that protect revenue, streamline processes, and enable long-term operational efficiency.

Within the area of responsibility, this role is required to:

• Lead the planning, governance, and delivery of the Freight Billing programme to agreed timeframes, budgets, and quality standards
• Coordinate multiple workstreams (pricing, customer master data, product catalogue, event data capture, IT systems) ensuring alignment and integration
• Manage risks, issues, and dependencies across the programme, proactively resolving conflicts and escalating where required
• Build and maintain strong engagement with executive sponsors, business owners, and technical stakeholders to ensure programme success
• Oversee business case development, cost-benefit modelling, and ROI analysis for billing automation options
• Ensure effective change management is embedded, enabling adoption of new systems and processes by impacted teams

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

Knowledge and experience

• You have 8+ years' experience managing large, complex programmes, ideally within freight, transport, or utilities
• You are skilled in programme governance, risk management, and multi-workstream coordination
• You have experience in billing systems, financial processes, or revenue assurance
• You understand KiwiRail's operating environment and how data, systems, and processes interact
• You are adept at engaging executive sponsors and diverse stakeholders to drive programme outcomes

Ways of working / Work-related qualities

• You lead with integrity, creating a safe and inclusive working environment
• You communicate clearly, tailoring messages to suit technical and business audiences
• You stay resilient and composed under pressure, guiding your team through challenges
• You balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery focus
• You promote collaboration and break down silos across teams

Other Requirements

• You can pass regular drug and alcohol screenings
• You hold a current and valid New Zealand driver's licence
• You are willing to travel within New Zealand as required for programme delivery

Qualifications

You need either:

• A relevant degree in business, IT, engineering, or project management, or Equivalent programme leadership experience in complex organisations,

and

• Recognised project/programme management certification (e.g., MSP, PgMP, PRINCE2)

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you:

• Competitive salary plus 4% employer KiwiSaver contribution
• 25 annual leave days
• Access to NZ Rail Staff Welfare Trust benefits, including holiday homes, medical support and discounted travel
• Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace dedicated to innovation, sustainability and community impact

Kua rite, kia rite | Ready to Make a Difference?

Rā aukati | Applications close:
23 November 2025

You must have current NZ work rights to apply for this role.

To apply and to view the position description, please go to