Traction Production Manager

He kōrero mō mātou | About us:

At KiwiRail, we’re driving the future of rail in Aotearoa investing in safer, smarter, and more sustainable transport. For more than 150 years, we’ve been connecting communities and keeping the country moving. Our purpose Hononga Whaikaha, Oranga mo Aotearoa (Stronger Connections, Better New Zealand) guides our work every day. With over 4,500 team members across the motu, we value collaboration, care, and responsibility. Whether in the field or behind the scenes, we’re united by our commitment to safety, performance, and progress.

As Traction Production Manager, you’ll lead KiwiRail’s traction field delivery operations across the Auckland Metro region. You’ll manage a team of Field Production Managers and be responsible for the safe, efficient, and high-quality delivery of isolation services, overhead line maintenance, ESO functions, and traction support for capital projects. This is a people-first leadership role with technical depth. You’ll champion safety and compliance, build a high-performing, inclusive team culture, and ensure our frontline teams are equipped to deliver excellent results every shift, every job.
You’ll also work closely with project, engineering, and planning teams to resolve field delivery challenges, monitor performance, and drive long-term improvements in how we maintain and renew our traction systems.

You’ll be an experienced operations leader with a background in electrical or traction infrastructure and a passion for leading teams in complex environments.

You’ll need:

• Experience managing traction maintenance or heavy electrical infrastructure
• Strong leadership and people development skills
• Knowledge of rail safety systems, standards, and codes
• Excellent planning, coordination, and performance monitoring capability
• Incident investigation and response experience
• Solid understanding of asset and operations management
• Proficiency with Microsoft tools; SAP or asset management system experience a plus

It’s also desirable that you have:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in engineering or electrical management
• Registration as an Electrician, Electrical Engineer or Electrical Inspector

Nōu te rourou | What’s in it for you:
At KiwiRail, your leadership helps shape the future of New Zealand’s rail network.

We offer:

• A competitive salary and leadership development opportunities
• A varied, meaningful role supporting a growing transport system
• A team culture that values inclusivity, safety, and collaboration
• The chance to work on nationally significant infrastructure projects
• Support to balance personal wellbeing with professional impact

If you're ready to lead with purpose and help power Auckland’s traction future, apply today. Join us in delivering stronger connections across Aotearoa.

Applications close Wednesday 6th of August 2025, unless filled prior