Safety Health and Wellbeing Continuous Improvement Lead

Full job description
Lead continuous improvement across KiwiRail’s Safety, Health and Wellbeing function and greater business
Permanent role based in Auckland or Wellington
Drive practical change, influence capability uplift, and strengthen safety performance in a complex operational environment

He whakamārama mō te tūranga mahi | About the role:
KiwiRail is undergoing significant transformation to modernise and grow our rail and Interislander services across Aotearoa. As our SHW Continuous Improvement Lead, you’ll play a critical role in improving how safety, health and wellbeing is delivered in practice across the business. Working alongside SHW Business Partners and operational teams, you will apply systems thinking, such as Human and Organisational Performance (HOP), and human factors to understand how work is done and identify practical opportunities for improvement. You will be instrumental in turning insight into meaningful, sustainable change—strengthening learning, improving performance, and embedding safer, more effective ways of working across KiwiRail.

What you’ll be doing:
Leading or supporting hands-on SHW continuous improvement initiatives across the business
Partnering with Business Partners and operational teams to identify opportunities and implement improvements
Applying HOP, human factors and continuous improvement systems thinking to understand operational realities and provide solutions to safer outcomes
Facilitating learning reviews and strengthening investigation outcomes
Driving targeted interventions to address risk and performance gaps
Building capability in leaders and teams through coaching and mentoring
Supporting sustained change by embedding improved practices into everyday work
Using data and insights to measure impact and inform future improvements

Ngā pukenga e rapu nei mātou | What you will bring:
Experience in Safety, Health and Wellbeing or a related operational role within complex environments
Strong understanding of continuous improvement, systems thinking and risk management
Proven ability to influence and coach leaders at all levels
Experience delivering change initiatives and working with senior stakeholders
Ability to translate insights into practical, user-focused improvements
Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
High attention to detail, strong problem-solving capability, and sound judgement

You’ll also bring:
Experience in complex operational environments
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including reporting and facilitation
A collaborative, adaptable approach with a focus on continuous improvement
A genuine passion for safety, wellbeing, and better ways of working

Nōu te rourou | What’s in it for you:
Competitive salary plus 4% KiwiSaver contribution
Discounted medical insurance and staff travel benefits
Access to the NZ Rail Staff Welfare Trust
Ongoing professional development opportunities
A chance to lead high-impact improvement initiatives in a nationally significant organisation
Supportive, collaborative team environment focused on safety and performance

Kua rite, kia rite | Ready to make a difference?

If you’re passionate about improving how work is done and want to make a real impact on safety outcomes, we’d love to hear from you. Bring your expertise to help KiwiRail deliver Stronger Connections for a Better New Zealand.

Applications close: Sunday 12th of July 2026

Applicants must hold New Zealand residency or citizenship.
KiwiRail is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, abilities, and experiences—because together we are stronger.