Chief of Operations & Onboard Experience

KiwiRail Freight; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Great Journeys New Zealand, part of KiwiRail, is seeking an experienced senior leader to unite safe, commercially effective operations with an outstanding onboard customer experience. Based in Christchurch, you will lead a dispersed team of around 70 staff and seasonal crew, ensuring services run safely, reliably and with a memorable journey.

You will develop leaders, manage budgets and forecasting, align with asset teams, and build strong relationships with unions and partners while travelling

Qualifications

• Experience leading large dispersed teams.
• Strong safety leadership in regulated operations.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, forecasts and cost performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead safe, reliable service delivery and incident response.
• Build capability of operational and onboard leaders with clear standards.
• Deliver an exceptional customer experience through training and service standards.
• Own the operating budget, forecasts and commercial performance decisions.
• Collaborate with asset & facilities teams to align priorities and investments.
• Oversee onboard catering, retail and customer service delivery.
• Build relationships with unions, suppliers and key stakeholders.
• Use feedback and data to drive practical improvements.

Skills

People leadership

Safety leadership

Budget management

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Great Journeys New Zealand, part of KiwiRail, is seeking an experienced senior leader to unite safe, commercially effective operations with an outstanding onboard customer experience. Based in Christchurch, you will lead a dispersed team of around 70 staff and seasonal crew, ensuring services run safely, reliably and with a memorable journey.

You will develop leaders, manage budgets and forecasting, align with asset teams, and build strong relationships with unions and partners while travelling