General Manager - People Partnering

KiwiRail; Auckland; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

KiwiRail is seeking a General Manager - People Partnering to lead HR initiatives crucial for the wellbeing and growth of their workforce. This role focuses on implementing a new people partnering model, managing change, and developing an inclusive culture while ensuring alignment with the company's strategic goals. This permanent leadership position is based in Auckland or Wellington, offering professionals an opportunity to influence New Zealand's transport future.

Benefits

Ongoing professional development

Competitive salary and benefits package

Part of national transformation programme

Qualifications

• Experience in HR Leadership roles or senior leadership roles in complex, unionized environments.
• Proven change leadership and organizational design experience.
• Strong understanding of New Zealand employment legislation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of KiwiRail’s people partnering model.
• Coach and develop a team of HR professionals.
• Drive strategic workforce planning and succession management.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Coaching

Influencing skills

Collaboration

Job description

Position Description

• A key leadership role in the People & Capability function
• Change the Future of Rail and Interislander Ferry Services with KiwiRail
• Permanent, full-time role based in Auckland or Wellington

He kōrero mō mātou | About us

KiwiRail is on an exciting journey to build stronger connections for a better New Zealand. This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the heart of a fast-paced organisation committed to shaping New Zealand’s transport future through sustainable rail solutions.

He whakamārama mō te tūranga mahi | About the role

We are seeking a strategic and people-focused HR leader to become our General Manager - People Partnering. This newly established role is a key part of our refreshed structure.

Reporting to the EGM People & Capability, you will lead a team of experienced HR professionals to deliver a high impact people partnering model. You will shape and implement workforce and succession planning, support organisational design, and grow capability across the business.

Your leadership will help embed a culture of inclusion, development, and collaboration, ensuring our people systems are aligned with KiwiRail's strategic goals. You’ll also play a vital role in building change readiness and supporting leaders to lead through transformation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the implementation of KiwiRail’s people partnering model, ensuring alignment to business priorities
• Coach and develop a team of HR professionals
• Collaborate with the Learning and Development team to build enterprise capability
• Drive strategic workforce planning and succession management
• Strengthen engagement with unions and support employment relations
• Partner closely with business leaders and contribute as part of the Senior Leadership team

Ngā pukenga e rapu nei mātou | What you will bring

We’re looking for someone with:

• Experience in HR Leadership roles or senior leadership roles in complex, unionised environments
• Proven change leadership and organisational design experience
• Strong understanding of New Zealand employment legislation
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement, coaching, and influencing skills
• A collaborative mindset, grounded in delivering outcomes

Nōu te rourou | What’s in it for you

• Be part of a national transformation programme that impacts the New Zealand economy
• Ongoing professional development and leadership opportunities
• A competitive salary and benefits package

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

If you’re ready to lead change and contribute to KiwiRail’s success, we want to hear from you. Apply today and be part of our journey towards a stronger, more connected New Zealand.

Rā aukati | Applications close: 7 July 2025

Please note: Successful candidates must pass a pre-employment medical and drug screening. This role requires New Zealand residency or citizenship.