People and Performance Partner | Hamilton or Tauranga

KiwiRail Freight; Hamilton; Hybrid; NZD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

KiwiSaver 4%

Medical insurance

5 weeks leave

Staff travel discount

Flexible working

Professional development

Inclusive culture

Job summary

KiwiRail invites applications for a People and Performance Partner, based in Hamilton or Tauranga, on a 13‑month fixed-term secondment to support the Central North Island region. You’ll deliver operational HR partnering, coaching leaders through employee relations, performance issues and investigations, while staying connected to the national team for guidance.

You’ll lead autonomously in a sole-charge role, build trusted relationships with frontline to senior stakeholders, and contribute to

Qualifications

• 4–6 years’ experience in HR advisory or business partnering roles, including strong ER case management and investigations.
• Proven experience supporting leaders in operational, unionised or complex environments.
• Ability to work independently in a sole-charge HR capacity and manage portfolios end-to-end.
• Strong judgement and interpersonal skills to relate with frontline through to senior stakeholders and union reps.
• Practical, solution-focused approach aligned to health and safety, inclusion and KiwiRail values.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational HR partnering across a diverse portfolio and coach managers on complex people matters.
• Lead employee relations, performance management and investigations with fairness and consistency.
• Support leaders with policy advice and HR initiatives while aligning with KiwiRail values.

Skills

ER case management

Stakeholder management

Independent HR partnering

Education

Tertiary qualification in Human Resources or related field

Job description

Title: People and Performance Partner | Hamilton or Tauranga

People and Performance Partner | Hamilton or Tauranga (preferred)

• Make a meaningful impact on the ground, supported by a connected and collaborative national team
• 13-month fixed-term opportunity covering an internal secondment
• Full-time role with flexible working to support work-life balance
• Flexible location, based at one of our depots in Hamilton or Tauranga

At KiwiRail, we connect communities and deliver vital freight and passenger services across Aotearoa. Our purpose, Hononga Whaikaha, Oranga mō Aotearoa – Stronger Connections, Better New Zealand, underpins everything we do. As part of this, we have an opportunity for an experienced People & Performance Partner to join us in the Central North Island, supporting leaders and teams across a diverse and operationally critical portfolio.

In this role, you’ll provide operational HR partnering support across a diverse portfolio, working closely with leaders and employees to build a safe, inclusive and high‑performing workforce. You’ll coach and guide managers through complex people matters, with a strong focus on employee relations, performance management and investigations, ensuring outcomes are fair, consistent and aligned with KiwiRail values.Importantly, while you’ll be part of a large, experienced and highly collaborative People & Performance partnering team nationally, this role is the sole on‑the‑ground HR partner for the central North Island regions. You’ll be comfortable working autonomously day to day, taking ownership of your portfolio and providing trusted, pragmatic advice to leaders locally. At the same time, you’ll stay closely connected to and supported by the wider national People & Performance team, working collaboratively on shared initiatives, peer reviews and continuous improvement.

This is a great opportunity for an experienced HR professional who enjoys autonomy, strong stakeholder relationships and meaningful influence, while still valuing teamwork, collaboration and professional connection across a broader HR community.

You’ll be a confident and credible HR partner with:

• 4–6 years’ experience in HR advisory or business partnering roles, including strong ER case management, performance issues and investigations
• Proven experience supporting leaders in operational, unionised or complex environments
• The confidence to work independently in a sole‑charge HR capacity, managing your portfolio end‑to‑end
• Strong judgement and interpersonal skills, enabling you to build effective relationships from frontline leaders through to senior stakeholders and union representatives
• A practical, solutions‑focused approach aligned to health and safety, inclusion and KiwiRail values
• A relevant tertiary qualification in Human Resources or a related field, or equivalent experience

Nōu te rourou | What’s in it for you:

At KiwiRail, you’ll be part of a values‑led organisation where people, safety and connection matter. We offer:

• Competitive salary plus 4% employer KiwiSaver contribution
• Southern Cross medical insurance (staff discount)
• 5 weeks’ annual leave
• Discounted staff travel and access to NZ Rail Staff Welfare Trust benefits
• Flexible working options to support work‑life balance
• Ongoing professional development and career growth opportunities
• A diverse and inclusive work environment with real purpose and impact

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

If you’re an experienced HR professional who enjoys autonomy, values collaboration, and wants to play a key role supporting Central North Island leaders while being part of a strong national team, we’d love to hear from you.

Applications close: Sunday 15th of November 2026