Traction Production Manager

KiwiRail Freight; Māngere-Ōtāhuhu; On-site; NZD 128,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

KiwiRail Freight is seeking a Traction Production Manager in Auckland to lead traction field delivery operations. The role requires expertise in electrical or traction infrastructure management, coupled with strong leadership capabilities. Join a team that values inclusivity and safety while contributing to significant infrastructure projects in New Zealand.

Benefits

Leadership development opportunities

Support for work-life balance

Involvement in significant infrastructure projects

Qualifications

• Experience managing traction maintenance or heavy electrical infrastructure.
• Strong leadership and people development skills.
• Knowledge of rail safety systems, standards, and codes.

Responsibilities

• Lead traction field delivery operations across Auckland Metro.
• Manage a team of Field Production Managers.
• Champion safety and compliance while driving team performance.

Skills

Leadership

Technical expertise in traction maintenance

Planning and coordination

Incident investigation

Education

Tertiary qualification in engineering or electrical management

Tools

Microsoft tools

SAP or asset management systems

Job description

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• Keep the current strong—lead the frontline of traction operations in Auckland Metro
• Permanent full time position b ased in Auckland
• Salary $128,500 to $140,000 depending on experience

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

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

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

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