General Manager Stakeholder Engagement and Communications

About the Role

KiwiRail is advancing a programme aimed at modernising and expanding rail and ferry services throughout New Zealand. The General Manager of Communications & External Relations will be integral in directing how KiwiRail communicates and engages with employees, customers, stakeholders, and communities, promoting trust and unity.

This leadership position reports directly to the Chief Strategy, Risk & Corporate Affairs Officer and spearheads the organisation's communication, media, stakeholder engagement, and government relations efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and implement a unified communications and stakeholder engagement strategy aligned with KiwiRail’s long-term goals.
• Advise senior leaders, the Executive Leadership Team, and the Board on matters of communications, stakeholder relations, and organisational reputation.
• Lead internal and external communication initiatives supporting overall performance, employee morale, and transformational projects.
• Establish and maintain robust relationships with media, government agencies, regulators, community influencers, and industry partners.
• Develop and embed effective stakeholder engagement methodologies throughout the organisation.
• Manage issue resolution, plan and execute crisis communications and response strategies.
• Ensure communication consistency across all platforms and audiences.
• Coordinate key events, consultations, and stakeholder engagement programmes.
• Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing communications and external relations team.
• Collaborate with business units to enhance trust, reputation, and strategic results.

Candidate Profile

• Extensive leadership experience in communications, corporate affairs, public relations, or stakeholder engagement roles.
• Proven capacity to influence executives and board members on complex organisational challenges.
• Familiarity working within large, multifaceted operational organisations with varied stakeholder groups.
• In-depth knowledge of New Zealand’s government, regulatory frameworks, media, and community environments.
• Strong skills in stakeholder engagement and relationship management.
• Successful track record in managing organisational reputation, crisis communications, and issue management.
• Experience leading and nurturing high-performing teams.
• Ability to think strategically, simplifying complex information into clear, persuasive communications.
• Excellent judgement, credibility, and influence across all levels of an organisation.
• Relevant tertiary qualification such as Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Political Science, or an equivalent postgraduate qualification and experience.

Benefits and Perks

• Chance to shape the future of a treasured New Zealand organisation.
• Executive leadership role with extensive impact across the enterprise.
• Competitive salary package with 4% employer KiwiSaver contributions.
• Discounted health insurance and travel benefits for staff.
• Access to the New Zealand Rail Staff Welfare Trust.
• Flexible working options and national role visibility.
• Opportunity to contribute to KiwiRail’s ongoing transformation and growth journey.
• A collaborative, values-driven workplace focused on connecting New Zealand communities.

Additional Information

Location preference is Auckland, with consideration for Wellington candidates.

Applications close on Sunday, 19 July 2026.