About this role
<p> </p> <p><img src="https://www.kiwirail.co.nz/assets/Careers/Photos/Seek-Aug23_900x321-a.jpg?vid=6"></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Head of Legal & Governance</strong></p> <p> </p> <ul> <li>Provide strategic commercial legal advice, leadership, and governance excellence across a nationally significant organisation</li> <li>Permanent executive leadership role based in <strong>Auckland or Wellington</strong></li> <li>Influence Board-level decision making, manage risk, and shape KiwiRail’s legal and governance framework across Aotearoa</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><a title="" href="https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kiwirail.co.nz%2Fassets%2FCareers%2FAimee%2FPD-Head-of-Legal-and-Governance-2026.docx%3Fvid%3D4&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK" target="_self">Position Description</a></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>He whakamārama mō te tūranga mahi | About the role:</strong></p> <p>KiwiRail is in a significant phase of transformation, delivering a five-year plan to modernise and grow rail and ferry services across Aotearoa. As Head of Legal & Governance, you will provide strategic leadership of KiwiRail’s legal and governance function, ensuring the organisation is enabled, protected, and operating with strong governance practices. Reporting to the Chief Strategy, Risk & Corporate Affairs Officer, you will act as a trusted advisor to the Board, Chief Executive, and Executive Leadership Team, providing expert advice on significant commercial, and strategic matters. This is a highly influential leadership role where you will shape enterprise-wide decision making, strengthen governance frameworks, and contribute to KiwiRail’s strategic and performance outcomes.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Key accountabilities include:</strong></p> <p> </p> <ul type="disc"> <li>Leading KiwiRail’s legal function, providing strategic, commercial, and public law advice and leadership across the business</li> <li>Advising the Board, Chief Executive, and Executive Leadership Team on complex commercial, regulatory, and strategic matters</li> <li>Overseeing legal risk management, corporate compliance, and governance frameworks</li> <li>Leading governance and Board Secretariat functions, including Company Secretary responsibilities</li> <li>Supporting effective Board and Executive decision making through strong governance processes and frameworks</li> <li>Building and maintaining trusted relationships with regulators, government agencies, and external stakeholders</li> <li>Leading and developing a high-performing legal and governance team, fostering a culture of integrity, performance, and continuous improvement</li> <li>Enabling organisation-wide compliance with legislation, policies, and best practice governance standards</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>Ngā pukenga e rapu nei mātou | What you will bring:</strong></p> <ul type="disc"> <li>Extensive senior-level legal experience, with proven General Counsel or Head of Legal experience and capability</li> <li>Strong experience advising Boards and Executive Leadership Teams on commercially and strategically complex legal and governance matters</li> <li>Deep knowledge of corporate governance frameworks, compliance, and risk management</li> <li>Commercial expertise across large-scale projects, procurement, and contracting</li> <li>Demonstrated ability to lead high-performing teams and deliver through others</li> <li>Exceptional stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, including in government and regulated environments</li> <li>Strong judgement, strategic thinking, and ability to operate effectively in complex, fast-paced settings</li> <li>A collaborative, adaptable approach with high levels of integrity and professionalism</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>Nōu te rourou | What’s in it for you:</strong></p> <ul type="disc"> <li>Competitive salary plus 4% KiwiSaver contribution</li> <li>Discounted medical insurance and staff travel benefits</li> <li>Access to the NZ Rail Staff Welfare Trust</li> <li>A key leadership role within a nationally significant organisation</li> <li>Opportunity to influence strategy and decision making at Board and executive level</li> <li>Supportive, values-led and collaborative team culture</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>Kua rite, kia rite | Ready to make a difference?</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>If you are an experienced legal leader ready to operate at the highest-level guiding strategy, strengthening governance, and managing risk across a complex, public facing organisation we encourage you to apply.</p> <p> </p> <p>Bring your expertise, judgement, and leadership to help KiwiRail deliver Stronger Connections for a Better New Zealand.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Applications close:</strong> Monday 20th of July 2026</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Applicants must hold New Zealand residency or citizenship.</strong></p> <p>KiwiRail is committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, abilities, and experiences—because together we are stronger.</p> <p> </p>