Principal Advisor Risk and Assurance

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Principal Advisor Risk and Assurance

Position Description

Lead enterprise risk and assurance visibility across KiwiRail

Support decision-making through evidence-based assurance

Permanent, location flexible

He kōrero mō mātou | About us:

At KiwiRail, we connect New Zealanders sustainably, powering economic growth and ensuring vital freight and passenger services run smoothly. Our mission, "Stronger Connections, Better New Zealand," highlights our dedication to sustainability and community well-being. 

Our people make KiwiRail exceptional. By fostering a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace, we empower everyone to contribute their best. If you’re passionate about innovation and safety, we’d love to welcome you aboard. 

He whakamārama mo te tūranga mahi | About the role:

As a Principal Risk and Assurance Advisor, you will play a key role in strengthening KiwiRail’s risk and assurance system. You will ensure enterprise risks are clearly understood, owned and managed in practice and connecting strategy, risk appetite and operational delivery. You will provide clear, data‑driven visibility of risk performance and assurance to support decision‑making at Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and Risk Assurance Committee (RAC) level.

This is a senior advisory role requiring strong judgement, credibility and the ability to influence across a large, complex organisation.

Key accountabilities include: 

Embed the Managing Risk Policy in practice - provide tools, frameworks and guidance to ensure consistent application across KiwiRail.

Connect strategy to execution - align strategy, risk appetite, enterprise risks and operational risk management, ensuring clear line of sight to delivery.

Strengthen assurance and visibility - develop and maintain assurance mapping and confirm whether risks and controls are operating effectively in practice.

Support governance and decision-making - lead and coordinate high‑quality risk and assurance reporting to ELT and RAC, including clear insights, escalation and performance against appetite

Build capability across the business – partner with leaders and teams to embed consistent risk management and strengthen risk culture

Provide insight and challenge - Identify systemic issues, highlight control effectiveness and support informed decision‑making through evidence‑based assurance

Maintain external credibility – manage relationships with auditors, regulators and external assurance providers

Key to your success will be your ability to manage large, complex data sets combined with the skillset to articulate information to a wide range of stakeholders.

Ngā pukenga e rapu nei mātou | What (skills) you will bring:

Knowledge and experience

·       7+ years’ experience in risk management, assurance, or internal audit roles

·       Experience working in large, complex organisations or professional services

·       Strong understanding of risk frameworks, governance and assurance practices

·       Experience supporting Board or Committee‑level reporting (ELT, RAC or equivalent)

·       Proven ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights

·       Experience delivering or coordinating internal audit and external assurance activity

Ways of working / Work-related qualities

Strong strategic thinking and analytical capability

Ability to influence and challenge senior leaders constructively

Clear communicator—able to translate complex risk concepts for different audiences

Builds trusted relationships across all levels of an organisation

High integrity, sound judgement and professional credibility

Resilient and comfortable operating in a changing environment

Other Requirements

You're willing to travel within New Zealand as required for the role

Qualifications

You have a relevant tertiary qualification in business, finance, risk management or a related field

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you:

Competitive salary plus 4% employer KiwiSaver contribution 

Staff-discounted Southern Cross medical insurance 

Discounted staff travel and retail partner benefits 

Access to the NZ Rail Staff Welfare Trust 

Ongoing learning, professional development, and clear career pathways 

Exposure to a complex and nationally significant operating environment 

A supportive and collaborative team that values your expertise 

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

Rā aukati | Applications close: 21 June 2026