Product Owner Lead - Digital Infrastructure

Position Description

• He whakamārama mō te tūranga mahi | About the role:
• As the Product Owner Lead – Digital Infrastructure, you will play a key leadership role in driving KiwiRail’s digital transformation across our infrastructure business.
• You will lead a team of Product Owners while shaping and delivering a cohesive product strategy that supports productivity, safety and innovation across the rail network.
• Working closely with senior leaders, ICT teams and operational stakeholders, you will oversee multiple product lines, ensuring alignment with business objectives while delivering high-value outcomes for customers and the wider organisation.
• This is a pivotal role where you will balance strategic leadership with hands-on product oversight, championing best practice product management and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
• Your responsibilities will include:
• Leading, coaching and developing a team of Product Owners to deliver outcomes across multiple workstreams
• Defining and executing the infrastructure product strategy and roadmap aligned to organisational priorities
• Establishing consistent product management frameworks, tools and best practices across teams
• Building strong relationships with senior stakeholders and influencing decision-making across the business
• Driving data-led decision making through KPIs, insights and product performance metrics
• Managing resource allocation and capacity planning to optimise delivery outcomes
• Contributing to the wider uplift of product management capability across KiwiRail
• Ngā pukenga e rapu nei mātou | What you will bring:
• 10+ years’ experience in product management, digital delivery, or related roles
• Proven experience leading product teams in complex organisational environments
• Strong understanding of agile delivery and product management frameworks
• Ability to define and execute strategy across multiple product streams
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability with a data-driven mindset
• Experience coaching, mentoring and developing high-performing teams
• Relevant tertiary qualification in software engineering, business, or a related discipline
• Nōu te rourou | What’s in it for you:
• Competitive salary plus 4% employer KiwiSaver contribution
• Staff-discounted health insurance and retail benefits
• Discounted staff travel across the KiwiRail network
• Access to the NZ Rail Staff Welfare Trust
• Ongoing learning, leadership development and clear career pathways
• Opportunity to contribute to nationally significant infrastructure transformation
• A collaborative and forward-thinking team environment
• Kua rite, kia rite | Ready to Make a Difference?
• If you are ready to lead product innovation and deliver meaningful outcomes that support the future of rail in New Zealand, we would love to hear from you.
• Bring your leadership, strategic thinking, and passion for product excellence.
• Apply today and join us in building Stronger Connections for a Better New Zealand.
• Rā aukati | Applications close:
• Monday 6th of July 2026.