Workforce Operations Lead

Wide range of responsibilities and tasks Permanent, Wellington based Only candidates with current NZ work rights will be considered. 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. The Workforce Operations Lead is responsible for leading the day-to-day delivery of Interislander’s crewing, rostering, crew compliance and workforce operations activity. Reporting to the Workforce Planning Manager, this role acts as the operational 2IC for the workforce operations function, leading the Resource Planners and ensuring rosters, leave planning, relief coverage, crew movements and workforce administration are delivered accurately, consistently and to agreed standards. The role focuses on operational execution, roster quality, workforce data accuracy, safe manning support, workforce compliance monitoring and timely escalation of workforce risks. The role holds operational ownership of PEC, Certificate of Competency and recognition monitoring, including expiry oversight, renewal coordination, assessment scheduling, succession coverage, workforce planning impacts and escalation of PEC-related risks that may affect vessel readiness or operational continuity. Strategic workforce planning, workforce governance, industrial relations, manager coaching, performance, conduct, attendance and employment relations matters sit with the Workforce Planning Manager. Key accountabilities include: Lead the daily operational delivery of Interislander’s crewing, rostering and workforce operations activity. Oversee roster preparation, leave planning, relief coverage, crew movements and workforce deployment to support safe manning and operational continuity. Provide day-to-day leadership, coaching, prioritisation and support to Resource Planners. Monitor workforce standards, controls, data accuracy, compliance requirements, certification status, training requirements and operational workforce risks to ensure crew compliance is maintained and issues are escalated where required. Support the monitoring and improvement of leave, sickness and absence management. Provide factual workforce information, records and operational context to support manager decision-making. Escalate significant workforce, safe manning, fatigue, compliance, industrial or complex people matters to the Workforce Planning Manager. Contribute to reporting, process improvement and continuous improvement across the crewing function. Knowledge and experience Experience in crewing, rostering, workforce operations, workforce coordination or operational planning. Experience leading, coaching or coordinating a small operational team, including setting expectations, managing workload priorities and building capability. Experience working in a complex, safety-critical, unionised or 24/7 operational environment. Working knowledge of collective agreement application, roster rules, leave planning and workforce deployment processes. Knowledge of maritime certification, crew competency, safe manning and workforce compliance requirements is desirable. Experience using rostering, workforce management, payroll, learning or HR systems is desirable. Experience preparing workforce reports, maintaining records and analysing operational workforce information. Experience supporting audits, regulatory compliance or assurance activities is desirable. Desirable experience in maritime, transport, rail, logistics, aviation or another operational industry. Ways of working / Work-related qualities Strong planning, prioritisation and operational coordination capability. High attention to detail and accuracy in roster, workforce and compliance information. Clear communication and stakeholder service skills. Ability to work calmly in a fast-paced, disruption-prone operational environment. Sound judgement and willingness to escape complex people, industrial, certification or compliance matters appropriately. Collaborative leadership style that supports consistency, continuous improvement and effective team delivery. Other Requirements Ability to work within KiwiRail health, safety, wellbeing and environmental requirements. Ability to maintain confidentiality when handling workforce information. Qualifications You need: Relevant experience in workforce operations, rostering, crewing, operational planning or equivalent. A relevant qualification in operations, business, maritime operations, workforce planning or a related discipline. Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you: Competitive salary plus 4% KiwiSaver employer contribution 25 annual leave days Access to discounted travel, health insurance & holiday houses across NZ as part of the Staff Welfare Trust A supportive working environment focused on your development and growth A strong Zero Harm policy to keep you safe Kua rite, kia rite | Ready to Make a Difference? #J-18808-Ljbffr