Digital Channels Specialist

Company description:

KiwiRail Ltd

Job description:

Position Description

He kōrero mō mātou | About Us

At KiwiRail, we are shaping the future of New Zealand's transport system, creating stronger connections for our cities, regions, communities and economy. As a State-Owned Enterprise with a proud history spanning more than 150 years, rail continues to play a vital role in supporting sustainable growth and connecting New Zealanders.

Guided by our purpose Hononga Whaikaha, Oranga mō Aotearoa (Stronger Connections, Better New Zealand), we're delivering significant transformation across our rail and ferry services. This is an opportunity to help tell that story and strengthen how KiwiRail connects with its people, customers, stakeholders and communities.

He whakamārama mō te tūranga mahi | About the Role

We are seeking a Digital Channels Specialist to lead the strategy, management and optimisation of KiwiRail's communication channels. Reporting to the Manager Media & External Communications, you will play a key role in strengthening KiwiRail's digital voice and ensuring messages reach the right audiences through the most effective channels. Working across the Communications function and wider business, you'll provide enterprise-wide oversight of channel performance, support integrated campaigns and stakeholder engagement activities, and drive continuous improvement through data-driven insights and innovation. This is a highly collaborative role that combines strategy, analytics, stakeholder engagement and digital communications expertise to enhance KiwiRail's reputation and audience engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of KiwiRail's enterprise-wide channel strategy
• Manage and optimise communication channels, including digital, social and internal platforms
• Monitor channel performance and provide insights and recommendations to improve reach and engagement
• Partner with communications, media, project and business teams to deliver aligned communication outcomes
• Provide expert advice on channel selection, optimisation and audience engagement strategies
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement across communication channels, tools and processes
• Ensure channels remain accessible, user-focused and aligned with brand and compliance requirements
• Stay current with emerging digital trends, audience behaviours and platform opportunities

Ngā pukenga e rapu nei mātou | What You Will Bring

• Proven experience managing digital and multi-channel communications within a complex organisation
• Strong understanding of digital, social and internal communication channels and emerging trends
• Experience using content management, publishing and analytics tools
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and generate actionable insights
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, influencing and relationship management capability
• A strategic mindset combined with strong delivery focus
• Experience improving channel effectiveness and audience engagement through data-led decision making
• Exceptional written communication skills with a strong eye for quality, consistency and brand alignment
• A collaborative, adaptable and solutions-focused approach
• A tertiary qualification in communications, marketing, digital media or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for You

• Competitive salary plus 4% employer KiwiSaver contribution
• 5 weeks annual leave
• Flexible working arrangements
• Discounted staff travel
• Access to a range of retail and lifestyle discounts
• Professional development and career growth opportunities
• Access to the NZ Rail Staff Welfare Trust, including holiday homes and wellbeing support
• The opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a nationally significant organisation undergoing exciting transformation

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

If you're passionate about digital communications, audience engagement and using data-driven insights to improve communication outcomes, we'd love to hear from you. Join KiwiRail and help shape how we connect with our people, customers and communities across Aotearoa.

Applications close: Monday 7th of September 2026

Please note: Appointment to this position is subject to a pre-employment medical assessment, drug and alcohol screening, and background checks. Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand.