Rail and Operational Technology Lead

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

Auckland Transport is seeking an experienced Rail & Operational Technology (OT) Lead to provide technical leadership across some of New Zealand’s most complex and high‑profile transport infrastructure programmes.

This is a senior, influential role where you will represent AT on major alliance‑led projects, ensuring operational technology solutions are designed, procured, integrated and delivered to the highest standards of safety, reliability and customer experience.

As the Rail & OT Lead, you will act as AT’s technical authority across rail and transport operational systems, working closely with alliance partners, third‑party providers and senior stakeholders.

You’ll provide end‑to‑end leadership across:

• Rail and station operational systems
• SCADA and real‑time operational technology platforms
• Network, radio and disaster recovery design
• Technology standards, procurement and integration

You will regularly engage at C‑suite, board and senior technical levels, influencing outcomes to ensure alliance‑delivered solutions align with AT’s strategic objectives, enterprise architecture and operational standards.

• Provide senior technical leadership for rail and operational technology, representing Auckland Transport across CRLL, Link Alliance and future major infrastructure programmes, ensuring solutions align with AT standards and strategic objectives.
• Lead the end‑to‑end design, procurement and delivery of OT systems, influencing alliance partners and third‑party providers to adopt an integrated, AT‑wide systems approach that optimises value, performance and risk.
• Act as a trusted senior advisor and escalation point, building strong stakeholder relationships, contributing to AT Codes of Practice, and driving continuous improvement and innovation across operational technology systems.

Nā tāu rourou | What will you bring?

Qualifications & technical expertise

• Tertiary qualification in IT, engineering or equivalent experience
• CCNP (or equivalent) networking qualification
• Deep hands‑on experience with SCADA, rail systems and operational technology environments

Experience

• 15–20 years’ experience across ICT and industrial/operational technology environments
• At least 5 years operating at a senior leadership or principal technical level
• 5–7 years’ experience in rail, transport or large‑scale operational technology systems
• Proven ability to influence and build credibility with C‑level, board and senior technical stakeholders
• Experience working within or alongside local government, transport authorities or large infrastructure alliances

Capabilities

• Strong understanding of rail and operational technology regulatory environments
• Exceptional stakeholder management, negotiation and influencing skills
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into practical outcomes
• Highly organised, delivery‑focused and comfortable operating in ambiguous, high‑pressure environments

Ko mātou tēnei | Our Organisation

At AT, we embrace inclusion and fully support building a diverse workplace where people come first and we feel safe, respected, valued and supported, inclusive of our differences. Our values are more than just words - they are integral to everything we do. Manaakitanga - We care, Tiakitanga - Safe with us, Whanaungatanga - We connect, Auahatanga - Better, bolder, together.

In addition, we also offer:

• Opportunity for greater leadership and accountability
• Investment in your professional development and training
• 25% discount on public transport services across Auckland
• Modern CBD (Wynyard Quarter) waterfront-based office
• Paid parental and partner leave
• Study assistance
• Health and Wellbeing benefits
• Professional memberships
• AT Connect groups such as Mana ka Māori, Women@AT, and many more!

Tono mai ināianei! | Apply Now!

Ka tiaki mātou i te hunga katoa ka eke waka i Tāmaki Makaurau. We tiaki all those who use transport in Tāmaki Makaurau.