Operations Manager – Bulk Transport

Our client is a well-established and highly respected logistics provider with a strong reputation for performance, reliability, and long-term customer partnerships. With a clear vision to be New Zealand’s most valued and trusted provider in the sector, the business is built on a foundation of people, safety, customer focus, and future thinking.

This is an organisation that genuinely invests in its people. You’ll be joining a supportive, family-oriented environment where leadership is visible, values are lived, and success is shared. With ongoing growth in the operation, there is significant opportunity to contribute to the future of the operation and your own career.

Based in Timaru, the Operations Manager – Bulk Transport is a leadership role responsible for the end-to-end performance of the bulk transport operation. Leading from the front – balancing operational excellence, people leadership, customer relationships, and commercial performance. Other key responsibilities for this role include:

• Leading a team of drivers, supervisors (two) dispatchers (three), and operational staff, you’ll create a high-performing, engaged culture with safety and accountability at its core.
• You’ll oversee daily operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant bulk freight movements, while driving continuous improvement across systems, processes, and performance.
• This role also plays a key part strengthening existing customer relationships, with opportunities to enhance your customer base.
• You’ll work closely with senior leadership to deliver on financial targets, optimise fleet and resources, and ensure the operation consistently exceeds customer expectations.

With strong internal support and a collaborative leadership team, you’ll have the backing needed to succeed – along with genuine long-term career progression opportunities.

You’re an experienced operations leader who knows how to bring people, performance, and process together. With a background in transport, logistics, or a related operational environment, you’re confident managing complexity while keeping safety, service, and efficiency front of mind.

You bring:

• Proven leadership experience, with the ability to motivate and develop high-performing teams
• Strong operational and commercial acumen, including cost management and performance delivery
• Solid experience in transport/logistics operations, including scheduling or dispatch environments
• The ability to build and maintain meaningful customer relationships
• A hands-on, solutions-focused and agile approach with the confidence to make decisions and drive outcomes

Just as importantly, you value people. You lead by example, communicate clearly, and foster a positive, inclusive culture where teams feel supported and accountable.

Timaru offers an outstanding lifestyle – with its coastal setting, short commutes, and strong sense of community, it’s a place where work-life balance is genuinely achievable.

Whether it’s easy access to the outdoors, great schools, or simply more time with family, Timaru provides a great lifestyle – without compromising on career opportunity.

If you’re looking for a role where you can make a real impact, lead a great team, and build a long-term future we would welcome your application.

Apply online at Decipher Group Opportunities page.

For a confidential discussion about the role; contact Lisa Edwards on 021 2404410, or email [email protected]