Warehouse Team Lead

About the Role

This position is responsible for leading the afternoon shift logistics operations within Hawke’s Bay warehousing, including the National Distribution Centre and Hastings Material Store. The role focuses on enhancing performance, optimizing workflows, and standardizing shift operations through effective planning and control. As a visible leader, you will be managing the operation through prioritization, labor allocation, and strong reporting rather than handling manual material movement.

Responsibilities

• Lead afternoon shift operations (2:00pm – 11:00pm), managing activities across multiple warehousing sites.
• Create and execute daily shift plans balancing priorities, sequencing, labor distribution, and overtime management to align with safety, service, and cost objectives.
• Monitor workloads, volume, and operational constraints in real-time, addressing issues proactively and escalating risks when necessary.
• Ensure full, on-time, and cost-effective order delivery while managing required administration and documentation accurately.
• Manage key performance indicators such as RDD, CFR, OTIF, analyze data trends and implement corrective measures.
• Collaborate with planning and operations teams to align warehouse execution with factory ingredient, packaging, finished goods, and outbound volume needs.
• Lead, develop, and coach team members, ensure completion of training programs, provide feedback, and administer discipline up to verbal warnings as needed.
• Initiate continuous improvement and digital transformation efforts to streamline processes and elevate shift consistency, efficiency, and standards.
• Maintain excellent housekeeping standards and support maintenance of equipment, buildings, and storage racks.
• Oversee transport providers to meet service level agreements and assist the NZ Transport Manager with performance reviews and RFPs.
• Champion compliance with Food Safety, Environmental, EHS, HR, and legislative regulations including transport provider adherence.
• Support inventory accuracy, assist in achieving IRA targets, and ensure precise stock write-offs.

Candidate Profile

• Experience as a Team Leader, Supervisor, or Shift Lead in warehousing or logistics, preference for FMCG background.
• Strong administrative skills with confidence managing paperwork, controls, transactional systems, and reporting accuracy.
• Proficient in shift planning, workload management, and delivering consistent service on schedule.
• Effective communication skills, confident leadership, and sound decision-making under pressure.
• Committed to high standards of quality, food safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Forklift license or a willingness to obtain one, as required by the role.

Additional Advantages

• Experience using BPCS, Paperless, or comparable WMS/ERP inventory management systems.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Windows applications.
• Knowledge of transport logistics (road, rail, sea, air) and experience managing provider performance.
• Background in continuous improvement methodologies including standard work, visual management, and waste reduction.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in logistics, supply chain, or inventory disciplines.

Additional Information

The position operates on the afternoon shift from 2:00pm to 11:00pm. Applicants with passion for team collaboration and eagerness to contribute are encouraged to apply. Early closure of the application process may occur depending on candidate volume.