Automated Distribution Centre Manager

Asahi-Group-Holdings; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Asahi Beverages is building a brand‑new, highly automated Distribution Centre in Melbourne. You’ll help shape commissioning, testing, training, and operational readiness before leading the site through ramp‑up to business‑as‑usual.

Own safety, service, cost, inventory, people and automation, and establish a culture of performance that endures. Leading the DC through go‑live and ongoing operations, you’ll design workforce structures, recruit talent, and partner with Engineering, IT/OT and

Qualifications

• People and values‑led leadership with a track record of building high‑performing teams.
• Senior operational experience in large‑scale automated warehousing, logistics, manufacturing or comparable environments.
• Strong stakeholder influence and negotiation skills.
• Commercial acumen across P&L, budgets, productivity, cost structures and benefit realisation.
• Strategic thinking and data‑driven decision making with structured problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Build a high‑performing, values‑led site team and cross‑functional partner model.
• Own end‑to‑end ADC performance across safety, service, cost, quality, inventory, productivity and throughput.
• Lead operational readiness through workforce design, commissioning and ramp‑up.
• Implement the operating model and drive recruitment, structure, and training for a highly automated environment.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Operations, Engineering, IT/OT, People & Corporate Affairs and Transport to sustain network resilience.

Skills

Leadership

Automation

Stakeholder influence

Negotiation

Job description

Make your mark on a brand-new automated DC, building the team, culture and ways of working that will shape the site for years to come!

Make your mark on a brand-new, highly automated Distribution Centre as it moves from construction into operation. Joining well before go-live, you’ll build your team and help shape commissioning, testing, training and operational readiness before leading the site through ramp-up and into business-as-usual. From there, you'll have ownership across safety, service, cost, inventory, people and automation, you’ll establish a positive culture and strong performance foundations and then lead the DC to long‑term success

Please note: This role will initially be based at our Southbank, VIC Project Office. The role will Transition to Deer Park permanently in 2027. A sustainable commute to Deer Park, VIC should be considered as part of your application for this role

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Build a high‑performing, values‑led site team and cross‑functional partner model that strengthens automation reliability, operational resilience, continuous improvement and long‑term network value.

Own end‑to‑end ADC performance across safety, service, cost, quality, inventory, productivity, throughput, automation availability and customer outcomes.

Lead operational readiness through workforce design, commissioning, ramp‑up and stabilisation, delivering a controlled transition into business‑as‑usual operations.

Implement the operating model and drive recruitment, organisational structure, workforce transition, training and standard of work required for a highly automated environment.

Drive aligned performance by working closely with Manufacturing Operations, Engineering and Maintenance, IT/OT, People & Corporate Affairs and Transport Network Operations to ensure sustained resilience of the network and service delivery through to our customers.

Strengthen operational resilience through effective incident response, degraded‑mode operations, recovery planning, continuous improvement and automation lifecycle planning.

ABOUT YOU

People and values‑focused leadership with a track record of building high‑performing teams, fostering a positive culture, strengthening engagement and accountability, and supporting strong retention.

Proven senior operational experience in large‑scale automated warehousing, logistics, manufacturing or comparable environments.

Strong stakeholder influence and negotiation skills, with the ability to navigate complex operational, technical and partner relationships.

Commercial acumen across P&L, budgets, productivity, cost structures and benefit realisation.

Strategic thinking and sound judgement, supported by data analysis, structured problem‑solving and continuous improvement.

Technical knowledge of automated material flow, throughput, availability, failure modes, recovery protocols and integrated warehouse systems.

WHY ASAHI BEVERAGES

At Asahi Beverages, we're passionate about crafting more than just drinks – we craft moments of connection, celebration and shared enjoyment. We bring together a diverse portfolio of iconic beverage brands, a commitment to quality and a drive to constantly innovate. Headquartered in Melbourne and with facilities right across Australia and New Zealand, you will find Asahi is a place where talent is nurtured and ambition is rewarded. If you are ready to toast your future, we are ready to meet you.

• Advertised: 30 October 2026 AEST