Contract Logistics Distribution Team Leader

Kuehne+Nagel; Sydney; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Kuehne+Nagel Australia is seeking a Contract Logistics Distribution Team Leader to support the Supervisor in coordinating daily distribution activities, handling customer escalations and maintaining service performance. This hands-on role requires ownership, clear communication with customers and carriers, and the ability to resolve operational problems promptly.

The position involves coordinating with warehouse teams, managing escalations, and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of experience in transport, distribution, logistics or supply chain operations.
• Experience handling customer service escalations, delivery issues and disputes.
• Experience coordinating with carriers, suppliers and warehouse teams.
• Ability to analyze operational data, monitor KPIs and prepare reports.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to manage competing priorities under pressure.
• Familiarity with Outlook and general reporting tools.
• Exposure to continuous improvement, root cause analysis or change management is advantageous.
• Leadership experience is desirable but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate distribution activities with warehouse teams to ensure timely handovers.
• Act as primary contact for escalations, complaints and disputes; drive resolutions.
• Communicate with customers to understand issues and provide practical solutions.
• Build relationships with stakeholders, carriers and service partners.
• Oversee claims, investigate discrepancies and follow up actions.
• Monitor performance, analyze data and report on KPIs and service levels.
• Support cost management, productivity and profitability targets through coordination.
• Identify recurring issues, perform root cause analysis and implement improvements.
• Support change initiatives and communicate changes effectively.
• Collaborate with the Supervisor and team during peak periods to manage priorities.
• Maintain attention to detail in documentation, claims and communications.
• Promote a safe work environment and compliance with SOPs.

Skills

Team leadership

Customer service

Logistics operations

KPI reporting

Root cause analysis

Change management

Communication skills

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

It's more than a job As a Contract Logistics Distribution Team Leader, you will support the Supervisor in coordinating daily distribution activities, managing customer escalations and maintaining strong service performance. This is a hands‑on role for someone who takes ownership, communicates confidently with customers and carriers, and enjoys solving operational problems in a fast‑paced environment

It's more than a job As a Contract Logistics Distribution Team Leader, you will support the Supervisor in coordinating daily distribution activities, managing customer escalations and maintaining strong service performance. This is a hands‑on role for someone who takes ownership, communicates confidently with customers and carriers, and enjoys solving operational problems in a fast‑paced environment

Responsibilities

• Coordinate distribution activities and work closely with warehouse teams to ensure accurate, timely and efficient handovers.
• Act as a key point of contact for operational escalations, customer complaints and service disputes, taking ownership through to resolution.
• Communicate directly with customers to understand issues, manage expectations and provide timely, practical solutions.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders, carriers, suppliers and other service partners.
• Oversee claims processes, investigate discrepancies and delivery issues, and coordinate appropriate follow-up actions.
• Monitor operational performance, analyse data and prepare accurate, timely reports on key performance indicators, service levels and productivity.
• Support cost management, productivity, customer service and profitability targets through effective coordination and issue resolution.
• Identify recurring issues and process gaps, conduct root cause analysis and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support change management activities and new operational initiatives, ensuring process changes are communicated and implemented effectively.
• Work collaboratively with the Supervisor and wider team to manage competing priorities, particularly during seasonal peaks and periods of increased volume.
• Maintain strong attention to detail across operational processes, documentation, claims and customer communications.
• Promote a safe working environment and ensure adherence to standard operating procedures and relevant compliance requirements.
• Support customer onboarding, retention and operational excellence initiatives as required.
• Travel occasionally between Sydney and Melbourne to support collaboration and operational alignment.

Requirements

• 2–4 years of experience in transport, distribution, logistics or supply chain operations.
• Previous exposure to customer service issues, delivery escalations, claims or dispute resolution.
• Experience coordinating with carriers, suppliers, warehouse teams or other operational stakeholders.
• Ability to analyse operational data, monitor KPIs and prepare accurate reports.
• Strong communication skills, including confidence handling direct customer conversations.
• Good organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities under pressure.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Outlook and general reporting tools.
• Exposure to continuous improvement, root cause analysis or change management is advantageous.
• Previous formal team leadership experience is desirable but not essential.

Who we are

Kuehne+Nagel is a global leader in logistics, specialising in innovative supply chain solutions. At Kuehne+Nagel Australia, we pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive and respectful culture where collaboration thrives, and every voice is valued. Step into a workplace recognised for its commitment to excellence, having earned Great Place to Work recognition for multiple years. Be part of dynamic teams where innovation meets opportunity and join a company that supports your growth while making a difference in the world of logistics. Make your mark with us today!