Distribution Manager

Hydraulink Fluid Connectors Ltd; Sydney; On-site; AUD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Hydraulink Australia is seeking a motivated and hands-on Distribution Manager to lead our Smithfield Distribution Centre. This is more than a warehouse role; you will own a critical operation, lead a dedicated team, and drive performance, efficiency and service standards across Australia.

You will focus on inventory accuracy, warehouse optimisation and ongoing improvements while collaborating with branches, customers and internal teams to ensure on-time delivery and cost targets.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing warehouse or distribution centre operations.
• Experience leading a small operational team with focus on performance and continuous improvement.
• Strong understanding of inventory management and warehouse processes.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the Distribution Centre and optimise warehouse performance.
• Lead warehouse and distribution activities to support branches, distributors and customers with high service levels.
• Collaborate with procurement, sales, customer service and managers to ensure cost targets and end-to-end delivery.
• Manage warehouse reporting and data to support decision-making and performance improvement.
• Develop and implement strategic initiatives to improve customer experience and drive results.

Skills

Warehouse management

Distribution operations

Team leadership

Process improvement

Inventory management

Tools

WMS (Warehouse Management System)

Job description

Are you an experienced Distribution or Warehouse Manager looking for your next challenge?

Hydraulink Australia is seeking a motivated and hands‑on Distribution Manager to lead our Smithfield Distribution Centre.

This is more than a warehouse management role. It's an opportunity to take ownership of a critical operation, lead a dedicated team, and drive the performance, efficiency, and service standards that support our customers across Australia.

From inventory accuracy and warehouse optimisation to team leadership and operational excellence, you'll be at the heart of the business, driving the efficient flow of products, supporting our customers and branches, and helping deliver the service standards Hydraulink is known for.

Why Join Hydraulink?

Check out what our team have to say about us!

• Hydraulink values employees, you're not just a number
• Great family culture with supportive colleagues and work environment
• Strong international brand with a family feel
• Opportunities for career progression and internal promotion

We value our team members and are proud to offer:

• Excellent salary package
• Great work culture and team spirit
• Free onsite parking
• Full training and ongoing support to help you succeed

The Role

Reporting to the General Manager Group Operations and IT, responsibilities include:

• Managing the day‑to‑day operations of the Distribution Centre – optimising warehouse performance, improving inventory accuracy and workforce productivity
• Leading warehouse and distribution activities to support branches, distributors, and customers while maintaining high service levels, optimising cost‑effective delivery,and on‑time delivery performance.
• Collaborating with internal teams (procurement, sales, customer service, and state/branch managers)as well as external customers (logistics partnerships and distribution contracts) to ensure performance standards and cost targets are met and seamless end‑to‑end delivery is achieved
• Managing warehouse reporting and operational data to support decision‑making and performance improvement utilising continuous improvement methodologies
• Developing and implementing strategic initiatives that improve the customer experience and drive business results

About You

To be successful in this role you will possess:

• Proven experience managing warehouse, distribution centre, or logistics operations within industrial, engineering, manufacturing, wholesale distribution, or related sectors.
• Proven experience leading a small operational team, with the ability to motivate, develop, and support employees while fostering a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and high performance.
• Sound understanding of inventory management, warehouse systems, distribution processes and small‑scale manufacturing.
• Excellent planning, organisational, communication, and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to engage and build effective relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven ability to deliver operational improvements, lead change, and achieve performance targets.
• Demonstrated ability to identify workplace inefficiencies, develop practical 5S improvements and engage employees in maintaining those standards. Candidates will need to demonstrate their practical understanding of 5S as part of the recruitment process.

About Us

At Hydraulink we like to keep things moving. It's in our DNA.

We are a leading multinational hose and fittings brand with an extensive network across Australia, New Zealand, and Asia Pacific. Through our combination of company‑owned branches, distributors, and franchise partners, we support customers with everything from emergency breakdown services to large‑scale hydraulic installations.

With more than 80 years of industry success, we continue to invest in our people, systems, and capabilities to deliver exceptional service and drive future growth.

Applicants must have Australian Residency or valid working rights, a current driver's licence, and be willing to undertake a pre‑employment medical (including drug and alcohol screening) and criminal history check as part of our recruitment process.

If you are a motivated and customer‑focused leader who enjoys improving operations and leading high‑performing teams, we would love to hear from you.

Want to know more about who you'll be working for? Visit us at www.hydraulink.com.au