2027 Graduate Programme - Business & Operations | Christchurch

Vulcan; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive graduate salary

KiwiSaver

Full-time from day one

18-month development programme

Mentoring and coaching

Graduate peer network

Clear career pathways

Job summary

Vulcan is offering an 18-month Graduate Programme based in Christchurch, designed to rotate you through Operations, Distribution & Logistics, Manufacturing & Processing, Internal Sales, and more. You'll gain hands-on experience across the customer journey and be mentored by senior leaders, with a clear path into a permanent role on completion.

The programme emphasizes leadership, practical exposure and collaboration with graduates across New Zealand and Australia, with a competitive graduate

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Commerce, Supply Chain, Operations Management, Logistics or related discipline.
• Graduated in 2025 or 2026, or be completing studies by early 2027.
• New Zealand or Australian citizenship or permanent residency
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Demonstrated leadership potential and initiative
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn in a hands-on environment
• An interest in operations, logistics, manufacturing or industrial businesses
• A full driver's licence
• The ability to pass a pre-employment medical and drug and alcohol test

Responsibilities

• Rotations across key areas of the business: Operations, Distribution & Logistics; Manufacturing & Processing; Internal Sales; Sales Rep / Account Manager; Continuous Improvement Projects.
• All rotations are based in Christchurch across our local operations.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Leadership potential

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Commerce, Supply Chain, Operations Management, Logistics or related discipline

Job description

Kick-start your career with one of Australasia's leading industrial success stories

Ready to turn your degree into a real career?

Join Vulcan's 18-month Graduate Programme and gain hands-on experience across operations, logistics and sales while building the skills, confidence and commercial mindset to become a future leader.

Based in Christchurch, you'll work alongside experienced professionals, tackle real business challenges, and gain exposure to every stage of our customer journey, from manufacturing and distribution through to sales and relationship management.

Why Vulcan?

At Vulcan, we don't just distribute steel and metal products. We help build the infrastructure, industries and businesses that keep Australasia moving.

Since 1995, we've grown to become Australasia's highest-performing metals distributor and processor, operating 69 sites with more than 1,300 employees across New Zealand and Australia. Our success is driven by innovation, continuous improvement, outstanding customer service and, most importantly, great people.

This graduate programme is your opportunity to be part of that journey.

About the Programme

Starting in February 2027 (with flexibility around your study completion date), our Graduate Programme is designed to give you broad business exposure, practical experience and a strong foundation for a long-term career.

Over 18 months, you'll complete rotations across key areas of the business, including:

• Operations, Distribution & Logistics. Learn how products move through our network and help ensure customers receive the right solutions on time, every time.
• Manufacturing & Processing. Gain first-hand exposure to our processing operations and understand how we deliver quality products at scale.
• Internal Sales. Develop commercial skills through customer interactions, quotations, order management and service delivery.
• Sales Rep / Account Manager. Work alongside experienced sales professionals, build customer relationships, identify opportunities and manage your own customer portfolio.
• Continuous Improvement Projects. Contribute to initiatives that improve safety, efficiency, productivity and customer outcomes.

All rotations are based in Christchurch across our local operations

Build More Than Experience. Build a Career

This programme is designed to develop future leaders. Along the way you'll receive:

• Ongoing mentoring from experienced leaders
• Structured coaching and development support
• Offsite learning and development workshops
• Exposure to senior leaders and business decision-making
• Opportunities to collaborate with graduates across New Zealand and Australia

And the best part?

Successfully complete the programme and you'll move directly into a permanent role within the business

We're looking for curious, driven graduates who are ready to roll up their sleeves, learn quickly and make an impact.

You’ll ideally have:

• A Bachelor's degree in Business, Commerce, Supply Chain, Operations Management, Logistics or a related discipline
• Graduated in 2025 or 2026, or be completing your studies by early 2027
• New Zealand or Australian citizenship or permanent residency
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Demonstrated leadership potential and initiative
• A positive attitude and willingness to learn in a hands-on environment
• An interest in operations, logistics, manufacturing or industrial businesses
• A full driver's licence
• The ability to pass a pre-employment medical and drug and alcohol test

• Competitive graduate salary with annual reviews
• KiwiSaver and additional employee benefits
• Full-time paid employment from day one
• A structured 18-month development programme
• Mentoring and coaching from experienced leaders
• Regular connection with graduate peers across New Zealand and Australia
• Clear career pathways and genuine long-term opportunities

Ready to Forge Your Future?

If you're looking for more than just a graduate job and want a career that combines people, operations, logistics and leadership, we'd love to hear from you.