Disribution Manager

justzilch; Palmerston North; On-site; NZD 53,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused food distribution organization in Palmerston North is seeking a Distribution Manager to oversee operations and lead a volunteer team. This role is vital in enhancing food security and community wellbeing by managing day-to-day distribution activities and fostering partnerships. Candidates should have excellent people management skills and experience in customer service, with a heart for community work.

Benefits

Mission-driven work environment

Build meaningful relationships

Values-based culture

Qualifications

• Experience in the not-for-profit sector is preferred.
• Comfortable managing fluctuating operational needs.
• Ability to see opportunities for improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead, train, and support volunteers ensuring safety and engagement.
• Manage day-to-day food distribution and community allocation.
• Foster a welcoming environment for customers.
• Coordinate food pick-ups with the Supply Manager.

Skills

People and relationship management

Customer service excellence

Health & safety knowledge

Food safety knowledge

Strong written and oral communication

Tools

Database/CRM experience

Job description

Distribution Manager

Full-time | Palmerston North | Just Zilch

Are you passionate about food security, community connection, and reducing waste? Do you thrive in people-focused environments where every day is different? We’re looking for a Distribution Manager to lead our food distribution operations and help us strengthen access to rescued food in a way that upholds dignity, choice, and community.

About the Role

As Distribution Manager, you’ll be the hub of our food distribution programme. You’ll oversee the daily operations of our free-food store, coordinate and support volunteers, and manage relationships with customers and community partners. You’ll bring strong organisational and people-leadership skills to ensure food is distributed safely, efficiently, and with mana.

This role is vital in achieving our strategic goals of:

• Supporting food security for our community
• Improving access to rescued food through a free-store model
• Building intentional partnerships with local organisations to broaden reach and impact
• Minimising our environmental footprint by embedding reduce/renew/recycle practices

You’ll report to the Managing Director and work closely with our Supply Manager, Office Manager, volunteers, customers, and community groups.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, train, and support volunteers, ensuring health & safety, food safety, and positive engagement.
• Manage day-to-day food distribution, including shop operations and allocation to community groups.
• Foster a welcoming, calm environment for customers and help de-escalate conflict when needed.
• Coordinate food pick-ups with the Supply Manager and provide product updates for social media.
• Maintain strong community relationships and develop partnerships with aligned organisations.
• Contribute to a safe, sustainable, and inclusive workplace that reflects our values.

About You

You’re a people-leader and problem-solver with excellent organisational skills and a heart for community. You’ll be comfortable managing fluctuating operational needs while keeping people at the centre of everything you do.

Skills & Knowledge

• People and relationship management
• Customer service excellence
• Health & safety and food safety knowledge
• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application in community work
• Scheduling and database/CRM experience
• Strong written and oral communication
• Not-for-profit sector experience (preferred)

Traits

• Upbeat, approachable, and friendly
• Honest and reliable, with integrity at the core
• Confident in conflict resolution and calm under pressure
• Able to see opportunities for improvement and act on them

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a mission-driven organisation making a real impact in food security and community wellbeing.
• Lead a dedicated volunteer team and build meaningful relationships.
• Work in a values-based environment where sustainability and manaakitanga are central.

Location: Palmerston North | Hours: 32 Hours per week | Salary: 53,248.00