Empty Link Coordinator

Port of Tauranga; Tauranga; On-site; NZD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Port of Tauranga seeks an Empty Link Coordinator to manage landside container movements across Empty Link and key port exchange points. You will coordinate live operations, monitor activity, and ensure accurate bookings and instructions, working with drivers, yard operators, and internal teams.

In a 24/7 environment, you'll contribute to service continuity, compliance and data integrity while using Navis N4, XPS and CargoWise to support daily tasks.

Qualifications

• NCEA Level 3 or equivalent literacy and numeracy.
• Logistics/transport/supply chain/business administration qualification is advantageous.
• NZ driver licence is required.
• 3–4 years in logistics/transport/terminal operations/dispatch/gate coordination or similar role.
• Ability to prioritise and make decisions in a live ops environment.
• Strong computer skills and ability to learn systems.
• Excellent communication and customer service.
• Detail-oriented with a proactive improvement mindset.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate container, truck and yard movements for safe operations.
• Manage bookings, job requests and instructions within service levels.
• Monitor live activity and resolve delays or conflicts.
• Provide clear instructions to yard operators, drivers and contractors.
• Process transactions through port systems.
• Maintain data accuracy in booking systems.
• Use Navis N4, XPS, CargoWise and MS Office to support daily ops.
• Escalate unresolved issues appropriately.
• Deliver professional customer service to stakeholders.
• Support continuous improvement and training initiatives.
• Maintain accurate records and shift handovers.

Skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Customer service

Attention to detail

Prioritisation

Live operational decision making

Education

NCEA Level 3 or equivalent

Qualification in logistics/transport/supply chain/business administration (advantage)

Tools

Navis N4

XPS

CargoWise

Microsoft Office

Job description

Port of Tauranga is seeking an Empty Link Coordinator to play a key role in landside container movements across Empty Link, the Tauranga Container Terminal Main Exchange and, when required, Ruakura Inland Port. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the centre of New Zealand's largest port operation, coordinating live container movements and helping deliver exceptional service to customers, transport operators and terminal users.

About the Role

Reporting to the Road & Rail Services Supervisor, you will coordinate safe, accurate and efficient container movements across multiple operational sites. Working within a 24/7 operational environment, you'll monitor live activity, manage bookings and operational instructions, communicate with drivers and yard operators, and ensure container transactions are processed efficiently and accurately.

Working closely with internal teams, transport providers, depot operators, shipping lines and regulatory agencies, you will help maintain service continuity while ensuring compliance with Port of Tauranga procedures and regulatory requirements.

Key responsibilities include:

• Coordinating container, truck and yard movements to support safe and efficient operations.
• Managing bookings, job requests and operational instructions within agreed service levels.
• Monitoring operational exceptions, delays, cancellations and booking conflicts, taking corrective action where required.
• Providing clear and timely instructions to yard operators, drivers and contractors.
• Processing truck driver and container transactions through port and terminal systems.
• Managing container movements through the Vehicle Booking System and ensuring data accuracy.
• Using systems such as Navis N4, XPS, CargoWise and Microsoft Office to support daily operations.
• Resolving booking, gate and container status issues and escalating unresolved matters appropriately.
• Delivering professional customer service to transport operators, container depots, shipping lines and other stakeholders.
• Supporting continuous improvement initiatives, procedure development, training activities and operational efficiencies.
• Maintaining accurate records and comprehensive shift handovers to support a continuous operation.

About You

• NCEA Level 3 or an equivalent level of literacy and numeracy.
• A qualification in logistics, transport, supply chain or business administration would be advantageous.
• A full New Zealand driver licence.
• At least 3-4 years experience in logistics, transport, container terminal operations, dispatch, gate operations or a similar coordination role.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and make sound decisions in a live operational environment.
• Strong computer skills and the confidence to learn and use specialist operational systems.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to provide clear operational instructions.
• Strong customer service, problem-solving and relationship management capabilities.
• High attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.
• A proactive approach to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• The flexibility to work a rotating roster including day shifts, night shifts, weekends and public holidays.

Why Port of Tauranga?

As New Zealand's largest and most efficient port, Port of Tauranga offers a dynamic and supportive environment where people work together to deliver critical services to the country's supply chain. You'll join a team that values safety, collaboration, innovation and operational excellence while providing opportunities to grow your skills and build a rewarding career.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced coordinator to contribute to a high-performing operation, work with industry-leading systems and play an important role in keeping New Zealand's freight network moving.