Logistics Manager

Docker, Inc.; New Plymouth; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Symons Group seeks a hands-on Logistics Manager to lead a busy transport operation in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You will own daily performance, rostering, and driver relationships, while ensuring safety, compliance and customer service standards are met.

The role requires proactive problem solving, forward planning, and the ability to coach and develop a high-performing team within a multi-unit business. On-call responsibilities may apply.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading people in an operational transport/logistics environment.
• Ability to take ownership and drive outcomes.
• Strong planning, prioritisation and decision-making under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day logistics and dispatch operations.
• Manage driver allocation, rostering and capacity planning.
• Balance customer requirements with driver wellbeing and safety.
• Be a key point of contact for drivers and customers and resolve issues.
• Collaborate with Operations, Fleet and HSEQ to keep the operation running smoothly.

Skills

Leadership

Operational leadership

People management

Planning & scheduling

Transport & logistics

Communication

Safety compliance

Tools

Transportation Management System

Job description

At Symons Group, operational leadership isn't about simply keeping trucks moving - it's about taking ownership, making good decisions, and leading people to deliver the right outcomes.

We're looking for a Logistics Manager who can lead people and take ownership of a busy transport operation.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who is comfortable with the details of the operation, but who can also step back, see what's coming, and make sure the team is prepared for it.

You'll be responsible for the day-to-day performance of the logistics operation, including drivers, rosters, customer requirements, and the decisions that keep the operation moving.

This role is accountable for outcomes, not just activity.

The Role

Reporting to the Group Operations Manager, you'll take ownership of the day-to-day running of the logistics team.

You'll be responsible for making sure we have the right people, trucks, and resources in the right place to meet our customers' requirements, while maintaining high standards of safety, compliance, and driver wellbeing.

You'll be a key point of contact for drivers and customers and will need to be comfortable dealing with problems as they arise.

This role is not about simply reacting to what's happening.

We want someone who thinks ahead, identifies problems early, and takes action before they become bigger issues.

You will need to make decisions, take ownership of those decisions, and follow issues through to resolution.

What the role involves

You will:

• Lead the day-to-day logistics and dispatch operation.
• Take ownership of driver allocation, rostering, and operational planning.
• Balance customer requirements with drivers' wellbeing, safety, and operational capacity.
• Be a key point of contact for drivers and customers, dealing with issues and finding practical solutions.
• Work closely with Operations, Fleet, HSEQ, and the wider business to keep the operation running effectively.
• Monitor operational performance and take action where standards or outcomes are not being met.
• Manage compliance requirements, including driver hours, fatigue management, and transport regulations.
• Coach and develop your team, build capability, accountability, and confidence.
• Identify opportunities to improve systems, processes, and the way we operate.
• Follow problems through to resolution rather than passing them on.
• Build strong working relationships with customers and ensure commitments are delivered.

This Role is not

• A roster-filling or dispatch administration role.
• A position where problems are simply passed up the chain.
• A role where operational issues can sit unresolved.
• A position focused on managing from an office and being removed from the reality of the operation.
• A role where being busy is confused with delivering results.

This is a hands-on operational leadership position. You'll need to be comfortable getting into the details, when required, while also developing your team so that you're not the only person who can solve the problem.

About you

This role suits someone calm, practical, and comfortable with accountability.

You are likely to bring:

• Proven experience leading people in an operational environment in transport and logistics
• The ability to take ownership and follow things through to an outcome.
• Confidence in making decisions and using good judgement when under pressure.
• Strong planning and organisational skills, with the ability to think ahead and manage competing priorities.
• A practical, hands-on approach and an understanding of the realities of a busy transport operation.
• Strong people skills and the ability to build trust, accountability, and capability within a team.
• The confidence to have direct conversations when expectations or standards aren't being met.
• The ability to work constructively with people who may challenge your decisions - and the confidence to challenge others when required.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build effective relationships with drivers, customers, and the wider business.
• A genuine interest in developing your own leadership capability and the people around you.
• Exceptional computer skills and confidence with technology, experienced in using transportation management systems.
• A strong commitment to safety, compliance, customer service, and operational performance.

Support and leadership

You’ll be part of the wider Symons leadership team and will work closely with Operations, Fleet, HSEQ, People & Performance, and Training & Capability.

You won’t be expected to solve every issue yourself.

Your responsibility is to lead your team, own the operation, and know when to bring the right people into the conversation.

What matters most in this role is your ability to lead, make decisions, take ownership, and deliver outcomes.

On-call Requirement

Transport is not limited to office hours. This role includes an agreed level of evening and weekend on-call support, and you'll need to be comfortable providing leadership when the operation requires it.

Why join the team at Symons?

With a passion for trucks, Graham Symons established Symons Transport in 1984, based in Taranaki. From a small farm shed and one truck, we have now grown into one of the leaders in our industry here in New Zealand and are working for some of the country's most reputable companies.

As Symons Group grows, we have developed services that deliver a "one-stop-shop" solution. This encompasses four successful business units: Transport, Property, Warehousing, and Waste Remediation Services. As such, we can provide an integrated supply chain to our clients, tailored to their business requirements.

And what has made us successful and continues to drive our growth? Simple. Our people.

Please note: Applicants must have valid NZ residency or work visa status to be considered.