Operations Manager

Direction Recruitment; Whangarei; On-site; NZD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is looking for an Operations Manager to lead day-to-day operations at their Whangārei branch. The successful candidate will oversee production and dispatch operations, manage staff, and ensure a safe, high-quality environment. Strong leadership, communication skills, and a proactive approach to safety are essential for this role. Competitive salary and company vehicle included in the package.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Company vehicle

Qualifications

• Proven experience in factory, production, or distribution supervision.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent communication and organisational abilities.
• A proactive approach to Health & Safety management.
• A focus on quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the efficient and effective operation of the factory and dispatch areas.
• Supervise, coach, and develop factory and distribution staff.
• Enforce all Health & Safety policies and maintain a zero-harm environment.
• Ensure all products are delivered on time, in full, and to the required quality standard.
• Support the sales team by maximising output and resource utilisation.
• Monitor and reduce production waste and scrap levels.
• Maintain accurate staff performance records.
• Promote continuous improvement initiatives.
• Foster positive relationships with customers and internal teams.

Skills

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Organisational abilities

Safety management

Continuous improvement focus

Job description

Operations Manager

Our client is seeking a motivated and hands-on Operations Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of their Whangārei branch. This key role is responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and high-quality running of both factory and distribution functions — with a strong focus on safety, teamwork, and customer satisfaction.

You’ll oversee production and dispatch operations, manage and develop staff, and drive continuous improvement across performance, safety, and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the efficient and effective operation of the factory and dispatch areas.
• Supervise, coach, and develop factory and distribution staff to achieve performance and quality goals.
• Enforce all Health & Safety policies and maintain a zero-harm environment.
• Ensure all products are delivered on time, in full, and to the required quality standard.
• Support the sales team by maximising output and resource utilisation to achieve budget objectives.
• Monitor and reduce production waste and scrap levels.
• Maintain accurate staff performance, training, and compliance records.
• Promote continuous improvement initiatives that enhance productivity and efficiency.
• Foster positive relationships with customers, suppliers, contractors, and internal teams to ensure seamless service delivery.

About You

To succeed in this role, you’ll bring:

• Proven experience in factory, production, or distribution supervision.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent communication and organisational abilities.
• A proactive approach to Health & Safety management.
• A focus on quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
• The ability to work collaboratively across teams to achieve shared goals.

Remuneration

• Competitive Salary & Company Vehicle included in this package

Apply Now

If you’re ready to take on a leadership role where you can make a tangible impact on operations and team performance, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today and help drive excellence in factory and distribution performance at our client’s Whangārei branch.

Send your CV and cover letter to: [e-mail]

Or to have a confidential conversation call Paula on: 021911685

All applicants must have legal working rights to live and work in New Zealand, either as NZ resident, or by having a valid NZ Work visa. Due to NZ Immigration requirements, we will not be able to support visa applications for this role.