Operations Manager - Pharmaceutical Logistics

Team Recruitment; Auckland; On-site; NZD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A fast-growing logistics business in Auckland is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day operations. You will lead a team to ensure service performance exceeds benchmarks in the healthcare sector. Ideal candidates will have strong leadership experience, excellent stakeholder management skills, and a proactive approach to problem-solving within a fast-paced environment. Join us to make a measurable impact in healthcare logistics.

Benefits

Opportunity to shape Auckland operations

Join a passionate leadership team

Make a measurable impact every day

Qualifications

• Strong leadership experience in logistics, ideally within healthcare.
• Proven success in managing contractors/owner drivers.
• Track record in time-critical freight operations.
• Resilience and adaptability in high-pressure environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coach a team of contractors/owner drivers.
• Monitor service levels and act on performance issues.
• Coordinate with internal teams and healthcare providers.
• Drive process improvement and continuous initiatives.

Skills

Leadership experience in logistics

Stakeholder management skills

Problem-solving ability

Data-driven mindset

Communication skills

Job description

Smartways is a fast-growing logistics business dedicated to the healthcare sector. Every delivery they make supports hospitals, clinics, and patients - so service excellence isn’t optional, it’s essential. With strong growth in New Zealand and an established network across Australia, they are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead the Auckland operation and ensure service performance consistently exceeds service benchmarks.

The opportunity
This is a hands-on leadership role with oversight of day-to-day Auckland operations. You’ll be responsible for:

• Leading, coaching, and holding accountable a small team of contractors/owner drivers
• Monitoring service levels, KPIs, and costs, and acting swiftly where performance is at risk
• Coordinating with internal teams, suppliers, and healthcare providers to maintain seamless operations
• Driving process improvement and continuous improvement initiatives
• Being a visible presence on the ground, ensuring service excellence every day

What we’re looking for
The right person will bring:

• Strong leadership experience in logistics, transport, or courier operations — ideally within healthcare or another high-pressure, essential service
• Proven success managing contractors/owner drivers
• A track record in time-critical freight or operations where delivery failures are not an option
• A data-driven mindset with practical problem-solving ability
• The resilience and adaptability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-expectations environment
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills

Why join Smartways?

• Be part of a business where every delivery makes a difference to patients and the healthcare system
• Join a passionate leadership team that sets high standards and backs their people to achieve them
• Shape and grow the Auckland operation as the business continues to expand in New Zealand
• A role with real challenge, variety, and the chance to make a measurable impact every day

If you are an operational leader who thrives in high-pressure environments and takes pride in exceeding expectations, we’d love to hear from you. Apply to Natasha at Team Recruitment via this job ad.


Partner with the leading recruitment agency for Freight and Logistics professionals. With over 30 years of experience, our seasoned consultants leverage their extensive industry knowledge and network to fill 80% of our jobs from existing connections. Benefit from our team's first-hand experience in the field, ensuring we understand your unique needs in the ever-evolving world of Freight and Supply Chain Logistics. Learn more about us here - www.teamrecruitment.co.nz