Planning & Coordination Centre Manager (Container Terminal)

KiwiRail; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

KiwiRail staff benefits

Leadership role in freight network

Job summary

KiwiRail is recruiting for a 12 month fixed-term role based at the Container Terminal in Onehunga, Auckland. You will lead the Planning & Coordination Centre, oversee freight planning and allocation, and drive performance improvements across terminal operations.

This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong stakeholder management and a focus on safety and compliance. Join KiwiRail to influence a critical part of New Zealand's rail and logistics network, with exposure to complex,

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience leading operational teams in freight/logistics, ports or similar environments.
• Strong planning, coordination and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience managing people, performance and development.
• Ability to analyse information and make informed decisions.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Track record of improving operational performance.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and relevant operational systems.
• Experience in rail, freight, logistics, ports or shipping is highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Planning & Coordination Centre team.
• Manage freight planning and resource allocation to meet priorities.
• Monitor performance and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with customers and stakeholders.
• Ensure safety, compliance and operational standards are met.
• Oversee workforce planning and rostering aligning with demand.
• Respond to operational issues and changing priorities as they arise.

Skills

Experience leading operational teams

Planning and coordination

People and performance management

Decision making from data

Stakeholder management

Operational performance improvement

Microsoft Office & systems proficiency

Rail/freight/logistics/ports/shipping

Tools

Microsoft Office

Operational systems

Job description

- 12 Month Fixed-term opportunity

- Based at our Container Terminal, Onehunga, Auckland

He whakamārama mō mātou | About us

KiwiRail is undergoing significant investment and transformation to modernise and grow New Zealand's rail and ferry networks.

He whakamārama mō te tūranga mahi | About the Role

• Lead and develop the Planning & Coordination Centre team
• Manage freight planning and resource allocation
• Monitor performance and drive operational improvements
• Build strong relationships with customers and stakeholders
• Ensure safety, compliance and operational standards are met
• Manage workforce planning and rostering
• Respond to operational issues and changing priorities

Ngā pukenga e rapu nei mātou | What You Will Bring

This role requires demonstrated experience leading operational teams within freight, logistics, transport, ports, container terminals, warehousing, manufacturing or a similar operational environment. Candidates without relevant operational leadership experience are unlikely to be successful.

• Experience leading operational teams
• Strong planning, coordination and problem-solving skills
• Experience managing people and performance
• Ability to analyse information and make informed decisions
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Experience improving operational performance
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and operational systems
• Experience in rail, freight, logistics, ports or shipping is highly regarded

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

• Competitive salary package
• A leadership role within KiwiRail's freight network
• The opportunity to influence a critical part of terminal operations
• Exposure to complex, large-scale logistics environments
• Access to KiwiRail staff benefits
• A chance to contribute to the growth and transformation of rail in New Zealand

Applications close: Tuesday 20th October 2026 (unless filled sooner)

Please note: To be considered for this role, applicants must hold New Zealand Citizenship, Permanent Residency, or a visa with unrestricted work rights. Sponsorship is not available for this position.