Port Services Supervisor

South Port NZ Ltd; Invercargill City; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

South Port NZ Ltd is seeking an experienced operations leader to supervise the Port Services team. You will coordinate bulk cargo operations, allocate resources and work with customers and contractors to keep port services running safely and efficiently.

This hands-on role requires strong planning, people leadership and a safety-first mindset to foster a positive team culture across a busy port environment in Invercargill.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership or supervisory experience in logistics or port operations.
• Ability to coach and develop team members while fostering a positive culture.
• Strong planning and organisational skills with resource coordination.
• Commitment to workplace health and safety requirements.
• Proficiency with MS Office and a continuous improvement mindset.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise the Port Services team, including daily pre-starts, toolbox talks, coaching and training.
• Coordinate bulk cargo operations and related port services activities to ensure safe, efficient work.
• Forward plan and allocate staffing, vehicles, plant and other resources to meet schedules and customer needs.
• Monitor activities to ensure health and safety requirements and approved work plans are followed.
• Build strong relationships with customers, contractors, port users and internal teams.
• Support operational reporting, KPI monitoring and provide leadership cover when the Bulk Cargo Operations Manager is unavailable.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Planning

Safety focus

Communication

Problem solving

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 16th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

If you’re an experienced operations leader who enjoys fast-moving work, practical problem-solving and getting the best out of people, this is a great opportunity to step into a key supervisory role at South Port.

About the role

South Port’s bulk cargo operations are a critical part of our business and the wider Southland economy. The Port Services Team keeps this work moving by supporting bulk, break bulk and container operations through berth preparation, cargo handling support, forklift operations, equipment setup and cleaning, vessel lines work, waste management and other essential port services.

Reporting to the Bulk Cargo Operations Manager, you will lead the day-to-day Port Services operation, keeping people, plant and workflows coordinated so cargo operations are delivered safely, efficiently and to a high standard.

As the on-the-ground leader, you will allocate resources, coordinate workflows, support team development and work closely with customers, contractors and other operational teams to keep port operations running safely and smoothly.

While the work is generally Monday to Friday, flexibility is required to ensure that work runs smoothly for night and weekend operations.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and supervise the Port Services team, including daily pre-starts, toolbox talks, coaching and training.
• Coordinate bulk cargo operations and associated port services activities to ensure work is completed safely and efficiently.
• Forward plan and allocate staffing, vehicles, plant and other resources to meet operational schedules and customer requirements.
• Monitor operational activities, staff and contractors to ensure compliance with health and safety requirements, procedures and approved work plans.
• Build effective working relationships and maintain clear communication with customers, contractors, port users and internal teams.
• Support operational reporting, KPI monitoring and continuous improvement, while providing leadership cover when the Bulk Cargo Operations Manager is unavailable.

About you

You will be a practical, hands-on leader who is comfortable working alongside your team, setting clear expectations and leading by example. You will bring strong planning skills, a safety-first mindset and the ability to build a capable, positive team culture.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Previous leadership or supervisory experience in a logistics, transport, industrial, port or other operational environment.
• Proven ability to lead, coach and develop team members while fostering a positive team culture.
• Strong planning, organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to coordinate people and resources effectively.
• A sound understanding of workplace health and safety requirements and a commitment to safe work practices.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with customers, contractors and internal stakeholders
• Practical computer skills, including Microsoft Office, and a continuous improvement mindset focused on improving systems and operational performance.

What we offer

South Port offers a unique, hands-on working environment where no two days are the same. You’ll join a supportive operational team, work in a role with real variety, and play an important part in keeping cargo moving safely and efficiently through Southland’s primary port.

This is a practical leadership role for someone who likes being close to the work, solving problems as they arise and helping a team perform well in a busy operational environment.

Pre-employment Requirements

Safety is our priority. The successful applicant will be required to complete a pre-employment medical assessment and drug and alcohol testing.

A full New Zealand driver's licence and previous forklift experience are essential.

Applicants must hold legal entitlement to work in New Zealand.