Shift Supervisor

CentrePort Wellington; Wellington; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

CentrePort Wellington is seeking an experienced Shift Supervisor for its Container Services team. You will lead Cargo Handlers and operational staff on a 24/7 shift, ensuring safe, efficient and productive terminal operations while coordinating daily activities and shift readiness.

You will mentor teams, uphold strict health and safety standards and respond quickly to changing priorities, with a hands-on leadership approach across shifts in a dynamic port environment.

Qualifications

• Experience leading teams in port, logistics, transport, warehousing or large industrial environments.
• Proven ability to lead in shift-based or 24/7 operations.
• Strong workplace safety knowledge and practical HSE application.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Ability to make sound decisions under pressure and adapt to priorities.
• Experience coaching and developing team performance.
• Solid problem-solving and organisational skills.
• Full New Zealand Driver Licence (Heavy machinery experience or F Endorsement advantageous)

Responsibilities

• Lead Cargo Handlers and operational personnel across shifts, providing clear direction.
• Maintain highest safety standards and drive performance to meet customer requirements.
• Coordinate daily activities, resource planning and shift readiness.
• Be available to provide on-the-ground support and lead by example in dynamic situations.

Skills

Leadership experience

Shift-based operations

Health and safety knowledge

Communication skills

Decision making under pressure

Coaching and development

Problem solving

Driver Licence (NZ)

Job description

CentrePort is one of the country’s most significant intermodal freight hubs. It encompasses a strategic combination of port facilities, distribution centres, and transport infrastructure. As a critical gateway for imports and exports, CentrePort handles a diverse range of cargo, including containerised goods, bulk commodities, vehicles and more.

The facilities at CentrePort include container terminals, roll‑on/roll‑off operations, warehousing and extensive cargo handling capabilities. Additionally, its strategic location provides direct access to road, rail and coastal shipping networks, supporting the efficient movement of freight throughout New Zealand.

CentrePort is currently seeking an experienced and people‑focused Shift Supervisor to join their Container Services team.

Your New Role:

As a Shift Supervisor, you will play a critical role in ensuring the safe, efficient and productive operation of CentrePort’s container terminal. You will make sure each shift is properly resourced and prepared, coordinate daily activities, and help the team meet customer and operational requirements.

You will lead and support Cargo Handlers and operational personnel by providing clear direction, maintaining the highest safety standards and driving performance across the shift to ensure customer requirements are met. This fast‑paced and practical leadership role

requires confidence to step in when needed, provide on‑the‑ground support and make sound decisions as situations change. Flexibility to work across shifts is essential.

If you thrive in dynamic operational environments and enjoy leading teams to success, this could be the opportunity for you.

What you’ll need to succeed:

• Proven leadership experience within port operations, logistics, transport, warehousing, manufacturing or other large‑scale industrial environments
• Experience leading teams within a shift‑based or 24/7 operation
• Strong commitment to workplace health and safety with operational working knowledge of the Health and Safety in Employment Act and its practical application in industrial settings.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to make sound decisions under pressure and adapt to changing operational priorities
• Experience coaching, developing and managing team performance
• Strong problem‑solving and organisational skills
• Full New Zealand Driver Licence (Experience operating heavy machinery and/or holding an F Endorsement would be advantageous)

Please note: CentrePort operates a 24/7 shift roster and candidates must be able to commit to shift work. CentrePort is also an Alcohol and Drug Free workplace. Pre‑employment medical and drug testing form part of the recruitment process. You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand.

What’s in it for you?

At CentrePort, you will engage in interesting and diverse work and be part of a team that makes great things happen every day. At CentrePort, you will engage in interesting and diverse work and be part of a team that makes great things happen every day. We lead with our Values, and we’re offering you an enviable work environment where you can be your best self. You’ll have the opportunity to lead a highly capable operational team while working in one of New Zealand’s most dynamic logistics environments.

CentrePort supports an environment of diversity and inclusion. They are committed to equal employment opportunities and therefore encourage applications from different backgrounds. To ensure the recruitment process is fully accessible, please let us know if you require support or have any accessibility requirements.

CentrePort’s success comes from having the right people with the right attitude. So, if you would like to come on board, we would like to hear from you.