Warehouse Operator - Container & Specialist Cargo

Team Recruitment; Auckland; On-site; NZD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Team Recruitment is seeking a Warehouse Operator for containers and specialist cargo at Mangere Bridge. This hands-on role involves loading and devanning shipping containers, securing high-value freight, and operating forklifts around vehicles and sensitive cargo.

You will join a small team and contribute to safe, efficient handling for international transport. A NZ forklift licence and full NZ driver’s licence are essential, with a practical, proactive approach valued.

Qualifications

• Forklift licence (NZ) required and current.
• Full NZ driver’s licence.
• Good physical fitness and safety awareness.
• Calm, practical approach under pressure.
• Ability to work independently and in a close team.

Responsibilities

• Load and devan containers and handle project cargo.
• Handle vehicles, machinery and oversized freight.
• Secure freight using straps and dunnage.
• Operate forklifts around vehicles and sensitive cargo.
• Receive, check and dispatch freight.
• Support MPI, biosecurity and warehouse safety requirements.
• Occasional rostered after-hours deliveries, paid at time and a half.

Skills

Forklift operation

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Independent work

Attention to detail

Job description

Warehouse Operator – Containers & Specialist Cargo

Mangere Bridge | Monday to Friday, 8.30am–5.00pm

If you’re an experienced warehouse operator who enjoys solving the jobs others find difficult, this role offers something genuinely different!

The opportunity

This is a hands‑on warehouse role for someone who enjoys the challenge of working out how to safely handle an awkward or unusual load.

Our client is an established international freight and logistics business with more than 20 years in the industry. They have grown steadily over that time and built a strong reputation for managing specialised freight with a high level of care. Their operation covers international forwarding, project shipments, warehousing and distribution, including vehicles, machinery, oversized freight and other high‑value cargo.

You will join a warehouse and logistics team of five, working closely with another operator across container loading and devanning.

This is not a standard pick‑packing role. You will need to assess each shipment, determine the safest way to handle it and ensure cargo is packed and secured correctly for international transport.

The work will include:

• Loading and devanning shipping containers
• Handling vehicles, machinery and project cargo
• Securing freight using straps, chains, timber bracing and dunnage
• Operating forklifts around vehicles and sensitive cargo
• Receiving, checking and dispatching freight
• Supporting MPI, biosecurity and warehouse safety requirements

• There are occasional rostered after‑hours deliveries, paid at time and a half.

What we’re looking for

Ideally, you will have previous experience loading and devanning containers, along with a sound understanding of cargo restraint and safe loading practices.

Experience with vehicles, machinery, oversized freight or project cargo would be particularly useful. However, we will also consider someone from a strong hands‑on freight or logistics warehouse background who has the confidence and practical judgement to take on more complex work.

You will need:

• A current NZ forklift licence
• A full NZ driver’s licence
• Good physical fitness
• Strong safety awareness and attention to detail
• A calm, practical approach under pressure
• Confidence working independently and within a close team

Experience within an MPI Transitional Facility, dangerous goods awareness or a Class 2 driver’s licence would be an advantage, but is not essential.

Why consider this role?

The business has a strong senior leadership team who are committed to creating a positive environment where people enjoy their work, take ownership and develop their expertise.

Team fit matters. They are looking for someone grounded, dependable and willing to think through a challenge rather than simply follow a routine. For the right person, there is scope to build specialist knowledge and take on greater responsibility as the operation develops.

If you enjoy solving practical freight challenges and want to be trusted with work that requires more than standard warehouse experience, we would like to hear from you.