Area Manager - Invercargill

NZD

• per annum, Vehicle allowance

Overview

We're partnering with a national logistics business to appoint an Area Operations Manager for Invercargill.

This role oversees the regional distribution operation with multiple moving parts and plenty of scope to drive improvements across the wider south island business.

Reporting to the General Manager, this role is suited to a proven logistics or operational leader who enjoys building high performing and capable teams, getting the basics right every day, and working for constant efficiency and improvement.

You'll take end-to-end ownership of the Invercargill hub.

That means the people, the cost base, the service outcomes, and the safety culture all sit with you.

The expectation is simple : get the operation humming and keep customers confident and happy with the service.

Responsibilities

Lead, coach, and support managers / supervisors; build succession and lift accountability.

Translate KPIs (DIFOT, scan integrity, mis-sorts, utilisation) into routines your teams can execute clearly and effectively.

Manage the P&L for the home site; spot variances early and close them with practical improvements and game plans.

Balance fleet and labour to remove waste, empty or low-margin running, overtime leakage, and rework.

Set expectations for delivery and front customer issues quickly; reset service where required and safeguard revenue.

Keep safety non-negotiable : manage critical risk controls, oversee toolbox cadence, and contractor management that actually works.

What you'll tackle in the first 6–12 months

Stabilise service, then lift it : better on-time performance and fewer repeat failures.

Tighten financial control : clear budgets, weekly reviews, and visible recovery actions.

Improve planning and utilisation across linehaul and PUD; lock in wins with standardisation of work.

Strengthen leadership bench : clearer expectations, coaching, and performance conversations that stick.

Refresh operating rhythm : daily huddles, visual boards, fast feedback loops.

The experience we're looking for

You've led complex, high-volume operations before, either in transport, parcels / express, 3PL, manufacturing or similar.

You're calm under pressure, practical with numbers, and you know how to bring people with you when things need to change.

You'll bring

7–10+ years in senior multi-site operations leadership.

Strong commercial acumen - budgeting, margin management, and ROI on change processes.

A record of improving safety culture and compliance maturity.

Credibility with customers and internal stakeholders, plus clear, confident communication.

Tertiary degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations, Engineering, or Business; or

Time-served equivalent (typically 10+ years leading complex, multi-site operations).

Why this role is worth your move

Real ownership of a nationally significant operation - visible impact, clear mandate.

Backing to make changes quickly - data, tools, and access to decision-makers.

Career pathways across a large trans-Tasman network.

Very competitive package, wellbeing support, and professional development.

About Magnetic

Magnetic is a specialist recruitment partner for New Zealand business.

We connect organisations with leaders who lift performance, build resilient teams, and deliver measurable results.

Our work spans logistics, manufacturing, engineering, and the built environment — where safety, service, and commercial discipline matter every day.

We're practical, data-led, and easy to work with.

How to apply

Keen to take the reins and deliver step-change results?

Send your CV or reach out for a confidential chat.

Applicants must have current NZ or AU work rights.

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