Description
About Us
You've probably seen our recognisable polar bear logo on trucks going from town to town across our beautiful country. No surprise if you have - Big Chill Distribution is a key business within the Freightways Group and is the leader in the storage and express delivery of chilled and frozen products nationwide, with eleven depots strategically positioned throughout New Zealand.
About the role
We’re on the lookout for a driven and experienced Branch Manager who knows how to bring people together and get results for our Putaruru Branch. Leading a close-knit team, you'll help steer both the daily operations and broader business goals with confidence and clarity.
This is a hands-on role where you’ll be across all aspects of the branch, one day you might be in the office or out visiting customers, the next you could be behind the wheel of a truck or jumping on a forklift. Flexibility and a can-do attitude are key.
You’ll be responsible for keeping things running smoothly, motivating your team, and maintaining a high standard of service. Along the way, you’ll help us meet key KPI’s, support customer success, and bring strategic plans to life as we continue to grow.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage day-to-day transport operations to ensure timely and efficient delivery of chilled and frozen goods
- Develop and implement operational process and strategies to optimise routes, minimise costs, and enhance overall efficiencies
- Coordinate with customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless transportation operations
- Monitor and maintain compliance with safety regulations and company policies
- Analyse data and metrics to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions as needed
- Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement within the operations team
About you
Key attributes that you will bring to the role are:
- Great communication and people skills—you’re approachable, clear and work well with everyone on the team
- Solid experience leading fast-paced freight and logistics operations
- A natural ability to build strong relationships with our valued customers
- A sound understanding of Health & Safety, Food Safety, and Distribution compliance
- A track record of helping people grow and succeed in their roles
- Strategic thinking with a commercial edge—you make smart, practical decisions
- A positive, can-do mindset with a focus on solutions and results
The position offers a competitive salary package, a company vehicle, performance based incentive scheme and the opportunity to grow your career in Freightways coolest brand.
The right applicant will need to be able to pass a pre-employment drug test and satisfactory MoJ criminal and ACC check.