Christchurch Branch Manager

Weatherell Transport Ltd (trading as Freshways Transport)

Christchurch Branch Manager

About Freshways

Weatherell Transport started off in 1994 based in Gisborne servicing the ever-growing needs of the local produce growers. From early days of just a handful of trucks Steve and Jane have grown the company to be a leading nationwide provider to the produce industry.

Now operating 6 depots nationwide and in excess of 90 owned trucks, as well as working with 10 direct contractors, clocking up 10 million kms per year. Steve and Jane continue to work daily in the business maintaining 100% New Zealand owned and operated inter-island service.

Weatherell Transport provides a daily return service between all major north island destinations and a 36-hour service into all major South Island destinations. Although the bulk of our movements started off being for the produce industry, we now have dedicated trucks for Chilled/Frozen goods, General freight and Container transport with various other specialized equipment to meet the customer's needs.

Weatherell Transport has a strong focus on safety for both its employees, and the general public.

Description

As the Branch Manager for Christchurch, you will lead all aspects of branch operations, ensuring service quality, performance metrics, customer satisfaction, and financial targets are consistently met or exceeded. You will oversee connectivity with national operations sites, monitor and control the movement of units arriving and departing within the region, and manage engagement with the company's Transport Management System (TMS). A key part of your role will be leading logistics planning to optimize the transportation network originating from Christchurch, driving maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness while delivering key programs and strategic initiatives outlined in the Business Plan.

The Freshways network operates within a complex web of service connections, with significant variability in daily conditions and fluctuating volume and capacity demands. Managing these dynamics in real time requires adaptability, strong problem-solving skills, and sound judgment. You will balance diverse stakeholder needs, make informed decisions, and take full responsibility for operational outcomes, including high-value decisions that impact our service commitments. This role involves planning and optimizing routes, deliveries, and vehicle movements across the country (excluding Christchurch), working closely with internal teams, contractors, and customers to ensure seamless execution.

Due to the dynamic nature of our operations, you must be available to respond to critical service or incident-related events on a 24/7 basis. This is a moderately to highly complex position requiring conceptual thinking, strategic planning, and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

About you

We're keen to discuss this position with professionals who thrive on the challenge of attaining operational performance excellence

· Five years or more experience, with proven experience in delivering consistent operational efficiency and productivity gains

· A strong commitment to health and safety in the workplace with knowledge of health and safety legislation (HSWA 2015)

· Proven leadership and people management skills

· You are results-driven, very detail-oriented and have a high level of professionalism

· Exemplary communication skills across all organisational levels

· Highly proficient with Microsoft 365

· Exposure to a Transport Management System (TMS)

· Current Full Class 1 New Zealand driver's licence

Pre-employment process will include:

· Licence Check (TORO)

· Ministry of Justice check

· Drug and Alcohol screening result review

· ACC Pre-Employment check

· Right to work in NZ

The remuneration package includes a competitive salary and full use of a company vehicle

How to Apply

If this resonates with you as the opportunity you have been seeking apply now by submitting your cover letter and CV.

A full job description can be provided on request, please email Linda.

For more information or to discuss, contact Linda via email