Neptune Pacific Direct Line Looking for Director of Group Logistics and Operations at Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand Full Time

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for driving operational excellence in global logistics?

Do you thrive in high-energy environments where you can lead teams, optimize supply chains, and influence the future of shipping?

If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you!

Neptune Pacific Direct Line (NPDL) is experiencing a period of significant transformation. Formed in 2020, Neptune Pacific Line acquired Pacific Direct Line, bringing together two of the South Pacific’s top shipping and logistics companies to support the full supply chain of our customers in the region. NPDL is part of The Wonderful Company (TWC) headquartered in the USA (including Fiji Water). NPDL operates 9 containerships, moving +240k TEU between AU, NZ and the Pacific Islands, as well as the USA. We have strong partnerships with other shipping line, moving cargo across 25 customer destinations in 16 countries.

Job Description

As a pivotal leader on the management team, the Director of Group Logistics and Operations will drive NPDL’s global logistics network to new heights. You’ll oversee every facet of operations management—from port operations and vessel planning to container logistics and all land-based activities, including depots, warehousing, trucking, maintenance, and procurement. You’ll also champion safety management across these land-based activities. Reporting to the CFO, you will take ownership of operating budgets, shape capital expenditure strategies for asset maintenance and expansion, and embed a culture of continuous improvement across Ports, Container Depots, EHS, Warehousing & Trucking.

This is a hands-on role where you’ll lead diverse teams across international locations, ensuring top-tier performance, smooth collaboration, and operational standardization across the NPDL Group. With your strategic vision and business acumen, you’ll craft powerful business cases for asset investments that propel NPDL’s growth and support its ambitious global objectives, playing a direct role in shaping the future of our company and the entire shipping industry.

What you will be doing:

• Shape and execute the overall strategy and policies for all onshore operations, ensuring world-class efficiency.
• Develop and manage operational budgets, overseeing cost control and capital expenditures across each business unit.
• Perform quarterly cost analysis to keep operations on track and competitive.
• Integrate vertically aligned operations, creating seamless, end-to-end logistics solutions for customers.
• Lead the standardization and automation of operational processes across global locations for maximum efficiency.
• Formulate and implement cutting-edge strategies for health and safety, continuous improvement, and compliance, including environmental responsibility and risk management.
• Inspire and lead diverse international teams to achieve operational excellence and cost leadership.
• Optimize container fleet, port, depot, and vessel operations to meet both cost and service standards, exceeding customer expectations.
• Foster a culture of accountability, driving decision-making through data-driven insights and business needs.
• Oversee Maintenance and Repair (M&R) activities and ensure smooth operations across all divisions.
• Manage group-wide procurement and the appointment of key third-party vendors, including stevedores, depots, trucking, and M&R providers.
• Champion continuous improvement and innovation across all logistics and operations functions.
• Lead strategic projects focused on workflow optimization and business standardization.
• Ensure user groups have the tools and training necessary to maximize system capabilities, developing comprehensive training strategies.
• Oversee the implementation and success of safety programs, maintaining the highest HSQE standards across NPDL.
• Champion NPDL’s quality and environmental initiatives, aligning operations with organizational goals.
• Drive the successful integration of NPDL/Wonderful Company culture, fostering values and behaviours that reflect the organization’s highest standards.
• Represent NPDL in a positive, professional manner with key stakeholders and industry partners.
• Ensure compliance with all legislative requirements and company obligations.
• Identify and report on emerging business opportunities or risks that could impact operations.
• Take on additional responsibilities as needed to support the growth and success of NPDL.

Qualifications

What you’ll bring to the table:

• A Bachelor’s degree in business or equivalent experience that sets you up for success in this dynamic role.
• 10+ years of proven experience in the shipping industry, demonstrating your expertise and industry knowledge.
• 10+ years in leadership roles, showcasing your ability to inspire and guide teams to achieve exceptional results.
• Strong background in risk management, compliance, and operations, ensuring a robust and secure approach to logistics.
• Experience leading teams across multiple regions, with a global mindset and a deep understanding of working across diverse cultures, especially in the Pacific Islands.
• Exceptional leadership skills, with the ability to directly manage teams while positively influencing others across the organization.
• A high level of integrity and work ethic, serving as a role model for safety and driving a strong safety culture throughout operations.
• Sharp problem-solving and analytical skills, with the agility to prioritize and excel in a fast-paced, competitive environment.
• Outstanding communication skills, ensuring clear, impactful messaging across all levels of the organization and different geographical locations.
• A results-driven mindset, ready to tackle challenges head-on and thrive under pressure.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint, with Power BI expertise essential to data-driven decision-making.

This is a full-time permanent role based in Parnell, requiring travel to the Pacific islands. As you have worked in shipping in the past, you will know a level of flexibility is required at times to work extended hours including weekends, public holidays, etc. In return we offer a challenging and stimulating environment. You will have the right to live and work in New Zealand at the time of applying. The successful candidate may be subject to undergo a Police Check and/or Pre-Employment Drug Test.

Additional Information

Our NPDL contribution:

• Competitive benefits package (salary plus bonus)
• Hybrid working model
• Opportunity for development and internal mobility
• Wonderful Giving – allows you to donate company money to causes of your choice
• Wonderful Neighbour – spend a day in the community helping with various service projects
• Company focused on wellness and health

This is your chance to make a real impact, drive innovation, and lead global teams toward operational excellence in one of the world’s most dynamic industries!

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