Road Transport Operations Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time
Start Date: By negotiation
About Us:Applied Traction is part of the Applied Group, a growing South Island-based business delivering rural, bulk, container, and freight transport solutions across Otago and beyond. With a modern fleet and strong growth pipeline, we’re now looking for a capable Operations Manager to lead the day-to-day coordination of our transport operations.
The Role:You’ll be responsible for ensuring our drivers, gear, and jobs run smoothly and safely each day. This is a hands-on leadership role ideal for someone with industry experience, local knowledge, and the ability to problem-solve under pressure. You’ll coordinate driver schedules, manage fleet movements, respond to issues in real time, and ensure our customers are well looked after.
Key Responsibilities:- Daily dispatch and fleet scheduling
- Managing driver performance, communication, and rostering
- Liaising with clients on job bookings, timing, and delivery requirements
- Troubleshooting delays, breakdowns, and route issues
- Ensuring health & safety compliance across all jobs
- Coordinating basic maintenance and servicing with mechanics
- Supporting reporting, cost control, and operational efficiency
- Building strong relationships with team members, clients, and service providers
What You’ll Need:
Essential:- NZ Class 2 licence or higher (Class 4 or 5 ideal)
- Experience in road transport, dispatch, or logistics operations
- Strong local knowledge of Dunedin, Otago, and the South Island
- Proven problem-solving skills in fast-paced environments
- Great communication and people management ability
- Sound knowledge of NZTA compliance and transport safety rules
- High level of reliability, initiative, and accountability
- Forklift or WTR endorsements
- Basic mechanical knowledge
- Previous leadership or supervisory experience
- Proficiency with computer applications
- Competitive salary
- Autonomy and variety in your day
- A supportive and practical leadership team
- A business that values common sense, integrity, and outcomes
- Opportunity to grow as the business expands across the South Island
Send your CV and a short cover letter to shane@appliedlogistics.co or apply online. All applications will be treated in confidence. Interviews will be held as applications are received.