National Transport Manager| Auckland

About Us

George Weston Foods (NZ) Limited “GWF” is a quality and customer-focused FMCG that makes some of Australasia’s favourite food. GWF is one of Australia and New Zealand’s largest food manufacturers employing around 6,000 people across 60 sites. Our product range includes leading brands of breads, baked goods, smallgoods, flour, milled products and animal feed.
We are renowned in New Zealand for our iconic bread brands including Tip Top Bakery, Ploughmans, Burgen, Golden and Big Ben Pies.

About the Role

This is your opportunity to shape the future of transport for one of New Zealand’s leading FMCG businesses. In this newly created role, you’ll help set the strategic direction for our national transport network, driving efficiency, innovation, and best practice across a complex, high-performing operation.

Reporting to the National Supply Chain Manager, you will drive strategies that ensure our national transport network operates safely, efficiently, and sustainably 363 days a year. This is not just about managing day-to-day operations—it’s about setting the vision for the future, driving innovation, and embedding best-in-class practices across health, safety, food quality, and compliance.

You and your team will oversee a network of approximately 60 third-party contractors across 17 depots nationwide, including linehaul providers and distribution partners. Your ability to think strategically, build strong partnerships, and lead change will be critical to success.

Key Accountabilities

• Shape and execute the transport strategy, aligning with business goals and long-term growth plans.
• Lead and champion Health, Safety, Environment (HSE) and Chain of Responsibility across the national transport network and wider business.
• Manage contractor performance for linehaul providers, distribution partners, and depot facilities, ensuring compliance with safety, food quality, and regulatory standards.
• Oversee transport budgets and manage costs effectively, supporting profitability and operational efficiency.
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation, leading optimisation projects and strategic initiatives to enhance safety, service, and cost performance.
• Set future fleet strategy, including sustainability initiatives and adoption of new technologies to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
• Build and lead a high-performing team of two direct and two indirect reports, fostering engagement, accountability, and professional growth.

About You

You will live and breathe our values (SAFE, COURAGEOUS, TRUSTING, COLLABORATIVE) and thrive in a high-performing, fast-paced environment.

To succeed, you will bring:

• Strong understanding of the New Zealand transport sector, including regulatory requirements, best practices, and market dynamics.
• Proven expertise in contractor management, with the ability to influence and maintain strong relationships across a large network of third-party providers.
• A strategic mindset with experience in shaping operational direction and delivering long-term efficiencies.
• A leadership approach and values that prioritise safety and food quality every day, with the proven ability to engage teams and ensure these principles are embedded across the transport network.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• A continuous improvement mindset, with the ability to manage change, be adept at adopting new technologies, and help others be comfortable with change.  

Formal qualifications in Supply Chain or related fields desirable.

What We Offer

• A rare opportunity to shape a newly created role and influence the future of our transport network.
• Values-driven culture
• Short-term incentive
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Caring Everyday community programme – paid volunteer days
• Flexible working and parental leave support
• Free bread and bakery products

Apply Now
To apply, click the ‘apply now’ button or contact recruitmentnz@gwf.com.au for a confidential discussion. We may close the job earlier than the closing date if we find the right candidate, so apply now!!

During the recruitment process, you may be required to complete pre-employment screening including medical, drug and alcohol testing, and a criminal record check.

At Tip Top we strive to create a place where everyone belongs, everyone is valued, and everyone has equal opportunity.
We encourage applications from people of all ages, nationalities, abilities, and cultures, LGBTQI+ community and people living with disability.
Let us know your accessibility needs via recruitmentnz@gwf.com.au.