National Warehouse Manager

Makita New Zealand Ltd, a market leader in the supply of power tools, outdoor power equipment, and accessories, has an exciting opportunity for an experienced and motivated professional to join our team as National Warehouse Manager.

This is a key leadership role responsible for managing our warehouse operations across New Zealand and ensuring the highest standards of safety, efficiency, service, and team performance.

About the Role

 Based at our Auckland Head Office Warehouse, the National Warehouse Manager will lead the daily operations of our Auckland warehouse facilities while providing strategic oversight and support to our Christchurch warehouse operation.

 Reporting to senior management, you will play a critical role in leading warehouse teams, driving operational excellence, developing staff, and ensuring the efficient movement of products throughout our warehouse network.

 This position requires a hands on leader with strong people management skills, excellent operational knowledge, and the ability to build a high-performing team culture.

Key Responsibilities

Warehouse Operations

• Lead and manage the day to day operations of Makita's Auckland warehouse facilities.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and support to the Christchurch warehouse operation.
• Ensure efficient receipt, storage, handling, and dispatch of products.
• Drive operational excellence through continuous improvement initiatives and best practice warehouse processes.
• Monitor warehouse performance against key service and productivity targets.
• Oversee warehouse resources, equipment, and operational planning to support business requirements.

People Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop warehouse supervisors, team leaders, and warehouse staff.
• Foster a positive, engaged, and high performing team culture.
• Conduct performance reviews, training, workforce planning, and succession development.
• Promote accountability, teamwork, and a customer focused mindset throughout the warehouse network.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and staff development initiatives.

Systems & Team Management

• Provide leadership and support to the Inventory Manager and Inventory Team.
• Utilise warehouse reporting and operational data to drive decision making and performance improvements.
• Ensure warehouse systems are effectively used to support operational excellence and reporting requirements.
• Experience with SAP S/4HANA and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) will be highly advantageous.

Health & Safety

• Champion a strong health and safety culture across all warehouse locations.
• Ensure compliance with New Zealand health and safety legislation, company policies, and industry best practice.
• Lead safety initiatives, investigations, corrective actions, and continuous improvement activities.
• Maintain a safe and productive working environment for all team members and visitors.

Cross Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Supply Chain, Purchasing, Customer Service, Sales, and Finance teams to ensure seamless business operations.
• Build strong relationships with transport providers, freight partners, and third party logistics providers.
• Support company-wide initiatives, warehouse projects, and business improvement programmes.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will ideally possess:

• Minimum 5 years' experience in a Warehouse Manager, Operations Manager, Logistics Manager, or similar leadership role.
• Proven experience leading and developing warehouse teams in a fast paced distribution or logistics environment.
• Strong leadership, communication, and people management skills.
• Experience managing multiple teams and operations across different locations.
• A hands on approach with the ability to balance strategic thinking and daily operational requirements.
• Strong problem solving and decision making capabilities.
• Commitment to workplace health and safety.
• Current Forklift Licence.
• Experience with SAP S/4HANA and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) is an advantage.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary package.
• Opportunity to lead a nationally significant warehouse operation.
• Career development opportunities within a successful global organisation.
• Supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Modern facilities and ongoing investment in systems and processes.
• The opportunity to make a genuine impact on the future success of the business.

If you are an experienced warehouse leader looking to take the next step in your career with a respected and iconic brand, we would love to hear from you.

Applicants must have New Zealand residency or a valid New Zealand work visa.