Distribution Team Leader

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is the country's largest employer, delivering healthcare services to communities across Aotearoa New Zealand. We are focused on providing better health, better care, every day by ensuring our people have the resources and support they need to deliver exceptional patient care. About the Role We are seeking an experienced and motivated Distribution Team Leader to lead our Distribution Services team in Whanganui. Reporting to the District Distribution Manager, you will be responsible for managing all distribution activities within the district, ensuring the right stock is in the right place, at the right time, and at the right cost. You will lead a team delivering essential supply chain services that directly support clinical and operational services across Health New Zealand. This role is pivotal in maintaining service excellence, building strong stakeholder relationships, driving operational performance, and supporting the delivery of a nationally consistent supply chain model. Key responsibilities include: Leading and managing the district distribution team to deliver high-quality supply chain services, simultaneously managing service levels and maintaining strong customer and stakeholder relationships. Ensuring compliance with national policies, procedures, and distribution standards. Supporting inventory, logistics, transport, and material handling operations across the district, at the same time monitoring performance against key performance indicators and implementing continuous improvement initiatives. Supporting business planning, operational management, reporting, and resource management activities. Contributing to special projects and initiatives that improve service delivery, efficiency, and value for customers. About the Team The Procurement, Supply Chain and Health Technology Management (PSC&HTM) team plays a critical role in enabling equitable and sustainable healthcare by ensuring staff have the products and resources they need to provide care. The Distribution team works closely with hospital services, supply chain partners, and clinical stakeholders to ensure supplies move efficiently throughout the health system. About You You are an experienced warehouse, logistics, or supply chain leader who enjoys developing people, improving processes, and delivering excellent customer service. You thrive in operational environments where collaboration, leadership, and continuous improvement are key to success. You will bring: At least 5 years' experience in a warehouse, stores, distribution, or inventory-managed environment including strong knowledge of inventory management and warehousing best practices. Proven leadership or supervisory experience managing and developing teams and experience coaching and mentoring staff to build capability and performance. Experience implementing quality controls and performance measures (KPIs). Strong understanding of health and safety requirements and a commitment to workplace safety. Excellent organisational, planning, and prioritisation skills complemented by strong communication and relationship management skills. Sound capability using Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Knowledge of hazardous substances and dangerous goods management. A relevant qualification or equivalent operational leadership experience. Working at Health New Zealand Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is committed to ensuring excellent healthcare for all New Zealanders. We embrace diversity and welcome applications from our Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities. We are committed to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and improving equitable health outcomes for Māori and all people across Aotearoa New Zealand. Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected kaimahi (staff) will be given preference and priority for this position. Job details Job Reference: Job Reference: HNZ/1937876 Location: North Island - Manawatu / Whanganui - Palmerston North Job type: Job type: Permanent Full time Expertise: Non-clinical - Supply Chain - Supply Chain #J-18808-Ljbffr