Freight Planning & Communications Lead

About the role:

As the Planning & Communications Lead you’ll lead the forward planning and day to day coordination of primary and secondary freight movements, making sure deliveries are efficient, cost effective and aligned with the needs of our growing network. From preparing for peak trading period to optimising vehicle and trailer use, you’ll be the person making sure the freight gets to the right place at the right time.

Alongside operational planning, you’ll lead and support a small team, providing direction, coaching and structure to ensure consistent performance. You’ll also be a central point of communication, working closely with stores, internal teams, carriers and owner drivers to manage split orders, overflows, delays and everything in between.

About you:

You’ll be a natural planner who can see both the detail and the bigger picture, You’re just as comfortable mapping out peak season freight scenarios as you are solving a delivery issue that pops up mid-morning. Ideally, you’ll also bring:

• Proven experience in transport, logistics or supply chain operations
• Strong systems and technology confidence with the ability to pick up and optimise transport platforms
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal with the know how to keep people informed, calm and aligned.
• A highly organised approach, with great attention to detail and the ability to juggle multiple moving parts.
• Sound problem solving skills and the confidence to make decisions in a live operational environment

Don't Meet Every Requirement?

We encourage you to apply anyway. We are looking for individuals with diverse experiences and are keen to hear from those who believe they have the drive and potential to succeed in this role.

How to apply:

Ready to take on the challenge? Click “apply” now! Applications will close 17 February 2026 and will only be accepted via our careers site.

If you have any questions about the role, or experience any issues submitting your application, please email careers@foodstuffs-si.co.nz

Join us in feeding the South Island.

Why join us?

• Our approach to flexible working is based on trusting and empowering our people to manage their time and deliver results while balancing the needs of their personal lives.
• We’re committed to equitable outcomes, and we offer additional paid parental leave, free period products and financial health checks to name a few.
• We support your wellbeing with Southern Cross health insurance for you and your family after a qualifying period, discounts at local gyms, access to online wellbeing tools, and a prayer and privacy room onsite.
• We offer continuous learning and professional growth, as well as access to our extensive online training library and endless opportunities.
• We’re proud of our supportive team environment, and our positive and friendly culture that’s made fun by Furry Friend Fridays and monthly social events!
• We’re a Pride Pledge organisation, and we are committed to an inclusive workplace where everyone thrives, every day and we celebrate our diversity as strength.
• Our Papanui based office has free carparking, an in-house café.

About us:

We’re a team of 14,000 who make sure South Islanders have access to the groceries and essentials they need. Proudly 100% Kiwi-owned and operated, our co-operative has more than 180 PAK’nSAVE, New World, Four Square and On the Spot stores feeding the South Island.

We value being at the heart of our communities, like we’ve always been, to make the South Island a better place – for today and for many generations to come. From sunny Golden Bay all the way to Stewart Island, there’s a Foodstuffs store serving you and your whānau.

Our success is down to our people who bring their skills, experience, passion, and expertise to make Foodies an amazing and rewarding place to work. Our co-op has a wide variety of roles to offer, and endless opportunities for development.

Our values:

At Foodies, together we drive success to be our best and care for our whānau. We recognise that it takes a collective effort to achieve success, and we thrive on fostering a culture of collaboration to drive innovation and embracing challenges as a united team. We are committed to supporting our people, and to positively impact the lives of South Islanders every day.