Are you a natural leader with a sharp eye for detail and a passion for keeping things moving? Love the buzz of a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same? This is your chance to join the Southern Fresh team and take the wheel of our dispatch operations!

Who Are We?

Southern Fresh is a New Zealand-owned, family-run business based in Tamahere, just 10 minutes from Hamilton. We’re specialists in growing, processing, and supplying top-quality salads, herbs, and baby vegetables to customers across the New Zealand and South-east Asia.

With a reputation for freshness, innovation, and reliability, we’re proud to be a trusted name in the food industry.

What You’ll Be Doing

As our Dispatch Team Leader, you’ll be the heartbeat of our dispatch area – making sure every order leaves our site on time, in full, and in perfect condition. You’ll lead a tight-knit team, plan daily loads, problem-solve on the fly, and keep our high standards on point.

This role is ideal for someone who loves the hustle, thrives under pressure, and wants to grow with a company that values people as much as produce.

Here’s what your role will involve:

• Run Daily Operations: Oversee dispatch activities to make sure everything’s on track.
• Be Hands-On: Jump in where needed—this is a lead-from-the-front role, not one stuck behind a desk.
• Ensure Accuracy: Make sure products are labelled, packed, and dispatched correctly and on time.
• Collaborate with Teams: Work closely with Sales, Production, and Freight providers to ensure everything flows smoothly.
• Plan Loads: Organise daily loads and coordinate with truck drivers.
• Lead Your Team: Coach and support the dispatch team to meet goals and maintain high standards.
• Keep Records: Manage dispatch data and freight manifests accurately.
• Solve Problems: Quickly resolve any issues and keep customers updated.
• Maintain Safety: Keep the dispatch area clean, tidy, and compliant with food safety health & safety rules.

What You’ll Bring to the Table

• Proven leadership experience (bonus if it’s in dispatch or logistics)
• Strong understanding of freight operations (advantageous)
• Familiarity with Warehouse Management Systems (advantageous)
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• A current forklift licence or the willingness to get one
• Solid problem-solving and organisation skills
• Friendly, clear communication – you’re the glue that holds it all together!
• Comfortable working in a chilled environment (our factory is set at around 3 degrees Celsius)
• Tech confidence – you’ll be using systems like Dynamics and MS Office
• A flexible, can-do attitude – ready to roll when the trucks do!

Why Join Southern Fresh?

• Job Security & Stability – Be part of an essential industry that keeps food on tables.
• Career Growth – We invest in our people with training and development opportunities.
• Competitive Pay & Benefits – Get rewarded for your skills and hard work.
• Supportive Team Environment – Work with great people who have your back.
• Bring your ideas – we love people who spot ways to do things better

Click here to apply.

Please note, only candidates with current NZ working rights will be considered.