Take ownership of pallet management across our national warehouse and transport network and step into the role of Pallet Manager with Cardinal. You will be responsible for driving inventory accuracy, managing customer and hire accounts, reducing losses and costs, and ensuring pallets are available to support operational performance across our sites. We are looking for a proactive, solutions focused professional who thrives on solving problems, driving continuous improvement, and taking ownership. With a strong eye for detail, commercial acumen, and the ability to build effective relationships across the business, you will play a key role in improving performance, controlling costs, and delivering results. This is a hands on role suited to someone who enjoys stakeholder management, creating accountability, and making a tangible impact within a fast paced, multi site operation. Based in Auckland, this role offers the opportunity to work closely with teams across our national network, with occasional travel to other Cardinal sites as required.

About us:

Cardinal is a leading partner to many of New Zealand’s well-known companies in food, beverage, grocery and personal healthcare.  We offer an end-to-end logistics solution to our customers, which offers the opportunity for our team members to develop, upskill and progress within the business.  We are revolutionizing supply chains with New Zealand’s first fully automated 3PL warehouse with AI driven robotics. 

What you'll do:

• Own and lead pallet management across our national warehouse and transport network
• Maintain accurate pallet inventory records and visibility across multiple sites
• Coordinate pallet stocktakes, cycle counts and account audits to ensure inventory accuracy
• Drive pallet recovery initiatives and reduce pallet losses, hire costs and aged balances
• Partner with operations and share services teams to implement effective pallet control processes
• Forecast pallet requirements and coordinate supply to support business demand and peak periods
• Monitor pallet quality standards and oversee repair, reuse, return and disposal activities
• Investigate discrepancies, identify root causes and implement corrective actions to improve performance
• Produce regular reporting on pallet inventory, costs, losses, recoveries and key performance metrics
• Lead, coach and develop the pallet team while building accountability across the wider operation
• Support system improvements, process optimisation and continuous improvement projects to enhance pallet visibility, control and cost efficiency

What you'll bring:

• 3+ years' experience in logistics, warehousing, transport, or supply chain including hands on pallet control and account reconciliation
• Experience managing CHEP and Loscam accounts on the online portal, stocktakes, recoveries, and disputes
• Strong leadership skills with experience coaching teams and driving improvement
• Advanced Excel skills and ability to analyse data, reconcile accounts, and produce reports
• Using WMS and TMS systems to track pallet movements, investigate variances, and maintain accurate records
• Relevant logistics, supply chain, or business qualifications are an advantage.

Why work with us?

• Join a well established company offering a competitive salary and genuine ownership of the role
• Great opportunity to lead a nationally critical function and make a meaningful impact
• Be part of a collaborative and innovative team that values continuous improvement
• We care about our team and offer great benefits - paid birthday leave, exclusive PERKS discounts, team events, and much more

If the above sounds like you, do not hesitate and apply now! We look forward to discussing this opportunity with you. Applicants for this position must have New Zealand citizenship, residency or a valid work visa.  The successful applicant must pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test, criminal history check and provide two contactable references.