GM People & Sustainability

SLT role. You'll work across operations and leadership, shape workforce strategy, and drive meaningful change.

About ContainerCo
ContainerCo is one of New Zealand’s leading container depot and logistics businesses, playing a vital role in supporting the country’s supply chain infrastructure. With a nationwide footprint, a strong market presence, and a commitment to sustainability and innovation, ContainerCo is a privately held company that values its people, partners, and communities.

The Opportunity
ContainerCo is seeking a strategically minded, and people-centric, General Manager – People & Sustainability to join its high-performing Senior Leadership Team.

This role presents a unique opportunity to influence the full scope of the business. Embedding people strategies that support a diverse, largely blue-collar workforce, and integrating sustainability initiatives that reflect ContainerCo’s long-term commitment to environmental responsibility.
You will be a natural relationship builder who can connect just as comfortably with depot managers and factory teams as with the executive and board. This position requires someone who can elevate the people function from tactical to strategic, while keeping care, empathy, and commercial alignment at the core.

Key Responsibilities & Focus Areas

• Leading the evolution of the people function across the organisation, delivering strategic initiatives and workforce planning tools.
• Enhancing leadership capability and building a future-ready talent pipeline across diverse operational environments.
• Supporting sustainability efforts—such as EV fleet adoption, solar and water recycling initiatives, and Toitū or similar certifications.
• Partnering with business units to drive alignment between people and sustainability goals and the wider business strategy.  

What We Are Looking For

• Experience delivering strategic people leadership in SMEs, especially those undergoing growth or transformation.
• A background in operational or industrial sectors (e.g. logistics, manufacturing) and familiarity with the needs of a blue-collar workforce, including seasonal and shift-based employees.
• A proven ability to operate vertically—from detailed operational matters to high-level strategy.
• Experience with sustainability frameworks is advantageous, but not essential.

   Why Consider This Role?

• ContainerCo offers the opportunity to shape the future of a well-established, growing business.
• The role provides autonomy and space to make meaningful change—without the constraints of red tape.
• As part of the SLT, the GM will have visibility and influence across the entire organisation.

We recognise that neurodiversity is critical to a healthy, successful workplace. Our role is to uncover and advocate strengths via a psychologically safe recruitment experience. So, if a typical recruitment process doesn’t bring out your best, let us know. We want you to shine, not shy away.  
  
Next steps 
 
Apply here with a CV in MS Word. You’ll need to hold NZ citizenship, residency, or have already secured a valid visa. Want to discuss your suitability further? Find me via our website.
  
We understand some job seekers choose not to apply if a role isn’t a 100% match. We’d encourage you to apply anyway or send us your details. If this isn’t right something else might be. 

A bit about Craig, who's recruiting this role
  
In an industry that’s famous for talking, Craig likes to listen. Listen to what is important to you so he can help you to achieve your career goals.  Outside of work you’ll find him spending time with his wife and two boys, riding his bike and watching grown men in red shirts chasing a round ball about on TV!

#SCR-craig-malcom