Burdekin Region
About Us
Wilmar Sugar Australia is part of Wilmar International, a leading global agribusiness with around 100,000 employees working across more than 30 countries and regions.
Across Australia and New Zealand, we operate two major business units, Sugar & Renewables and Sweeteners, employing 2,400+ people during peak/ seasonal operations with corporate offices in Melbourne, Brisbane, Townsville, and Auckland.
As Australia’s largest raw sugar manufacturer and a top 10 global producer, Wilmar Sugar & Renewables runs eight sugar mills across North Queensland. We are also one of the nation’s largest generators of renewable electricity from biomass, a major producer of bioethanol, the largest sugarcane grower, and a key supplier of sustainable fertiliser and stockfeed.
About the Role
As our Transport Operations Manager, you'll lead one of Australia's most unique regional logistics operations, overseeing the safe, reliable and efficient movement of approximately 8 million tonnes of cane each season while leading a large operational workforce across transport, logistics and rail operations across the Burdekin region.
This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll influence operational performance, drive continuous improvement, manage significant budgets and build strong relationships across our business, industry partners and grower network.
You'll be joining an experienced team that knows the railway like the back of their hand, and a hiring manager who's always happy to hear a good idea, provided it comes with a practical solution (and preferably before the locomotive leaves the station).
Role Responsibilities
- Lead and develop a high-performing transport and logistics team across rail operations, traffic management and locomotive crews.
- Deliver safe, reliable and efficient transport operations while meeting production, service level and budget objectives.
- Manage regional logistics planning, operational performance, maintenance strategies and capital improvement programs.
- Build strong relationships with growers, harvesting groups, contractors, local council, third party network operators, and key industry stakeholders.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives that improve safety, reliability, productivity and operational efficiency.
- Lead budgeting, cost control, workforce planning and resource allocation across seasonal and maintenance operations.
- Ensure compliance with all WHS legislation, rail safety requirements, environmental standards and company governance.
About You
You are an experienced operations leader who enjoys balancing people leadership with operational excellence. You thrive in complex logistics environments, make sound decisions under pressure and know how to build strong relationships with both frontline teams and external stakeholders.
Essential Skills
- Demonstrated experience leading transport, logistics or rail operations within heavy industry, manufacturing, agriculture or mining.
- Proven leadership experience managing large operational teams and developing high-performing work cultures.
- Strong understanding of Workplace Health & Safety legislation and operational risk management.
- Experience managing operational budgets, planning resources and delivering continuous improvement initiatives.
- Current Queensland (or equivalent) Class C Driver Licence.
Desirable
- Experience within cane rail, rail freight, bulk logistics or agricultural transport operations.
- Tertiary qualifications in Supply Chain, Logistics, Agriculture, Engineering, Business or a related discipline.
- Leadership qualifications such as Certificate IV in Leadership & Management (or higher).
- Experience using SAP and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Knowledge of maintenance planning, capital projects and asset management principles.
Recruitment Process
Applications are assessed independently and on their individual merits against the requirements of the advertised role. As part of our recruitment process, shortlisted candidates may be required to –
- Complete interviews, assessments, reference checks and verification of qualifications, licences and work rights.
- Successful candidates will be required to satisfactorily complete any role-specific pre-employment checks, which may include a pre-employment medical assessment (including drug and alcohol screening).
- A National Police Check and other compliance requirements.
Due to the volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you have not heard from us within four weeks of the job ads expiry, please consider your application unsuccessful.
We encourage you to apply for future opportunities with Wilmar that align with your skills and experience.
Wilmar Sugar & Renewables is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
