National Distribution Manager

About Ecolab

Ecolab is focused on helping create a cleaner, safer, and healthier world through water, hygiene, and energy solutions. As a global organisation, it supports the protection of essential resources used every day.

The company values a wide range of perspectives and aims to provide an inclusive workplace where people can contribute, develop, and make a real difference.

About the Role

This position calls for an accomplished distribution leader with strong practical knowledge of New Zealand’s distribution environment. You will oversee nationwide distribution activity and ensure operations are safe, efficient, and consistently high performing.

The role combines strategic operational ownership with a strong emphasis on leading people well and driving operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and improve Ecolab’s end-to-end distribution network across New Zealand, with awareness of local logistics constraints and opportunities.
• Provide practical leadership across warehousing, transport, and third-party logistics relationships.
• Recruit, coach, and develop effective teams while fostering accountability, safety, and ongoing improvement.
• Balance team leadership with operational delivery so that employee engagement and performance targets are both achieved.
• Work closely with freight partners and internal teams to deliver dependable, efficient, customer-oriented distribution outcomes.
• Use data and operational insights to strengthen network performance, reduce costs, and improve service levels.
• Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and Dangerous Goods obligations.

What You’ll Bring

• Solid leadership background in distribution or logistics, preferably across national or multi-site operations.
• Strong practical knowledge of New Zealand’s distribution landscape, including transport routes, regional issues, and third-party logistics.
• Proven ability to lead people effectively while still delivering operational results.
• Experience balancing business priorities with team engagement and capability development.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills across cross-functional groups.
• Analytical capability to spot improvement opportunities and turn them into action.
• Exposure to continuous improvement approaches such as Lean, TPM, or similar methods is an advantage.
• Experience with Dangerous Goods compliance is also an advantage.

Why Join Ecolab

Ecolab supports career growth and encourages people to build new skills and take on fresh opportunities.

The workplace culture is built around three core principles: People First, One Team, and Own the Outcome.

The company is committed to an environment where diversity is valued, people are heard, and careers can grow.

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to complete pre-employment screening.

Inclusion and Equal Opportunity

Ecolab is committed to fair treatment of all employees and applicants. Hiring, promotion, transfer, advancement, compensation, benefits, and working conditions are based on qualifications and performance. The company does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, national origin, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, age, or disability.