Optimisation Manager

Number Of Positions Available:

1

About Us

The Salvation Army is a Christian movement and one of Australia's largest and most-loved charities.  We believe in doing good that transforms lives and futures for the better.  It is this belief which drives us to find new ways and places where we can make a difference. From times of personal crisis to moments of national grief, we are always here — providing support, safety, community, and opportunity.  

About The Role:

We’re seeking a National Optimisation Manager for a Max Term (2 years) -Full Time role, who thrives on solving complex technical challenges while working collaboratively with Salvos Stores. You’ll play a key role in driving efficiency, sharing knowledge, and keeping skills sharp through ongoing learning in emerging performance measures. Location Victorian Distribution Centre, Noble Park, VIC.  

Purpose Of The Role:

The National Optimisation Manager leads the strategic enhancement of Salvos Stores’ home collection services. The role focuses on analysing and improving fleet operations, processes and schedules to maximise vehicle utilisation and service efficiency across the national network. It also delivers data-driven insights and recommendations to support operational excellence, financial sustainability and future growth. 

Key Roles And Responsibilities:

• Strategic Fleet Management: Develop and implement national strategies to optimise the utilisation of 100+ fleet vehicles, enhancing operational efficiency and alignment with organisational goals. 
• Team Leadership: Lead, coach, and mentor a team of 4 direct reports to strengthen performance, professional growth, and team effectiveness. 
• Process Improvement: Collaborate with stakeholders to identify inefficiencies, recommend solutions, and drive continuous improvement across the logistics function. 
• Standards & Compliance: Establish and maintain procedures for scheduling, corporate donations, and vehicle utilisation, ensuring compliance with organisational policies and industry regulations. 
• Data Analysis & Reporting: Conduct regular audits and data quality assessments; analyse logistics data to inform decisions, reduce costs, and improve service delivery. 
• System Training & Support: Train and support transport management system users to ensure proper use, data integrity, and adherence to standards. 
• Documentation Management: Maintain comprehensive documentation of transport processes, policies, and standards. 
• Operational Support: Participate in urgent recoveries and system updates as required to maintain operational continuity. 

About You/ Skills Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, or equivalent work experience. 
• 1–2 years’ experience managing teams in a data-driven environment, preferably within supply chain, transport, or logistics. 
• Familiarity with scheduling and operations using transport management systems. 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities. 
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including retail operations, marketing, and finance. 
• Experience implementing a transport management system is highly desirable. 

Requirements Of The Role:

• A national police record check is required  
• Valid Drivers Licence  

Why Work For Us:

• NFP salary packaging ($15,900 tax free) plus meals and entertainment benefits annually. 
• Flexible working conditions and paid parental leave 
• Employee Assistance Program - Independent confidential counselling service 
• Opportunity for career development 
• An inclusive culture of dedicated, passionate and professional team members 
• Positively supporting and impacting the lives of others through your career contribution. 

About Us

Not your average retailer, Salvos Stores is made up of a team of changemakers who are passionate about raising funds to help The Salvation Army provide over one million sessions of care to disadvantaged Australians each year through an extensive network of over 360 retail stores, as well as online.

Whether you’re sorting donations, processing invoices or driving one of our iconic trucks, every team member is valued for the incredible contribution they make to Salvos Stores. Join our crew and feel rewarded for making a difference.

Salvos Stores is a mission enterprise of The Salvation Army, a Christian movement and one of Australia’s largest and most-loved charities, helping thousands of Australians every year find hope amid all kinds of personal hardship.

How To Apply

If you're excited by this unique opportunity, the above sounds like you, and you have a heart for working for an organisation that truly does transform lives, we would love to speak to you.   We are looking for compassionate people who share our mission and values.  If you have the passion and drive to commit yourself to a challenging and rewarding role; we invite you to apply via the link and submit a current CV and a cover letter which details your alignment with the essential requirements of the role.

Applications will close as soon as a suitable candidate is secured.

The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer who provides an inclusive work environment and embraces the diverse talent of its people. We value people of all cultures, languages, capacities, sexual orientations, gender identities and/or expressions. We are committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people.

The Salvation Army is a child safe organisation and is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. All child facing roles will require the successful completion of a Working with Children Check. Applicants for all roles require a mandatory Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

We value Integrity, Compassion, Respect, Diversity, and Collaboration