Parts Leading Hand

Who We Are

Integrity. Quality. Commitment and Innovation.
These are our values and not only what we stand by but what we stand for. We believe in empowering people. We create and deliver solutions. We give back to community. We think differently and we do it better. Our innovative spirit has driven us to continually evolve and deliver solutions to our dealers and our community and made us a business that our people are proud of and proud to work for.

Waratah Forestry Services (a John Deere Company) has proudly served the global forestry industry for more than 50 years, pioneering mechanized harvesting with first-class products of distinct quality, durability, and reliability paired with unparalleled customer support. 

With John Deere, we run so life can leap forward. This powerful purpose is our promise to humankind that we will dream, design, and deliver breakthrough products that sustain our world for generations to come. The world is counting on us to feed billions of people and build vital infrastructures in villages, towns and megacities. And we live up to the legacy our founder forged in a one-room blacksmith's shop nearly two centuries ago by creating a culture that brings out the best in all of us. A culture where great ideas thrive because every voice is heard.

Title: Leading Hand Parts
Primary Location: Rotorua
Job Grade: Wage
Hiring Manager: Matt Wilson

Position Summary

The Parts Leading Hand is responsible for leading day‑to‑day parts operations to ensure the efficient, accurate, and timely supply of Waratah parts across New Zealand. This role combines hands‑on operational responsibility with team leadership, process ownership, and accountability for service delivery outcomes.

The Parts Leading Hand provides direction and support to parts staff, leads improvement initiatives, ensures compliance with company procedures, and takes ownership of operational performance, customer satisfaction, and inventory integrity.

Reports To

Parts Manager

Key Relationships

• Parts Manager
• Service Managers
• Service Technicians
• Internal Suppliers
• External Suppliers
• Waratah Administration personnel
• Waratah Forestry Services customers (New Zealand)

Leadership and Accountability Expectations

• Act as a senior operational leader within the Parts function
• Take ownership for daily workflow planning, prioritisation, and execution
• Lead by example, demonstrating Waratah values, safety leadership, and customer focus
• Drive accountability for service standards, accuracy, and responsiveness
• Lead improvement initiatives, projects, and process enhancements within the Parts operation
• Escalate risks, constraints, and improvement opportunities proactively

Experience, Knowledge, and Skills

• Proven understanding of customer service excellence and professional customer engagement
• Strong working knowledge of Waratah products and parts requirements in operational field environments
• Demonstrated ability to lead work activities, influence outcomes, and drive task completion
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal) with the ability to engage internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to work cross‑functionally with service, administration, and international supply partners
• Capable of working independently while providing operational leadership to others
• Strong computer literacy, including IFS and inventory management systems

Working Conditions and Decision‑Making Authority

• Operates with a high level of autonomy within defined company guidelines
• Responsible for operational decisions impacting parts supply, inventory flow, and customer response
• Accountable for Parts Department performance outcomes, including service delivery, accuracy, and timeliness
• Responsible for maintaining the security, integrity, and compliance of the Parts operation and facility

Responsibilities and Key Tasks

Operational Leadership and Service Delivery

• Lead parts interpretation activities to ensure accurate identification and supply of components
• Set daily priorities to ensure prompt and reliable customer supply, with priority given to breakdowns, after‑hours call‑outs, and critical operational requirements
• Ensure all parts orders are packed, labelled, dispatched, and documented accurately and on time
• Lead communication with customers regarding order status, timeframes, and issue resolution
• Take ownership of customer service outcomes and resolve escalations professionally and effectively

Inventory and Systems Management

• Maintain accurate inventory management and sales processes within IFS
• Issue purchase orders for locally procured parts in accordance with company procedures
• Lead the receipting, inspection, and verification of inward goods prior to signing and acknowledgment
• Oversee unpacking, stocking, and organisation of inventory to maintain accuracy and accessibility
• Ensure warranty parts processes are followed correctly and in a timely manner

Financial and Administrative Accountability

• Process parts transfers and invoices accurately and within agreed timeframes
• Manage customer credit block queries and resolution in conjunction with administration
• Support cost control, stock integrity, and variance reduction initiatives

Health, Safety, and Workplace Standards

• Maintain a clean, organised, and safe work environment in line with company standards
• Lead by example in health and safety compliance and risk management
• Ensure adherence to site security, stock control, and operational integrity requirements

Continuous Improvement and Project Leadership

• Identify opportunities for process improvement, efficiency gains, and service enhancement
• Lead or contribute to parts‑related improvement projects and initiatives
• Support change implementation, system improvements, and standardisation activities
• Drive consistent application of policies, procedures, and best practice standards

Other Duties

• Undertake additional duties as reasonably required to support operational objectives and business priorities

Provide operational leadership and oversight in the absence of the Operations Manager, including when the Manager is travelling or off-site.

Applications for this position will close at COB **21st April 2026**.

Note:  Appropriate work authorisations are required in this country prior to application.  

The information contained herein is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and qualifications required of individuals performing the job. The qualifications detailed in this job description are not considered the minimum requirements necessary to perform the job, but rather as guidelines.

Waratah Forestry Sevices believes in the power of diversity in the workforce and we and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Waratah. Built to Produce. Built to Last. Built to Work.