Team Leader - Cairns

Sims Limited (Sims) is a global leader in metal and electronics recycling, and an emerging leader in the renewable energy industry. With facilities across the globe, Sims plays an intrinsic role in the circular economy by making resources available for future use. As a responsible corporate citizen, we continuously seek new ways to broaden our participation in the environmental sector, ensuring that our future is as bright, safe, and secure as at any time in our long history.

With a promote-from-within philosophy and a variety of programmes available to support continuous learning, Sims offers the opportunity for a rewarding career. We are committed to the ecologically sound and sustainable use of resources and strive to operate in a manner that minimises waste and protects the environment.

Team Leader | Join Our Cairns Team

We are looking for an experienced operator to lead our fast-paced team in Cairns. If you are ready to step into a frontline leadership role, manage key yard operations, and drive safety and efficiency, this is your opportunity.

This role reports directly to the Yard Manager, responsible for the full lifecycle of scrap metal processing, including sorting, grading, purchasing, and heavy equipment operation.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Provide excellent service when dealing with customers, including accurate grading and sorting of materials.
• Lead and oversee all day-to-day yard operations in the Yard Manager’s absence, ensuring quality, consistency, and compliance.
• Drive a high level of employee engagement and positive cultural change.
• Safely load/unload materials and operate various machinery, including forklift, excavator, and material handler etc. (if licensed)
• Champion a safe working environment, maintaining a tidy site in compliance with all OH&S policies and environmental guidelines.

To be successful in this opportunity, you will have:

• A valid Forklift license and demonstrated significant operational experience. Excavator, material handler, and other shear operation experience is highly desirable.
• Proven leadership skills coupled with a strong, self-motivated, and flexible approach.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build effective working relationships quickly.
• Effective planning, scheduling, and time management skills.
• A can-do attitude and openness to undertaking new training to expand your skillset.

In return, we offer:

• A competitive salary and overtime
• On-the-job training, with certified tickets and opportunities for career progression
• Opportunity to further develop your leadership skills with a pathway to managerial positions

Interested?

Click "Apply" and upload your cover letter and resume. We look forward to hearing from you!

Applications Close

18 Dec 2025, 11:00pm AEST

Perks at Work:

• Join an environmentally conscious company recognised as the most sustainable corporation in 2024 on Corporate Knights' Global 100 index. We are dedicated to ecologically sound practices, minimising waste, and protecting the environment.

• Parental Leave: Sims is pleased to offer a paid parental leave policy, providing 12 weeks of paid leave for primary carer and 6 weeks for non-primary carer. This benefit is available to parents involved in the birth or adoption of a child, affirming our commitment to supporting employees through major life changes.
• Novated Lease: Enjoy tax-effective vehicle leasing, providing both convenience and savings.
• BUPA Discounts: Access exclusive health insurance discounts for you and your loved ones.
• Prioritise your mental and emotional well-being with confidential counselling and support services through our tailored EAP program.
• Access exclusive superannuation sessions tailored to enhance your understanding and management of superannuation benefits, providing valuable insights and support for your financial well-being.

A career with Sims provides you with the opportunity to work with an organisation whose goal is to be the world’s safest and most responsible recycling company. Our people achieve this by creating a zero-harm workplace, being exemplary members of the communities in which we operate, and being responsible stewards of the environment. We also offer competitive pay and a range of attractive benefits.

At sims together we are a diverse group of employees who are supported by our equal opportunity policy. To achieve our purpose to create a world without waste to preserve our planet, we are guided by our Pillars of Purpose: Be Safe + Well, Band Together, Be Accountable + Transparent, Consistently Innovate, Inspire with Purpose, Celebrate + Have Fun.