Leading Hand - Scrap Recycling Yard

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 Dunedin Team 

We are looking for an experienced operator to lead our fast-paced team in Dunedin. 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 a team of 4 staff members 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 and Class 2 license 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.

• Knowledge and understanding of scrap metal processing techniques and equipment.

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

13 Feb 2026, 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: 12 weeks paid parental leave at base pay for the nominated Primary Carer; or 6 weeks paid parental leave at base pay for the nominated Non-Primary Carer/ Partner.
• Southern Cross: Access exclusive health insurance discounts for you and your loved ones.
• We help you to save for your retirement by matching employee KiwiSaver contributions of 3%

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.