Coates
Australia’s largest equipment hire provider offering end-to-end hire, engineering, industrial, and power & HVAC solutions.
1 days ago
Intermediate (4-7 years), Expert & Leadership (13+ years), Experienced (8-12 years)
Full Time
Queensland, Australia
Hybrid
Company Size
2,200 Employees
Service Specialisms
Sector Specialisms
Description
safety culture
fleet management
cost control
kpis
data analytics
customer experience
This senior operational and commercial leadership role offers genuine autonomy to shape how transport is done at Coates. You will translate national transport strategy into strong regional execution, overseeing cost management, contractor governance, industrial relations and commercial compliance while delivering outcomes that move the business forward.
- Lead and embed a Safety-First culture across all transport operations, ensuring compliance with HSE, CoR and Coates standards.
- Drive commercial and operational performance of internal fleet and external transport providers, ensuring cost control, service delivery and contract compliance.
- Develop and execute transport strategies that optimise spend, improve efficiency and support revenue quality through disciplined cost recovery.
- Oversee fleet management including maintenance, utilisation, lifecycle planning and alignment to business demand.
- Establish clear performance frameworks using KPIs and SLAs to drive accountability, transparency and continuous improvement.
- Partner with Procurement, National Transport and HR/IR teams on supplier management, contracts and workforce matters.
- Leverage systems and data to improve service levels, reduce waste and support informed decision-making.
- Ensure a consistently high customer experience through effective planning, collaboration and issue resolution.
Requirements
senior transport
fleet management
commercial acumen
contract governance
industrial relations
transport systems
At Coates, transport is critical to safety, customer experience and commercial performance. We are seeking an experienced Transport Manager based in Kingston to lead transport operations across Queensland and the Northern Territory, driving safety excellence, operational efficiency and cost discipline in line with Coates’ Strategic Plan.
- Around 5 years’ experience in senior transport, logistics or supply chain leadership roles.
- Proven experience managing external contractor networks and internal fleet operations.
- Strong commercial acumen, including budgeting, cost control, cost recovery and vendor performance management.
- Demonstrated success in contract governance, compliance management and structured performance improvement.
- Solid understanding of industrial relations, workplace legislation and employee engagement practices.
- Strong knowledge of transport systems, regulatory requirements and safety frameworks.
- Experience delivering results in a multi-site, customer-facing environment.
- Confident, influential leadership style with the ability to work across national, regional and branch teams.
Benefits
Coates provides a wide range of perks and benefits, including development and career progression pathways, employee discounts, a wellbeing program, additional leave options, novated leasing, generous paid parental leave and volunteering opportunities through the Coates Foundation.
Apply today to join a diverse and inclusive workplace where candidates from all backgrounds are welcomed. Unlock your next career opportunity with Coates.
- Development and career progression pathways.
- Access to employee discounts, benefits and wellbeing program.
- Purchased additional leave program.
- Novated leasing and salary sacrifice.
- 12 weeks paid parental leave in addition to government parental leave scheme.
- Volunteering opportunities through the Coates Foundation.
Training + Development
Interview process
Visa Sponsorship
Security clearance
Overview
1885 founded
Historical Milestone
The company was established during Victoria's gold-rush era.
A$1.1B revenue
Annual Financial Performance
The company generates over A$1.1 billion in annual revenue.
140 years operating
Longevity in Industry
The company will celebrate 140 years of operation in 2025.
2025 milestone
Upcoming Anniversary
The company is gearing up to mark 140 years of continuous operation.
- It evolved from machinery manufacturing to pioneer equipment rental in Australia.
- Expanded into engineering and equipment hire, supporting global customers.
- Operates across ~150 branches and delivers oversized fleets and specialist solutions in sectors like mining, rail, infrastructure, and power.
- Beyond rental, it offers in-house temporary works engineering, industrial shutdown management, and turnkey Power & HVAC services.
- Typical projects include major construction shutdowns, remote mining tool stores, large-scale events, and complex infrastructure builds.
- The firm invests heavily in technology—IoT-enabled portals, BIM content, drones, telemetry—and collaborates with universities to develop innovative temporary-works solutions.
Culture + Values
- Care deeply
- Be our best
- Customer‑focused
- One team
Environment + Sustainability
1,720 panels
Solar panels installed
1,720 solar panels across 20 branches, reducing Scope 2 emissions by approximately 1,500 tonnes annually.
30-50% GHG
Mid-term reduction targets
Committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2026 and 50% by 2030, relative to 2020 levels.
2040 Zero
Net-zero commitment
Aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
5 pillars
Sustainability focus
Focuses on five key areas: Our People, Our Communities, Resilience, Eco-efficiency, and Greener Choices.
- Eco-efficiency actions include waste reduction, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and water management
- Greener Choices range includes hybrid, battery electric, solar, low-pollutant engines, biodiesel blends, and energy-efficient site accommodation standards
- Governance aligned to GRI standards and TCFD disclosures
Inclusion & Diversity
25% female leadership by 2025
Representation Target
The company aims for 25% of leadership roles to be held by women by 2025.
~22% managerial women at launch
Industry Benchmark
At launch, approximately 22% of managerial roles were held by women, exceeding the industry average.
85 women through LEAP program
Leadership Development
The LEAP program empowered 85 women across four cohorts, focusing on leadership, excellence, and performance.
78 women in leadership positions
Current Representation
Currently, 78 women hold leadership positions within the organization.
- Reconciliation Action Plan: target 2.5% First Nations employee representation and 10% apprentices by 2025
- Reconciliatory target: 5% of non-capital annual spend with Indigenous suppliers by 2024
- Delivered formal cultural awareness training to over 90% of workforce
- 'See It. Be It.' initiative to showcase female role models and inspire careers in heavy industry