About the Role
Southern Plants is looking for an experienced and hands-on 2IC to join our Trade Orders (Landscape) team in Dromana. In this role, you’ll work closely with the Trade Orders Supervisor to lead the daily operations of our landscape dispatch team – ensuring plant orders are picked, packed, and dispatched accurately and on time to our commercial clients, including landscapers, councils, developers, garden centres, and national retailers.
This is a great opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced production environment, enjoys leading and supporting a small team, and takes pride in getting the details right. You’ll step up to lead the team when the Supervisor is away and play a key role in keeping our dispatch operations running smoothly.
Why Join Us?
We value our people and are committed to creating a supportive and rewarding workplace. As part of our team, you will enjoy:
* GENUINE WORK-LIFE BALANCE: so you can enjoy life and everything the Mornington Peninsula has to offer
* A competitive salary based on your experience
* Supportive leadership dedicated to your success
* Our Team Culture and Values: Honesty, Trust, Respect, Empathy, Integrity and Commitment
* Extra paid leave, including your Birthday and Christmas Party Days
* Regular company lunches and morning teas. Years of Service Recognition Program
* Health and wellbeing initiatives, including access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and free flu vaccinations
* Generous staff discounts on products
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Support
* Assist the Supervisor in directing, mentoring, and supporting the trade orders team
* Act as team leader in the absence of the Supervisor
* Allocate daily tasks, monitor team productivity, and ensure timelines are met
* Provide on-the-job coaching and training to new and existing staff
* Promote a positive, collaborative, and safety-focused workplace culture
Order Fulfilment & Dispatch
* Supervise and participate in the picking, packing, labelling, and preparation of plant orders for dispatch
* Ensure accurate order assembly and maintain plant quality standards
* Organise trolleys and stillages efficiently for deliveries and pickups
* Use digital tools (iPads, scanners, dispatch software) to track, process, and complete orders
* Support efficient and safe truck loading to ensure timely delivery
* Keep the dispatch area clean, organised, and compliant with OHS procedures
Inventory & Stock Coordination
* Communicate with production teams to ensure stock availability matches trade orders
* Assist in allocating high-demand or limited stock items appropriately
* Monitor stock levels and escalate shortages or quality issues to the Supervisor
Safety & Compliance
* Ensure all team members follow company OHS policies and safe work practices
* Assist in maintaining and updating Safe Operating Procedures (SOPs)
* Promote a safe, clean, and hazard-free work environment
* Report equipment maintenance needs and ensure assets are secured at end of day
Process & Systems Improvement
* Identify and suggest opportunities to streamline workflow and order processing
* Maintain accurate dispatch records and ensure paperwork is completed correctly
* Support broader nursery operations during peak times or as directed by management
Qualifications, Skills & Experience
Essential
* Previous experience in dispatch, logistics, or production environments
* Physically fit and able to perform repetitive manual handling tasks
* Strong organisational and time management skills
* High attention to detail and commitment to order accuracy and quality
* Confident using digital tools (e.g., iPads, scanners, dispatch/order systems)
* Demonstrated ability to lead, support, and motivate a small team
* Ability to work under pressure to meet timelines and production goals
Desirable
* Forklift licence (or willingness to obtain one)
* Experience in horticulture, nursery, or agricultural settings
* Plant knowledge
* Previous leadership or 2IC experience in a fast-paced operational environment
Work Environment
* Hands-on, site-based role in a busy dispatch and production environment
* Outdoor work in varying weather conditions
* Physical tasks including lifting, manual handling, and working with plant stock
* PPE required at all times
How to Apply
If you’re an organised, reliable, and team-focused individual who enjoys a leadership challenge in a dynamic environment, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now with your resume and a brief cover letter telling us about your experience and why you’d be a great fit for the Southern Plants team.
About Southern Plants
Southern Plants is a third-generation, family-owned nursery with over 75 years of experience, located in Dromana on Victoria’s beautiful Mornington Peninsula. We offer a supportive, hands-on workplace where people matter and teamwork is valued. Our culture is built on respect, collaboration, and a shared commitment to quality.
Work Location: In person