Aaron French
Palmerston North,MWT
Summary
Accomplished and versatile Senior Manager with a proven track record at the New Zealand Defence Force, excelling in logistics operations management and team leadership. Leading on procurement projects and improving commercial relationships, demonstrating critical thinking and excellent communication. Achieved significant enhancements in team cohesion and operational efficiency, showcasing a results-driven approach and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Contracts and Relationship Manager
New Zealand Defence Force
01.2022 - Current
- Leadership of a cohesive and passionate contracts team.
- Championing sustainable, strong, and professional commercial relationships.
- Delivery of end-to-end procurement projects within government procurement rules and organizational policy.
- Contract and relationship management, governance, and commercial negotiation.
- Leading on continuous improvement opportunities.
Logistic Manager
New Zealand Army
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Managed 19 staff members across five worksites.
- Coordinated relationships between internal stakeholders, external contractors, and suppliers.
- Oversaw operational logistic support, including warehousing, inventory, and asset management.
- Supervision of new capabilities and equipment being introduced.
- Financial approval and budgeting.
Logistics Technical Advisor to Timor-Leste
New Zealand Defence Force
11.2018 - 12.2021
- Relationship management between NZDF, NZ Police, MFAT, and other national stakeholders.
- Administered program contracts, finances, and supporting logistics.
- Advised on logistics operations and equipment capability projects at an organizational level.
Assistant General Manager of Operations
New Zealand Army
Palmerston North
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Delivery of logistic services, including warehousing, workshop, catering, and end-of-life equipment disposal.
- Strategic and operational management.
- Led on professional development opportunities for staff, and future planning for organizational capability projects.
- Senior leadership to 160 staff.
- Development of operating procedures and policy.
Warehousing Operations Manager
New Zealand Army
Palmerston North
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Inventory management, including Material Requirements Planning (MRP),
- Conducted inventory reporting.
- Coordinated workflow design and layout efficiencies.
- Built strong operational teams to meet process and production demands.
- Supervised day-to-day workflow of 40 employees in order to maximize productivity and maintain quality standards.
Parts Manager
New Zealand Army
Palmerston North
01.2010 - 01.2014
- Trained new staff members on proper processes, techniques.
- Generated weekly reports detailing product demand patterns.
- Organized and monitored inventory levels.
- Managed customer inquiries and complaints.
- Delegated work to 6 staff members, setting priorities and goals.
Education
CIPS Diploma in Procurement and Supply - MCIPS
Chartered Institute of Procurement an Supply
true05.2025
Bachelor of Applied Management (with Distinction) - Business Transformation and Change
Otago Polytechnic
Auckland, NZ01-2017
Graduate Diploma in Business Studies - Management
Massey University
Palmerston North, NZ01-2014
National Certificate - Distribution (Level 4)
National Certificate - First Line Management (Level 4)
National Certificate - Adult Education and Training (Level 4)
National Certificate - Automotive parts and Accessories Merchandising
Skills
- Excellent communication
- Critical thinking
- Team leadership
- Relationship building
- Operations management
- Time management
Certification
- Computer Applications - SAP (MRP, IM & PI), Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, MS Teams and Adobe
- Kaizen Introduction Course.
- Lean Six Sigma – White belt and Green Belt.
- Workplace Anti-Harassment Advisor (AHA).
- Current First Aid Certificate.
- NZDF Leadership Development Framework Levels – Lead Teams, Lead Leaders and Lead Systems.
- NZDF formal developmental courses in – Budgeting, Planning, Project and Process Management.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Senior Contracts and Relationship Manager
New Zealand Defence Force
01.2022 - Current
Logistic Manager
New Zealand Army
01.2021 - 01.2022
Logistics Technical Advisor to Timor-Leste
New Zealand Defence Force
11.2018 - 12.2021
Assistant General Manager of Operations
New Zealand Army
01.2016 - 01.2018
Warehousing Operations Manager
New Zealand Army
01.2014 - 01.2016
Parts Manager
New Zealand Army
01.2010 - 01.2014
CIPS Diploma in Procurement and Supply - MCIPS
Chartered Institute of Procurement an Supply
Bachelor of Applied Management (with Distinction) - Business Transformation and Change
Otago Polytechnic
Graduate Diploma in Business Studies - Management
Massey University