Oliver Barnfather
Christchurch
Summary
Results-driven general manager with 14 years of expertise in logistics management and operational readiness in military settings. Demonstrated ability to develop and align strategic direction while leading high-pressure, time-sensitive operations. Proven track record of enhancing organizational efficiency and capability through effective leadership.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager (Operations & Logistics)
New Zealand Army
Burnham , Christchurch
12.2025 - Current
- Command army logistics force of 80-100 logistics professionals and leaders.
- Ensure operational alignment with strategic objectives.
- Enable force generation of logistics capabilities and personnel.
- Manage organizational change while delivering operational outputs.
Special Projects Officer
Defence Logistics Command
Upper Hutt, Wellington
12.2024 - 12.2025
- Developed and implemented logistics assurance measures to improve operational readiness.
- Provided analysis and recommendations on capability requirements to support logistics operations.
- Delivered and executed strategic recommendations for logistics force design, leading to adoption at executive level.
Senior Operations & Logistics Manager
New Zealand Special Operations Forces
Papakura, Auckland
10.2021 - 12.2024
- Served as principal logistics planner for operational support in expeditionary, time-critical environments.
- Ensured operational readiness through capability development and assurance actions.
- Facilitated service delivery in complex and sensitive environments.
- Cultivated strong professional relationships across government, civilian agencies, and international partners.
Logistics Officer
New Zealand Army
Burnham , Christchurch
01.2015 - 12.2021
- Assistant Manager responsible for delivering Army training through COVID-19 Pandemic (2020).
- Deployed as an operations officer within coalition headquarters in Iraq (2019).
- Coordinated logistics operations as tactical commander within NZDF Joint-Interagency Task Force during regional exercise, enhancing mission effectiveness (2018).
- Managed supply chain and logistics support for high value and sensitive assets, ensuring timely delivery to NZ Army units (2017).
- Led initial response and managed ongoing humanitarian and disaster relief operations in Kaikoura, providing critical support to affected communities (2016).
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Aviation Management
Massey University
Palmerston North, NZ06-2026
Bachelor of Arts - Defense And Security
Massey University
Palmerston North, NZSkills
- Logistics management
- Operational management
- Regulatory compliance
- Operational efficiency
- Strategic planning
- Change implementation
- Incident management
- High-pressure environments
- Leadership
- Relationship building and stakeholder engagement
- Risk management and compliance
- Workforce planning and organizational design
Affiliations
- Volunteer Fire Fighter - FENZ
- Microlight Pilot - RAANZ
- Rescue Scuba Diver - PADI
- Sailing Instructor - RYA
Timeline
General Manager (Operations & Logistics)
New Zealand Army
12.2025 - Current
Special Projects Officer
Defence Logistics Command
12.2024 - 12.2025
Senior Operations & Logistics Manager
New Zealand Special Operations Forces
10.2021 - 12.2024
Logistics Officer
New Zealand Army
01.2015 - 12.2021
Bachelor of Arts - Aviation Management
Massey University
Bachelor of Arts - Defense And Security
Massey University