At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead dynamic aviation operations at Heathrow, ensuring safety and operational excellence.
- Company: Join DHL Supply Chain, a global leader in supply chain management.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension scheme, and lifestyle discounts.
- Other info: Empower teams and drive continuous improvement in a diverse workforce.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while developing future leaders.
- Qualifications: Significant aviation operations experience and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Grade: RCS H
Contract Type: Permanent (Full‑Time)
Location: Heathrow – TW6 2GA
Overview
PLEASE NOTE: The role is based within an airport. You will be required to undergo a security/background check if you are to be successful for this position. As General Manager at Heathrow, you will lead one of DHL Supply Chain's most complex and high‑profile aviation operations. You will be responsible for directing day‑to‑day site performance, ensuring safety, compliance and operational excellence across a large and diverse workforce. This role requires strong leadership, decisive operational judgement and the ability to navigate a highly regulated, unionised environment while driving continuous improvement and long‑term, sustainable performance. It is a flagship leadership opportunity within DHL Supply Chain, offering both challenge and significant influence. At DHL Supply Chain, you'll join a business where people, safety and operational excellence sit at the heart of everything we do. Working at Heathrow means leading teams in one of our most dynamic and fast‑moving operational settings, with opportunities to innovate, improve processes and create a positive working culture. We value collaboration, continuous improvement and leadership that brings people together. You'll be empowered to make a real impact across a major aviation operation and to develop the teams and future leaders around you.
Typical Day
- Leading a large aviation workforce in a highly unionised, fast‑moving airside environment, ensuring safe, secure and compliant operations in line with CAA and HAL requirements.
- Managing the end‑to‑end operation with full accountability for safety, punctuality, SLA delivery and operational resilience.
- Coordinating daily operations with key airport authorities and internal stakeholders to maintain high performance standards and resolve operational challenges.
- Driving continuous improvement, innovation and change initiatives to enhance service quality, efficiency and colleague engagement.
- Monitoring and managing performance metrics, operational risks, resource levels and compliance across a complex, 24/7 operation.
- Providing visible leadership across large and diverse teams, ensuring strong communication, coaching, talent development and a positive working environment.
Qualifications
- Bring significant aviation operations experience, and excel in highly complex, high‑pressure airport environments where safety, performance and compliance are non‑negotiables.
- Have a proven track record leading large operational teams within a unionised environment, building constructive relationships, fostering trust and delivering results through people.
- Are decisive and calm under pressure, able to analyse situations quickly and make confident operational decisions in fast‑moving, time‑critical scenarios.
- Are passionate about continuous improvement, with the ability to identify opportunities, challenge established ways of working and drive more efficient, consistent and future‑ready operations.
- Communicate with authority and credibility, effectively influencing at all levels and engaging a wide range of internal stakeholders in a highly regulated aviation setting.
- Lead with resilience, empathy and clarity, creating stability and direction during periods of change, operational disruption or heightened demand.
Security Process
To obtain a full airside ID, you must:
- Be able to provide five years' address history.
- Be able to provide five years' reference history (employment/education/benefit claim/character).
- Pass a pre‑employment Drug and Alcohol test.
Benefits
- Access to the company car scheme, or car allowance.
- Join our generous pension scheme and benefit from an 8% employer contribution, alongside a 4% employee contribution.
- Free confidential 24/7 GP consultations.
- Hundreds of retail and lifestyle discounts.
- Affordable loans, savings schemes and free mortgage advice.
About DHL Supply Chain
We are the global leaders in supply chain management with 188,000 people in over 50 countries. Our expert teams deliver for customers across a range of industries including retail, automotive, healthcare and more. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone's skills and experiences matter and where you can be your true self every day. As proud supporters of the Armed Forces Covenant, we value the skills and experience of ex‑service personnel and are dedicated to helping our veterans find jobs.
Aviation Operations General Manager – Heathrow in Hatton employer: Aviation & Travel
DHL Supply Chain is an exceptional employer, particularly for the Aviation Operations General Manager role at Heathrow, where you will lead a dynamic and diverse workforce in a fast-paced airport environment. With a strong emphasis on safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement, you'll have the opportunity to make a significant impact while enjoying a supportive work culture that values collaboration and employee development. The generous benefits package, including a robust pension scheme and access to various lifestyle discounts, further enhances the appeal of working with us at one of the world's busiest airports.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Aviation Operations General Manager – Heathrow in Hatton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at DHL Supply Chain, especially those in aviation operations. They can give you insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of aviation regulations and compliance. Show us that you’re not just a leader but also someone who understands the nitty-gritty of the industry.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your leadership style during the interview. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams in high-pressure environments. We want to see your ability to inspire and drive results!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the team at Heathrow.
We think you need these skills to ace Aviation Operations General Manager – Heathrow in Hatton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Aviation Operations General Manager role. Highlight your experience in aviation operations, leadership skills, and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to manage complex environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Use it to express your passion for aviation operations and how your background aligns with our values of safety, compliance, and operational excellence.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:In your application, emphasise your leadership style and how you've successfully led large teams in high-pressure situations. We want to see examples of how you've fostered collaboration and continuous improvement in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Heathrow. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aviation & Travel
✨Know Your Aviation Operations
Make sure you brush up on your aviation operations knowledge, especially in a high-pressure environment like Heathrow. Understand the key regulations and compliance requirements, as well as the specific challenges faced in a unionised setting.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed large teams in the past. Be ready to share examples of how you've fostered trust and collaboration among diverse groups, especially in challenging situations.
✨Demonstrate Continuous Improvement Mindset
Think about instances where you've driven change or improved processes in your previous roles. Highlight your passion for continuous improvement and be prepared to discuss how you can bring that mindset to DHL Supply Chain.
✨Communicate with Confidence
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You’ll need to influence various stakeholders, so being able to communicate effectively at all levels is crucial. Prepare some key points about your vision for operational excellence and team development.
