At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic aviation operation, ensuring safety and operational excellence.
- Company: Join DHL Supply Chain, a global leader in supply chain management.
- Benefits: Enjoy a company car scheme, generous pension, and 24/7 GP consultations.
- Other info: Empower teams and drive continuous improvement in a diverse workforce.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced airport environment with significant influence.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in aviation operations and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Grade & Contract 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.
General Manager in Hatton employer: Aviation & Travel
DHL Supply Chain is an exceptional employer, particularly for the General Manager role at Heathrow, where you will lead a dynamic and diverse workforce in one of the most complex aviation operations. With a strong emphasis on safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement, you'll find a collaborative work culture that empowers you to make a significant impact while enjoying comprehensive benefits such as a generous pension scheme, access to a company car scheme, and 24/7 GP consultations. This position not only offers the chance to innovate and drive change but also provides ample opportunities for personal and professional growth within a globally recognised leader in supply chain management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager in Hatton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the aviation industry, especially those who work at DHL or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you that General Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research DHL Supply Chain's operations, values, and recent news. Show them you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely cares about their mission and can lead with passion.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Think of examples where you've led teams through challenges, especially in high-pressure environments. Be ready to share how you’ve driven continuous improvement and built strong relationships in unionised settings.
✨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 you’re serious about joining the team at DHL Supply Chain and ready to make an impact from day one.
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager in Hatton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the General Manager role. Highlight your aviation operations experience and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align with our needs at DHL Supply Chain.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how you can drive continuous improvement in our operations. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:In your application, emphasise your ability to lead large teams in high-pressure environments. Share specific examples of how you've built trust and delivered results through people. We love seeing real-life stories!
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 the role. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aviation & Travel
✨Know Your Aviation Operations
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of aviation operations, especially in a high-pressure environment. Understand the key regulations and compliance requirements that govern airport operations, as this will show your potential employer that you're serious about safety and operational excellence.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed large teams in the past. Think of specific examples where you've fostered collaboration and trust within a unionised environment, as this is crucial for the General Manager role.
✨Showcase Continuous Improvement Mindset
Be ready to talk about times when you've driven change or improved processes in your previous roles. Highlight your passion for continuous improvement and how you've identified opportunities to enhance service quality and efficiency.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you've effectively communicated and influenced various stakeholders in your past positions. Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to engage with internal and external parties, especially in a regulated setting like aviation.
