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- Tasks: Lead Back of House operations at Luton Airport, ensuring safe and efficient service delivery.
- Company: Join DHL, the world's leading logistics company with a focus on innovation and teamwork.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, a generous pension scheme, and 24/7 GP consultations.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while leading a large team.
- Qualifications: Proven leader in fast-paced operations; aviation experience is a plus.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to safety and operational excellence.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 £ per year.
Pay Rate: £50,000 up to £55,000 depending on experience
Grade: RCS K
Contract Type: Permanent (Full-Time)
Shift patterns: Monday to Friday (flexible for earlies and lates)
Location: Luton Airport, Luton
PLEASE NOTE: The role is based within an airport and a security/background check is required if you are successful for this position.
DHL Supply Chain is the world's leading logistics company, providing ground handling services at numerous UK airports. We are seeking a Head of Department (Back of House) to lead the Back of House operations and help ensure successful flight operations.
Responsibilities
- Provide overall leadership for Back of House (BOH) operations, including ramp, Turnaround Operations, Dock (baggage handling) and pushback, ensuring safe, efficient, and high‐performing service delivery.
- Champion a strong health and safety culture, ensuring regulatory compliance and embedding safe systems of work across all operational areas.
- Lead and develop a workforce of 200+ colleagues and operational managers, driving accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
- Attend customer meetings and represent DHL at stakeholder meetings, setting strategic direction and driving efficiencies and operational excellence.
- Drive performance through effective people management, engagement initiatives, and robust attendance and absence control.
- Partner with senior stakeholders to deliver operational change, optimise resources, and support key business objectives.
Qualifications and Experience
- Proven senior operations leader delivering high performance in complex, fast-paced environments.
- Confident, visible leader able to inspire large, multisite teams and set clear direction.
- Change-driven and improvement-focused, with a strong commitment to safety and operational excellence.
- Inclusive people leader experienced in managing managers, driving engagement, performance, and wellbeing.
- Calm, resilient decision maker in high-pressure operational settings.
- Proud brand ambassador with a strong focus on safety, teamwork, and customer service.
- Aviation experience desirable but not essential.
- Full UK manual driving licence essential.
Security and Compliance
- To obtain a full airside ID, you must provide five years' address history.
- Provide five years' reference history (employment/education/benefit claim/character).
- Pass a pre-employment Drug and Alcohol test.
Why Join Us
- Flexible working options – ask about alternative patterns at interview.
- Join our pension scheme with 8% employer contribution and 4% employee contribution.
- Free confidential 24/7 GP consultations, discounts, and financial wellbeing benefits.
- Access to retail and lifestyle discounts, loans, savings schemes, and mortgage advice.
Visit the DHL Careers site to learn more about opportunities.
We are the global leaders in supply chain management with 188,000 people in over 50 countries, delivering for customers across industries including retail, automotive, healthcare, and more. DHL is committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone's skills and experiences matter and where you can be your true self every day.
Head of Department (Back of House) in London employer: Aviation & Travel
Contact Detail:
Aviation & Travel Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Department (Back of House) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with yours. This will help you showcase why you're the perfect fit for the Head of Department role at DHL.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to leadership and operational excellence. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your achievements.
✨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 your genuine interest in joining the DHL team and being part of our exciting journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Department (Back of House) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Head of Department role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant achievements in operations management to catch our eye!
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 your background makes you the perfect fit for leading our Back of House operations.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: We want to know how you lead teams! Share examples of how you've inspired and developed large teams in fast-paced environments, and how you’ve driven performance and engagement.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our official DHL Careers site! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and stands out in the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Aviation & Travel
✨Know Your Operations
Familiarise yourself with the specific operations of the Back of House at DHL. Understand the key responsibilities, such as ramp and baggage handling, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with these areas.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your leadership style and how you've successfully managed large teams in fast-paced environments. Highlight any initiatives you've led that improved performance or safety.
✨Emphasise Safety and Compliance
Since safety is a top priority, be prepared to discuss your approach to maintaining a strong health and safety culture. Share any relevant experiences where you ensured compliance and implemented safe systems of work.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you've effectively partnered with senior stakeholders in the past. Be ready to share strategies you've used to drive operational change and optimise resources, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
