At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise DFDS' Dover routes, ensuring operational excellence and strategic growth.
- Company: Join a leading international ferry operator with a focus on innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy life assurance, pension schemes, free ferry travel, and extensive health support.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with a strong safety culture and excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of cross-Channel operations while driving transformation and engaging with key stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior leadership roles within complex, asset-heavy environments.
The predicted salary is between 66582 - 80000 £ per year.
About the role
This is a rare and high‑profile opportunity to lead one of DFDS’ largest, most complex, and strategically critical operations. As Route Director you will have full accountability for the performance of our Dover routes, overseeing a fast‑paced, high‑revenue business comprising six vessels and more than 1,000 colleagues. Operating at a senior leadership level, you will shape the future of our Channel operations, driving operational excellence, commercial performance and transformational change across a vital part of our international network. This is a highly visible, influential role where you will engage regularly with senior executives and play a key part in defining DFDS’ long‑term strategy in the region.
Responsibilities
- Full P&L ownership, delivering sustainable, profitable growth by optimising yield, volume and cost across both freight and passenger segments.
- Embedding a strong safety culture, ensuring the highest operational standards and full regulatory compliance.
- Leading an experienced leadership team within a collaborative, internal matrix organisation and inspiring a large, diverse organisation, building a high‑performing, inclusive and engaged workforce.
- Driving operational excellence across ports and vessels, optimising turnaround times, asset utilisation, and customer experience.
- Leading major transformation programmes, including fleet modernisation, hybridisation and electrification initiatives, and broader sustainability ambitions across the Channel.
- Identifying and delivering strategic growth opportunities, leveraging digitalisation, network optimisation and new commercial initiatives in collaboration with specialist global teams and functions.
- Building and maintaining strong, trusted relationships not only with internal stakeholders but with external stakeholders, including government bodies, regulators and port authorities, helping shape the future of cross‑Channel operations.
About you
You are an experienced senior leader with a strong track record of delivering results in complex, asset‑heavy and operationally intensive environments. You combine strategic vision with hands‑on leadership, and you are equally comfortable driving transformation and working with prominent external stakeholders as you are leading day‑to‑day operational performance.
Qualifications
- Bring significant experience leading large scale, complex operations, in a senior capacity.
- Have proven ownership of a substantial P&L, with a track record of delivering strong financial and operational results.
- Demonstrate strong commercial acumen alongside the ability to lead major transformation and change programmes.
- Are a visible, engaging and people‑focused leader who builds high‑performing, inclusive teams with a strong safety culture.
- Have experience working within international and matrix organisations, influencing across functions and geographies.
- Are a confident stakeholder leader, with experience engaging senior leaders, external partners, government bodies and public institutions.
You bring resilience, sound judgement, and the ability to anticipate and respond to evolving market, regulatory and environmental demands.
Benefits
You’ll be able to access some fantastic benefits such as:
- Life assurance cover.
- Contributory company pension scheme.
- Holiday Purchase Scheme.
- Free ferry travel for up to 4 guests between Dover and Calais / Newcastle and Amsterdam with no limit on trips.
- Full employee assistance programme including proactive financial, emotional, mental and physical health care support, face‑to‑face counselling, fast 24/7 access to a GP, a second medical opinion and legal support for colleagues and their families.
- Huge range of retail discounts from high street and online retailers.
- Cashback on health care including dental, optical, physiotherapy, prescriptions, specialist consultations and much more.
- Access to myStrength, our Wellbeing platform, which has plenty of content to support and improve mental wellness needs.
- Access to mental health first aid and opportunity to join support webinars with a focus on all areas of positive wellbeing.
Route Director – Dover Routes (Dover–Calais & Dover–Dunkerque) employer: DFDS Germany ApS & Co.
DFDS is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can lead one of the largest and most complex operations in the Channel. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, including comprehensive health support and generous benefits like free ferry travel for family and friends, DFDS fosters a collaborative culture that values inclusivity and operational excellence. As a Route Director, you'll have unparalleled opportunities for professional growth while shaping the future of cross-Channel operations in a high-profile role.
Contact Details:
DFDS Germany ApS & Co. Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Route Director – Dover Routes (Dover–Calais & Dover–Dunkerque)
✨Connect with Local Logistic Groups
Dive into local transportation and logistics groups on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. Show up to their meetups if you can – it's a great way to network with industry pros who can share insights, job openings, or even refer you to their own company.
✨Get Behind the Wheel of Job Boards
Look for job boards specific to transportation and logistics, like Logistics Job Site or TransportJobs. These platforms often have listings that you won’t find on general job boards, so they’re worth checking out regularly!
✨Leverage Internships & Graduate Schemes
Many companies in transportation and logistics offer graduate schemes and internships that can pave the way to full-time positions. Don't shy away from applying; even a short stint can make a solid impact on your CV and get your foot in the door at companies like DFDS Germany ApS & Co..
✨Apply Directly with Us!
When you find openings at great companies, make sure to apply directly through our website. It not only shows your initiative but also helps us to help you get noticed by DFDS Germany ApS & Co.. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Route Director – Dover Routes (Dover–Calais & Dover–Dunkerque)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at DFDS Germany ApS & Co., make sure to highlight any relevant experience. Whether it's moving goods, coordinating schedules, or using transportation management software, give us the lowdown on your past gigs. It'll paint a clearer picture of what you're capable of!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in logistics! If you've optimised routes, reduced delivery times, or improved customer satisfaction, mention those incredible stats in your CV. This gives us concrete evidence of your impact and showcases your problem-solving skills.
Tailor That Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a formality—let it breathe your personality and passion for logistics! Explain why you're excited about the role at DFDS Germany ApS & Co. and how you can contribute to our team. Don't forget to tie in specific skills or experiences that relate to the job description.
Research and Reflect:Before you hit 'submit,' spend some time digging into DFDS Germany ApS & Co.. Understand our mission, values, and the specific challenges in the logistics industry. This will help you craft a targeted application that shows you truly want to be part of our crew, setting you apart from the rest!
How to prepare for a job interview at DFDS Germany ApS & Co.
✨Know Your Logistics Basics
Get familiar with the key principles of transportation and logistics, like supply chain management, inventory control, and route optimisation. You might get asked practical questions about how to improve efficiency, so brush up on your problem-solving skills and be prepared to discuss any relevant software tools you've used.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In logistics, employers love to gauge how you'd handle real-life situations. Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll need to demonstrate your decision-making skills, like how to manage delays or coordinate shipments during a crisis. Practise outlining your thought process clearly and logically.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Full-time roles in logistics often require collaboration with various teams, so don't forget to showcase your teamwork experience. Think of examples where you've used communication and collaboration to ensure smooth operations, and get ready to elaborate on how you can facilitate teamwork in a busy environment like at DFDS Germany ApS & Co..
✨Show Off Your Attention to Detail
In our world of logistics, missing a small detail can lead to big problems. Be prepared to discuss instances where your attention to detail saved the day, whether it was engaging with clients, managing documentation, or tracking shipments accurately. This will help demonstrate how you can be a reliable asset to DFDS Germany ApS & Co..
