At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape the future of DFDS' Dover routes, driving operational excellence and transformation.
- Company: Join DFDS, a key player in European transport with a focus on community service.
- Benefits: Enjoy life assurance, pension scheme, free ferry travel, and extensive health support.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of diversity and inclusivity while growing your career.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-profile role while leading a diverse team.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior leadership and complex operations management.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Do you want to be a valued part of the critical infrastructure that serves communities across Europe and beyond? Are you looking for a position in which you can set direction and help shape our company? If so, then you could be the newest addition to our team as Route Director – Dover Routes. Be part of the movement - and play your part.
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 of six vessels and more than 1,000 colleagues. Operating at a senior leadership level within DFDS, 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.
You will be responsible for:
- 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 just 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.
You’ll thrive in this role if you:
- 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. We think the strongest teams are built on diversity and inclusivity. Contrasting opinions, varied skills and strong characters bring out the best in us all. And we cannot wait for you to join.
Working at DFDS
Join the movement and grow with us. Now about what we can give you. 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 including face to face counselling, fast 24/7 access to a GP, a second medical opinion and legal support for colleagues and their family.
- 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 your mental wellness needs.
- Access to mental health first aid and opportunity to join support webinars with a focus on all areas of positive wellbeing.
While you’re with us, we want you to develop. At DFDS, we believe that development happens first and foremost through activities in the workplace. We will also offer training courses that can support you in your role, if needed.
Are we a match? Then what are you waiting for? Apply Now. If you think your personality, skills, experience, and desire match this role, we’d love to hear from you. Please send us your CV as soon as possible, as we’re keen to meet potential candidates on an ongoing basis. We look forward to hearing from you.
Route Director – Dover Routes (Dover–Calais & Dover–Dunkerque) employer: DFDS UK & Ireland
At DFDS, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the transport and logistics sector, offering a dynamic work environment where your contributions truly matter. As a Route Director in Dover, you'll enjoy a collaborative culture that values diversity and inclusivity, alongside exceptional benefits such as life assurance, a contributory pension scheme, and extensive employee assistance programmes. With ample opportunities for professional growth and development, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our operations while enjoying the unique advantage of working in a strategic location that connects communities across Europe.
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 UK & Ireland.
✨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 UK & Ireland. 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 UK & Ireland, 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 UK & Ireland 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 UK & Ireland. 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 UK & Ireland
✨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 UK & Ireland.
✨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 UK & Ireland.
