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 competitive salary, pension scheme, and lifestyle discounts.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive workplace that values diverse experiences.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced airport environment with growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience in aviation operations and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Location: Heathrow - TW6 2GA
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.
A typical day may involve:
- 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.
This role would suit people who:
- Bring significant aviation operations experience, and excel in highly complex, high‑pressure airport environments where safety, performance and compliance are non‑negotiable.
- 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.
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.
Why join us?
- 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.
We’re the global leaders in supply chain management with 188,000 people in over 50 countries. Our expert teams work together to deliver for our customers across a range of industries including retail, automotive, healthcare and more.
At DHL, we’re all about creating a workplace where everyone's skills and experiences matter, and where you can be your true self every day.
Please be aware that interviews are provisionally scheduled to take place during the week commencing 27th April. Applications received after this date may not be considered but will be added to our talent pool for future opportunities, subject to your consent. Please also be aware that we review applications continuously and where we have a large number of applications the application period may close ahead of the provisional interview date. To ensure your application is considered we recommend submitting it as early as possible.
General Manager in London employer: DHL Germany
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 benefits like 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 London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research DHL Supply Chain, especially their operations at Heathrow. Understanding their values and challenges will help you tailor your approach during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and might even refer you, which can give you a leg up in the hiring process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions! Think of examples from your past experiences that showcase your leadership and problem-solving skills, especially in high-pressure environments. Practice makes perfect!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the team at DHL Supply Chain.
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager in London
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!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can drive continuous improvement in our operations. Let us know what makes you the perfect fit for our team.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:In your application, give us a glimpse of your leadership style. Share examples of how you've led teams in high-pressure environments and navigated challenges. We value collaboration and want to see how you bring people together!
Apply Early:Don't wait until the last minute! We review applications continuously, so applying early increases your chances of being considered. Head over to our website and submit your application today!
How to prepare for a job interview at DHL Germany
✨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.