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- Tasks: Lead multi-site operations and drive strategic growth in the logistics sector.
- Company: Join DHL Global Forwarding, a world leader in logistics and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive executive rewards, diverse culture, and opportunities for meaningful impact.
- Why this job: Shape strategy and influence decisions in a purpose-driven organisation.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in senior operational roles with freight forwarding experience.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team committed to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 Ā£ per year.
At DHL Global Forwarding, people are at the heart of everything we do. A world leader in logistics, we connect people and businesses, moving more than just freight; we move ambition, opportunity, and global trade forward.
As Regional Director Operations & Strategy, you'll lead our Northern UK region (Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, East Midlands, and Belfast), in this critical senior leadership role, combining strategic direction with operational excellence to deliver sustainable growth, market share expansion, customer excellence, and people development.
Your Impact
Setting the strategic direction and leading multi-site freight forwarding operations with full accountability for performance, from customer excellence and market share growth to financial results and talent development, this role offers the scale, autonomy, and influence to make a genuine difference.
What You'll Be Responsible For
- Define and execute regional strategy aligned with DHL's global vision
- Drive profitable growth through customer retention and acquisition
- Lead high-value operational and commercial initiatives
- Own full P&L accountability, ensuring strong EBIT delivery and disciplined financial control
- Champion a customerācentric culture, ensuring service delivery consistently exceeds expectations
- Lead seniorālevel customer reviews and sponsor continuous improvement initiatives
- Oversee onboarding and integration of key accounts, ensuring seamless transitions and longāterm value creation
Operational Leadership
- Lead complex, multiāsite freight forwarding operations, ensuring efficiency, resilience, and scalability
- Monitor and optimise operational capacity in line with demand, growth, and network strategy
- Drive adoption of bestāināclass processes, digital tools, and operational innovations
People, Culture & Safety
- Inspire and develop highāperforming leadership teams
- Promote a strong culture of safety, inclusion, wellābeing, and continuous learning
- Ensure consistent application of people processes to attract, retain, and grow diverse talent
Change, Compliance & Transformation
- Lead change initiatives, including digital transformation, process renewal, and operational simplification
- Ensure full compliance with statutory, regulatory, and DHL standards across all sites
What We're Looking For
- 8+ years' experience in senior operational or strategic leadership roles, ideally within freight forwarding, logistics, or supply chain
- Air and Ocean freight forwarding knowledge is essential
- Proven success leading multiāsite operations and large, diverse teams
- Strong commercial mindset with demonstrable P&L ownership
- Strategic, decisive, and resilient leadership style
- Full right to work and remain in the UK (sponsorship is not available)
- Ideally based within the 'Northern region' as outlined for the role
Why Join DHL Global Forwarding?
Be part of a worldāclass, purposeādriven organisation recognised globally for our people practices and help shape strategy, influence decisions, and drive meaningful change. We offer a competitive executive reward and benefits package.
Ready to move the world with us? If you're a senior freight forwarding leader looking to take your impact to the next level, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now and discover what it means to be part of DHL Global Forwarding ā Excellence. Simply Delivered.
DHL Global Forwarding is committed to diversity and inclusion. We provide equal opportunities for all employees, ensuring our workplaces are free from discrimination and provide a respectful environment for everyone.
Regional Director of Operations in Manchester employer: DHL Global Forwarding
Contact Detail:
DHL Global Forwarding Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice š¤«
We think this is how you could land Regional Director of Operations in Manchester
āØTip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the logistics and freight forwarding sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and donāt be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings at DHL or other companies.
āØTip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching DHLās values and recent initiatives. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission of customer excellence and operational leadership. Practice common interview questions, but also be ready to discuss your strategic vision for the role.
āØTip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! When discussing your past roles, focus on quantifiable resultsālike how you improved operational efficiency or drove revenue growth. Use specific examples that highlight your P&L management skills and leadership style.
āØTip Number 4
Donāt forget to apply through our website! Itās the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in joining DHL Global Forwarding. Keep an eye on our careers page for new opportunities that match your skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Regional Director of Operations in Manchester
Some tips for your application š«”
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Regional Director of Operations role. Highlight your leadership experience in logistics and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to drive growth and operational excellence.
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. Be sure to mention specific examples of how you've led teams and driven results in previous positions.
Showcase Your Strategic Mindset: In your application, emphasise your strategic thinking and decision-making skills. We want to see how you've successfully defined and executed strategies in past roles, especially in multi-site operations or freight forwarding.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. This way, your application will be reviewed by our team, and you'll be one step closer to joining us at DHL Global Forwarding!
How to prepare for a job interview at DHL Global Forwarding
āØKnow Your Numbers
As a Regional Director of Operations, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of P&L accountability. Brush up on financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've driven EBIT delivery in previous roles. Bring specific examples of how your strategic decisions have positively impacted financial results.
āØShowcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires inspiring high-performing teams. Prepare to share your leadership philosophy and provide examples of how you've developed talent and fostered a culture of safety and inclusion. Think about specific instances where your leadership made a tangible difference in team performance.
āØUnderstand the Market Landscape
DHL is looking for someone who can drive profitable growth through customer retention and acquisition. Research the current trends in freight forwarding and logistics, especially in the Northern UK region. Be ready to discuss how you would align regional strategy with DHL's global vision.
āØEmphasise Change Management Skills
With a focus on digital transformation and operational simplification, it's crucial to highlight your experience leading change initiatives. Prepare to discuss past projects where you've successfully implemented new processes or technologies, and how you managed the transition for your teams.
