Regional Director of Operations in Manchester
Regional Director of Operations

Regional Director of Operations in Manchester

Manchester Full-Time 80000 - 100000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead multi-site operations and drive strategic growth in the Northern UK region.
  • Company: Join DHL Global Forwarding, a world leader in logistics and people-focused culture.
  • Benefits: Competitive executive rewards, benefits package, and opportunities for meaningful change.
  • Other info: Promote a culture of safety, inclusion, and continuous learning.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a purpose-driven organisation with global recognition.
  • Qualifications: 8+ years in senior operational roles, ideally in freight forwarding or logistics.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 ÂŁ 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.

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 customer‐centric culture, ensuring service delivery consistently exceeds expectations.
  • Lead senior‐level customer reviews and sponsor continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Oversee onboarding and integration of key accounts, ensuring seamless transitions and long‐term value creation.

Operational Leadership

  • Lead complex, multi‐site freight forwarding operations, ensuring efficiency, resilience, and scalability.
  • Monitor and optimise operational capacity in line with demand, growth, and network strategy.
  • Drive adoption of best‐in‐class processes, digital tools, and operational innovations.

People, Culture & Safety

  • Inspire and develop high‐performing leadership teams.
  • Promote a strong culture of safety, inclusion, well‐being, 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 multi‐site 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 world‐class, purpose‐driven 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 — 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

At DHL Global Forwarding, we pride ourselves on being a world leader in logistics, where our people are at the heart of everything we do. As a Regional Director of Operations, you will thrive in a dynamic and inclusive work culture that champions safety, well-being, and continuous learning, while enjoying competitive rewards and benefits. With a strong focus on employee development and the opportunity to lead strategic initiatives across the Northern UK region, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of global trade and making a meaningful impact.
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Contact Detail:

DHL Global Forwarding Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Regional Director of Operations in Manchester

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the logistics and freight forwarding sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching DHL's values and recent initiatives. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission. Practise common interview questions and think of examples that highlight your leadership skills and operational successes.

✨Tip Number 3

Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the Regional Director position.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities there, so keep checking back for new roles that match your skills.

We think you need these skills to ace Regional Director of Operations in Manchester

Strategic Leadership
Operational Excellence
P&L Management
Customer Retention
Freight Forwarding Knowledge
Multi-Site Operations Management
Change Management
Digital Transformation
Process Improvement
Team Development
Safety Culture Promotion
Compliance Management
Commercial Acumen
Analytical Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Regional Director of Operations. Highlight your experience in leading multi-site operations and any relevant achievements in freight forwarding or logistics. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!

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 strategic mindset aligns with DHL's vision. Be sure to mention specific examples of how you've driven growth and customer excellence in your previous roles.

Showcase Your Leadership Style: As a senior leader, we’re keen to understand your leadership style. Share how you've inspired teams and fostered a culture of safety and inclusion. We want to know how you develop talent and drive operational excellence across diverse teams.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a seamless application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!

How to prepare for a job interview at DHL Global Forwarding

✨Know 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. This shows you’re not just a leader but also a strategic thinker who can manage the bottom line.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

Prepare to talk about your leadership approach, especially in multi-site operations. Think of specific examples where you've inspired teams or led change initiatives. DHL values a strong culture of safety and inclusion, so highlight how you've fostered these in your past roles.

✨Customer-Centric Mindset

DHL is all about customer excellence, so come armed with stories that showcase your commitment to customer satisfaction. Discuss how you've driven customer retention and acquisition in your previous positions, and be ready to explain how you would champion this culture in your new role.

✨Be Ready for Strategic Discussions

Since this role involves defining and executing regional strategy, prepare to discuss your strategic vision for the Northern UK region. Think about market share growth and operational innovations you've implemented before, and how they could translate to success at DHL.

Regional Director of Operations in Manchester
DHL Global Forwarding
Location: Manchester

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