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- Tasks: Lead multi-site operations and drive strategic initiatives for growth and customer excellence.
- Company: Join DHL Global Forwarding, a world leader in logistics with a people-first approach.
- Benefits: Competitive executive rewards, diverse workplace, and opportunities for meaningful change.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team committed to diversity and continuous learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a purpose-driven organisation while shaping the future of logistics.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in senior operational roles, with strong leadership and commercial skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Regional Director of Operations role at DHL Global Forwarding. 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 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 employer: DHL Global Forwarding
Contact Detail:
DHL Global Forwarding Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Regional Director of Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the logistics and freight forwarding industry. Attend events, webinars, or even local meet-ups to get your name out there. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect Regional Director of Operations role!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching DHL Global Forwarding inside out. Understand their values, recent initiatives, and how they operate in the Northern UK region. This will help you tailor your answers and show them you're genuinely interested in making an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Think of specific examples where you've driven growth, led teams, or improved processes. Being able to articulate these experiences clearly will set you apart as a strong candidate for the senior leadership role.
✨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, it shows you’re serious about joining DHL Global Forwarding and ready to take on the challenge of leading operations in the Northern region.
We think you need these skills to ace Regional Director of Operations
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 explain why you're the perfect fit for this role at DHL Global Forwarding. Share your vision for operational excellence and how you plan to drive growth in the Northern UK region. Let us feel your passion!
Showcase Your Leadership Style: As a senior leader, we’re keen to understand your leadership style. In your application, give examples of how you've inspired teams and driven change in previous roles. We love seeing candidates who can foster a strong culture of safety and inclusion!
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 ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Ready to take the next step? Let’s move the world together!
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 financial acumen. Brush up on key metrics like P&L statements and EBIT delivery. Be ready to discuss how you've driven profitable growth in previous roles and how you plan to do the same at DHL.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires inspiring high-performing teams. Prepare examples of how you've developed talent and fostered a strong culture of safety and inclusion. Think about specific instances where your leadership made a tangible difference in team performance or morale.
✨Understand the Market Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the freight forwarding and logistics industry, especially within the Northern UK region. Be prepared to discuss current trends, challenges, and opportunities that could impact DHL's operations. This shows you're not just a fit for the role but also genuinely interested in the company's success.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
You'll be defining and executing regional strategies, so think about your approach to strategic planning. Have a few ideas ready on how you would align DHL’s global vision with local operations. This will demonstrate your strategic mindset and readiness to take on this critical leadership role.