At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in managing airfreight operations at Heathrow.
- Company: Join DHL Global Forwarding, a leader in logistics and supply chain solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holidays, and wellness programmes.
- Other info: Opportunities for training and internal promotion in a supportive workplace.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a fast-paced environment while ensuring safety and compliance.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and experience in freight forwarding operations required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Warehouse Operations Manager is responsible for the operational leadership and service delivery of DHL Global Forwarding’s primary UK airfreight gateway near Heathrow, managing a team of 6 direct reports and approximately 140 indirect reports.
The role oversees all warehouse and gateway cargo activities, ensuring the safe, compliant and efficient handling of import and export airfreight. Operating within a highly regulated environment, you will ensure compliance with aviation security, dangerous goods, GDP/MHRA and health & safety requirements while maintaining high standards of operational performance and customer service.
You will lead a large operational team within a complex, unionised environment and work closely with internal departments, regulatory authorities and customers to deliver operational excellence. The role requires strong leadership, effective resource management and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities- Lead the operational delivery of DGF’s primary UK airfreight gateway, overseeing all warehouse and gateway activities at the Heathrow depot.
- Ensure the efficient and compliant handling of import and export airfreight in line with regulatory, security and operational standards.
- Develop and maintain strong working relationships across operational departments to support service delivery and internal and external customer satisfaction.
- Act as, or develop into, an Aviation Security Nominee joining the team for the site in accordance with CAA aviation security requirements.
- Oversee Dangerous Goods compliance and operational training in conjunction with the UK Airfreight Compliance Manager.
- Ensure full compliance with GDP/MHRA requirements in partnership with the site Responsible Person.
- Manage operational resources with 6 direct reports across a complex shift pattern consisting of approximately 140 unionised employees.
- Maintain high standards of yard and warehouse housekeeping and maintenance in collaboration with the Facilities Manager.
- Oversee the management, compliance and training related to Material Handling Equipment (MHE), including supplier management and procurement.
- Promote and drive a strong culture of Health & Safety in partnership with the National Health & Safety Manager.
- Develop and utilise operational performance metrics to drive service quality, productivity and efficiency.
- Champion continuous improvement initiatives and support the implementation of new technologies as part of the First Choice programme.
- Foster an engaged and communicative working environment while maintaining clear routines, standards and operational discipline.
- Ensure all operational activities and interactions comply with the DPDHL Code of Conduct and all relevant compliance requirements, including anti-corruption policies.
- Contribute to and support continuous improvement initiatives across the operation.
- Highly self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet operational deadlines.
- Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience managing large teams within a unionised environment.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage effectively at all levels of the organisation.
- Strong knowledge of freight forwarding operations and airfreight import/export processes.
- Experience operating within regulated environments, including Aviation Security, Dangerous Goods by Air, ADR and GDP/MHRA requirements.
- Strong analytical capability with the ability to interpret operational data and develop meaningful performance metrics.
- Commercial awareness with experience managing operational budgets and understanding P&L performance.
- Confidence to challenge existing processes constructively and drive operational improvements.
- Ability to obtain and maintain required security clearances including 5-year referencing, DBS and Counter Terrorism Check (CTC).
- Good knowledge of Microsoft products, Cargowise, Atlas and ICE would be an advantage.
- A competitive salary
- Generous holiday entitlement
- Eligibility to participate in the Employee Incentive Bonus Scheme
- Pension scheme which includes life assurance
- Access to professional employee assistance and wellbeing programme
- A competitive package of voluntary benefits including retail, entertainment, gym membership, cycle to work scheme, contribution to eye care costs, and many more discounts
- Training and development opportunities with a strong focus on internal promotion.
Warehouse Operations Manager-London employer: DHL Global Forwarding
DHL Global Forwarding is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our primary UK airfreight gateway near Heathrow. With a strong commitment to employee growth and development, we provide extensive training opportunities and a culture that promotes continuous improvement and operational excellence. Our competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement, and comprehensive benefits package, including wellness programmes and voluntary benefits, make us an attractive choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in logistics.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Warehouse Operations Manager-London
✨Get to Know Local Distribution Centres
Start hanging around local distribution centres and warehouses, like the ones that might belong to DHL Global Forwarding. Many times, they have sign-up sheets for job openings or even informal meet-ups that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Talk to Recruiters and Employment Agencies
There are loads of recruitment agencies that specifically focus on warehouse and logistics roles. Get in touch with them and let them know you’re looking for full-time work. They often have inside info on openings before they're advertised!
✨Brush Up on Your Skills
Think about the specific skills that are hot in the warehouse sector right now, like inventory management software or health and safety protocols. We can help you find resources to polish up your abilities, which can make you stand out when you're looking at those full-time gigs.
✨Apply Directly Through Us!
Don't forget to keep an eye on our website for any full-time listings at DHL Global Forwarding. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in logistics and warehousing!
We think you need these skills to ace Warehouse Operations Manager-London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience with Inventory Management:When you're whipping up your CV, make sure to spotlight any experience you've got in inventory management or warehousing. We love to see proficiency in stock control systems or previous roles where you've managed inventory levels. Show us how you can keep things organised and running smoothly!
Demonstrate Your Attention to Detail:In the warehouse and logistics field, attention to detail is key. Use your cover letter to share specific examples of how you've caught mistakes or streamlined processes in the past. Let us know how your precision can contribute to our team at DHL Global Forwarding.
Get Familiar with Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to warehousing or logistics—like health and safety or forklift operation—make sure they shine on your CV! We appreciate all the qualifications that show you're serious about the role and keeping a safe, efficient workspace.
Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills:Logistics can be unpredictable, so if you've tackled any significant challenges in previous positions, tell us all about it! Use your cover letter to highlight how you've adapted to situations, such as changes in supply or unexpected delays. We want to see your resourcefulness in action for this full-time role at DHL Global Forwarding.
How to prepare for a job interview at DHL Global Forwarding
✨Know Your Warehouse Systems
Familiarise yourself with popular warehouse management systems like SAP or Oracle. If you have experience using these or similar tools, be prepared to discuss how you utilised them to improve efficiency or accuracy in inventory management.
✨Highlight Your Problem-Solving Skills
In the logistics arena, unexpected challenges pop up all the time. Be ready to share some examples of when you faced a logistical hiccup and how you tackled it. This shows you can think on your feet and keep things running smoothly.
✨Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Since it’s a full-time position, expect questions about your ability to work in a team in a busy warehousing environment. Share experiences where you collaborated with others, maybe to meet tight deadlines or manage large shipments, ensuring you showcase your ability to communicate effectively.
✨Safety First! Talk About Protocols
Logistics roles require a real understanding of safety protocols. Brush up on basic safety guidelines and be ready to discuss how you’ve implemented or adhered to these in past roles. This shows that you’re serious about your role in maintaining a safe working environment.
