Head of Department (Back of House) in London
Head of Department (Back of House)

Head of Department (Back of House) in London

London Full-Time 50000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead Back of House operations, ensuring safety and efficiency in a fast-paced airport environment.
  • Company: Join DHL, the global leader in logistics, at Luton Airport.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in aviation logistics while leading a dynamic team.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in operations; aviation experience is a plus.
  • Other info: Be part of an inclusive workplace that values your unique skills.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 £ per year.

Pay Rate: £50,000 up to £55,000 depending on experience

Grade: RCS K

Contract Type: Permanent (Full-Time)

Shift patterns: Monday to Friday (Will need to be flexible for earlies and lates)

Location: Luton Airport, Luton

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.

Think you know DHL? Think again! We’re not just about delivering parcels. DHL Supply Chain is the world’s leading logistics company, providing top-notch ground handling services at numerous UK airports. Join us in our mission to deliver excellence in aviation logistics!

A TYPICAL DAY MAY INVOLVE:

  • Provide overall leadership for all Back of House (BOH) operations, including ramp, Turnaround Operations, Dock (baggage handling) and pushback, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-performing service delivery.
  • Champion a strong health and safety culture, ensuring full regulatory compliance and embedding safe systems of work across all operational areas.
  • Lead and develop a workforce of 200+ colleagues and operational managers, fostering accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
  • Attend customer meetings, represent DHL at stakeholder meetings, setting strategic direction and driving efficiencies and operational excellence.
  • Drive performance through effective people management, engagement initiatives, and robust attendance and absence control.
  • Partner with senior stakeholders to deliver operational change, optimise resources, and support key business objectives.

THIS ROLE WOULD SUIT PEOPLE WHO:

  • Proven senior operations leader delivering high performance in complex, fast-paced environments.
  • Confident, visible leader able to inspire large, multisite teams and set clear direction.
  • Change-driven and improvement-focused, with a strong commitment to safety and operational excellence.
  • Inclusive people leader experienced in managing managers, driving engagement, performance, and wellbeing.
  • Calm, resilient decision maker in high-pressure operational settings.
  • Proud brand ambassador with a strong focus on safety, teamwork, and customer service.
  • Aviation experience desirable but not essential.
  • Full UK manual driving licence essential.

SECURITY PROCESS TO WORK WITHIN AVIATION AND TRAVEL AT DHL:

  • 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?

  • We’re happy to talk about flexible working - just ask about alternative patterns at interview
  • 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

WHO WE ARE:

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.

BUILDING AN INCLUSIVE WORKPLACE:

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. As proud supporters of the Armed Forces Covenant, we value the skills and experience of ex-service personnel and are dedicated to helping our veterans find jobs.

Please be aware that interviews are provisionally scheduled to take place during the week commencing Monday 9th February 2026. 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.

Head of Department (Back of House) in London employer: DHL Supply Chain

DHL Supply Chain is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at Luton Airport where you can lead a diverse team of over 200 colleagues in delivering excellence in aviation logistics. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, we provide generous benefits including a robust pension scheme, flexible working options, and continuous professional development opportunities, all while fostering a culture of safety and inclusivity. Join us to be part of a global leader in supply chain management that values your contributions and supports your career growth.
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Contact Detail:

DHL Supply Chain Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Department (Back of House) in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at DHL through LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research DHL's operations, especially in aviation logistics. Being able to discuss their services and how you can contribute will definitely impress the hiring team.

✨Tip Number 3

Show off your leadership skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams and driven performance in high-pressure environments. This role is all about leading a large team, so make sure they see your potential.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the DHL family. Get your application in early to beat the rush!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Department (Back of House) in London

Leadership
Operational Management
Health and Safety Compliance
Team Development
Stakeholder Engagement
Performance Management
Change Management
Decision Making
Customer Service
Aviation Experience
Flexibility
Resilience
Communication Skills
Strategic Planning

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Department role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant achievements in operations management to catch our eye!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven performance and led teams in fast-paced environments.

Showcase Your People Skills: As a leader, your ability to engage and inspire your team is crucial. In your application, mention any initiatives you've implemented to boost team morale or improve performance. We love seeing candidates who prioritise people!

Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We review applications continuously, so getting yours in early increases your chances of being considered. Head over to our website and apply today!

How to prepare for a job interview at DHL Supply Chain

✨Know Your Operations

Familiarise yourself with DHL's Back of House operations. Understand the key responsibilities, such as ramp management and baggage handling. This will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs.

✨Showcase Leadership Skills

Prepare examples that demonstrate your leadership style and how you've successfully managed large teams in fast-paced environments. Highlight any initiatives you've led that improved performance or safety, as these are crucial for this role.

✨Emphasise Safety and Compliance

Since safety is a top priority, be ready to discuss your approach to maintaining health and safety standards. Share specific instances where you ensured compliance and fostered a safety culture within your team.

✨Engage with Stakeholders

Think about how you've effectively communicated with stakeholders in previous roles. Be prepared to discuss strategies you've used to drive operational change and improve efficiencies, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.

Head of Department (Back of House) in London
DHL Supply Chain
Location: London

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