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- Tasks: Lead and inspire a large team in Back of House operations at Luton Airport.
- Company: Join DHL, the world leader in logistics and aviation services.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working, and generous pension contributions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with career growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in fast-paced operations; aviation experience is a plus.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values inclusivity and personal development.
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!
We’re now looking for a Head of Department (Back of House) to play an integral role at the heart of our operations, ensuring that every flight is a success.
Responsibilities- 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.
- 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.
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
- 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
Visit https://careers.dhl.com/global/en/working-at-dhl-supply-chain to learn more.
Who We AreWe’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 WorkplaceAt 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 Luton employer: DHL Supply Chain
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 Luton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research DHL's values, mission, and recent news. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and might even refer you internally, which can give your application a serious boost.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions! Think about how you've handled challenges in past roles, especially in high-pressure environments. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨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 proactive and serious about joining the DHL family.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Department (Back of House) in Luton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Department role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant operational achievements that align with our mission at DHL. 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 aviation logistics and how your background makes you the perfect fit for this role. Be sure to mention your commitment to safety and operational excellence.
Showcase Your People Skills: As a leader, your ability to engage and inspire a large team is crucial. In your application, share examples of how you've successfully managed teams in fast-paced environments. We love hearing about your strategies for fostering accountability and continuous improvement!
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We review applications continuously, and applying early gives you a better chance of being considered. Head over to our website and get your application in as soon as possible!
How to prepare for a job interview at DHL Supply Chain
✨Know Your Operations
Familiarise yourself with the specific operations of DHL, especially in the Back of House area. Understand the key responsibilities and challenges that come with managing ramp operations, baggage handling, and pushback services. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're ready to lead a large team effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you engage and inspire teams. Think of examples where you've successfully managed large groups, driven performance, and fostered a culture of safety and accountability. Being able to articulate your people management strategies will set you apart as a candidate.
✨Emphasise Safety and Compliance
Given the importance of health and safety in this role, be ready to talk about your experience with regulatory compliance and safe systems of work. Share specific instances where you've implemented safety measures or improved operational processes, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your decision-making skills in high-pressure situations. Think through potential challenges you might face in the role and how you would address them. This preparation will help you respond confidently and demonstrate your problem-solving abilities.
