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

Head of Department (Back of House) in Luton

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

  • Tasks: Lead Back of House operations, ensuring safe and efficient service delivery at Luton Airport.
  • Company: DHL Supply Chain, the world leader in logistics and aviation services.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous pension scheme, and 24/7 GP consultations.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in aviation logistics.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in fast-paced environments and a full UK manual driving licence.
  • Other info: Inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.

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.
  • Proud brand ambassador with a strong focus on safety, teamwork, and customer service.
  • 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 Luton employer: DHL

DHL Supply Chain is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at Luton Airport where you can lead a large team in delivering excellence in aviation logistics. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, generous benefits including a robust pension scheme and flexible working options, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive culture, DHL empowers its employees to thrive and grow within the organisation. Join us to be part of a global leader that values safety, teamwork, and operational excellence.
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Contact Detail:

DHL Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

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

✨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 maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research DHL's operations, especially in aviation logistics. Show them you’re not just another candidate but someone who understands their mission and values.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've led teams and driven performance in fast-paced environments. They want to see that you can inspire and manage large teams effectively.

✨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 stand out!

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

Leadership
Operational Management
Health and Safety Compliance
Team Development
Performance Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Change Management
Customer Service
Strategic Planning
Resource Optimisation
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Flexibility
Driving Licence

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 achievements in operations management. 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. Share your passion for operational excellence and how you can contribute to our mission at Luton Airport.

Showcase Your People Skills: As a leader, your ability to inspire and engage a large team is crucial. In your application, give examples of how you've successfully managed teams and driven performance in previous roles. We love seeing those people skills in action!

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 today!

How to prepare for a job interview at DHL

✨Know Your Operations

Familiarise yourself with the specific operations of DHL, especially in Back of House roles. Understand the logistics involved in ramp operations, baggage handling, and turnaround processes. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're ready to lead a large team effectively.

✨Showcase Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in fast-paced environments. Highlight your experience in driving performance and engagement among large groups. Be ready to discuss how you foster accountability and continuous improvement, as these are key aspects of the role.

✨Emphasise Safety and Compliance

Since safety is paramount in aviation logistics, be prepared to discuss your commitment to health and safety regulations. Share any relevant experiences where you implemented safe systems of work or improved safety culture within your previous teams.

✨Engage with Stakeholders

Think about how you would represent DHL at stakeholder meetings. Prepare to discuss your approach to building relationships with senior stakeholders and how you would drive operational change. This will show that you understand the importance of collaboration in achieving business objectives.

Head of Department (Back of House) in Luton
DHL
Location: Luton
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  • Head of Department (Back of House) in Luton

    Luton
    Full-Time
    50000 - 55000 £ / year (est.)
  • D

    DHL

    500+
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