Operations Manager in Derby

This is an exciting opportunity to join DHL Supply Chain at the early stages of a brand-new, highly automated operation powered by cutting-edge AutoStore technology. As an Operations Manager, you will play a pivotal role in launching and shaping a next-generation fulfilment environment, setting the standards for operational excellence, safety, and performance from day one. This start-up setting offers a unique chance to influence how the operation is built, embedding best practice, innovation, and a strong people-first culture into everything we do.

Working in a fast-paced, technology-driven warehouse environment, you will lead large teams and collaborate closely with customers and internal stakeholders to deliver outstanding service. You will take full ownership of operational performance, driving continuous improvement, ensuring a best-in-class safety culture, and delivering against key KPIs. This role offers real scope for progression, impact, and the opportunity to be part of a flagship DHL operation at the forefront of logistics innovation.

A TYPICAL DAY MAY INVOLVE:

• Leading daily operational activity across inbound, picking and outbound to ensure customer SLAs and deadlines are consistently achieved.
• Driving a strong Safety First culture, conducting reviews, monitoring incidents, and embedding Behavioural Based Safety practices.
• Reviewing performance data (productivity, variance, labour hours) and working with your leadership team to resolve root causes and improve results.
• Managing and developing Team Managers and frontline leaders, ensuring clear objectives, accountability and high engagement levels.
• Aligning resource plans with volume forecasts, ensuring optimal staffing levels, agency usage and equipment availability.
• Conducting Gemba walks and standards confirmation to ensure SOPs and work instructions are followed and continuously improved.
• Engaging with customers, leading reviews on performance, identifying improvements, and strengthening operational relationships.

THIS ROLE WOULD SUIT PEOPLE WHO:

• Thrive in fast-paced, high-volume warehouse or supply chain environments, with exposure to complex operations – Automation Experience is desirable.
• Are hands-on leaders experienced in managing and developing large teams driving performance through change and growth in new start up operations.
• Bring strong warehouse or supply chain experience, with the ability to manage scale, complexity and resource planning.
• Use data, KPIs and continuous improvement principles to drive operational performance and efficiencies.
• Are confident managing budgets, performance metrics and delivering results in a customer-focused operation.
• Enjoy problem-solving and accountability, with experience in start-up, project or go-live environments highly valued.
• Have strong communication and stakeholder management skills, including senior stakeholders and customer-facing environments.

WHY JOIN US?

• Access to the Company Car Scheme or Car Allowance.
• 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 29th June. 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.