Operations Manager in Stoke-on-Trent

Location: SOT SVC – DHL International (UK) Ltd, Unit 2, Tunstall Arrow South, James Brindley Way, Stoke‑on‑Trent, ST6 5GF

Contract: Permanent

Shift: PM Shift - 10:00 - 19:00

We are offering an exciting opportunity for a driven and experienced Operations Manager to join the management team at our Stoke‑on‑Trent Service Centre. In this key leadership role, you will take full responsibility for managing and controlling Service Centre operations during the PM shift. You will lead and motivate operational teams to deliver strong performance across service, productivity, process compliance and cost efficiency, supporting both the UK business and the wider international network. This role is ideal for a confident operational leader with strong people management skills, commercial awareness and a passion for continuous improvement, who thrives in a results‑driven logistics environment.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading & Managing Service Centre Operations

• Ensure daily operational targets are achieved, taking immediate action to address any under‑performance.
• Plan, manage and control resources in line with operational demand.
• Oversee shift operations to ensure service, compliance and safety standards are consistently met.
• Actively support the implementation of Regional and Country projects, programmes and initiatives.

• Manage key cost drivers to ensure P&L targets and productivity measures are achieved.
• Plan, monitor and control expenditure across overtime, subcontracting, suppliers, service providers and fleet maintenance within agreed budgets.
• Use company performance reporting tools daily to monitor team and individual performance and address non‑conformance.
• Convert operational objectives into clear action plans with accountability and delivery focus.

• Provide clear performance standards and strong leadership to operational teams.
• Coach, train and motivate employees to achieve agreed productivity and service targets.
• Complete performance reviews and appraisals within agreed timescales, supporting engagement and development.
• Build a positive, compliant and safety‑focused working culture across the operation.

Who We’re Looking For

• A Confident and Driven Operational Leader

• Has strong operational process knowledge and experience within a logistics environment.
• Can lead and influence teams at all levels within a busy Service Centre.
• Is commercially aware, data‑driven and confident managing cost and performance pressures.
• Communicates clearly and builds strong working relationships across functions.
• Is proactive, resilient and committed to continuous improvement.

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in an operational management role, ideally within logistics or distribution.
• Strong leadership, coaching and people management capability.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organisational, planning and problem‑solving skills.
• Good analytical and commercial awareness with experience managing operational cost drivers.
• Confident IT user with experience of reporting and operational systems.
• Knowledge of UK DfT Security and Health & Safety regulations.

What This Opportunity Offers You

• A key management role within a major UK Service Centre
• The opportunity to influence operational performance at site and network level
• Career development within a growing, global logistics organisation
• Structured internal training and development programmes
• Modern, well‑maintained fleet and facilities
• Competitive pay and access to benefits including Cycle2Work and retail discounts