Role Overview
The Warehouse Operations Manager is responsible for the operational leadership and service delivery of DHL Global Forwarding’s primary UK airfreight gateway near Heathrow. Managing a team of 6 direct reports and approximately 140 indirect reports. The role oversees all warehouse and gateway cargo activities, ensuring the safe, compliant and efficient handling of import and export airfreight. Operating within a highly regulated environment, you will ensure compliance with aviation security, dangerous goods, GDP/MHRA and health & safety requirements while maintaining high standards of operational performance and customer service. You will lead a large operational team within a complex, unionised environment and work closely with internal departments, regulatory authorities and customers to deliver operational excellence. The role requires strong leadership, effective resource management and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the operational delivery of DGF’s primary UK airfreight gateway, overseeing all warehouse and gateway activities at the Heathrow depot.
* Ensure the efficient and compliant handling of import and export airfreight in line with regulatory, security and operational standards.
* Develop and maintain strong working relationships across operational departments to support service delivery and internal and external customer satisfaction.
* Act as, or develop into, an Aviation Security Nominee joining the team for the site in accordance with CAA aviation security requirements.
* Oversee Dangerous Goods compliance and operational training in conjunction with the UK Airfreight Compliance Manager.
* Ensure full compliance with GDP/MHRA requirements in partnership with the site Responsible Person.
* Manage operational resources with 6 direct reports across a complex shift pattern consisting of approximately 140 unionised employees.
* Maintain high standards of yard and warehouse housekeeping and maintenance in collaboration with the Facilities Manager.
* Oversee the management, compliance and training related to Material Handling Equipment (MHE), including supplier management and procurement.
* Promote and drive a strong culture of Health & Safety in partnership with the National Health & Safety Manager.
* Develop and utilise operational performance metrics to drive service quality, productivity and efficiency.
* Champion continuous improvement initiatives and support the implementation of new technologies as part of the First Choice programme.
* Foster an engaged and communicative working environment while maintaining clear routines, standards and operational discipline.
* Ensure all operational activities and interactions comply with the DPDHL Code of Conduct and all relevant compliance requirements, including anti-corruption policies.
* Contribute to and support continuous improvement initiatives across the operation.
Skills and Experience
* Highly self‑motivated with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet operational deadlines.
* Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience managing large teams within a unionised environment.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage effectively at all levels of the organisation.
* Strong knowledge of freight forwarding operations and airfreight import/export processes.
* Experience operating within regulated environments, including Aviation Security, Dangerous Goods by Air, ADR and GDP/MHRA requirements.
* Strong analytical capability with the ability to interpret operational data and develop meaningful performance metrics.
* Commercial awareness with experience managing operational budgets and understanding P&L performance.
* Confidence to challenge existing processes constructively and drive operational improvements.
* Ability to obtain and maintain required security clearances including 5‑year referencing, DBS and Counter Terrorism Check (CTC).
* Good knowledge of Microsoft products, Cargowise, Atlas and ICE would be an advantage.
Benefits
* A competitive salary
* Generous holiday entitlement
* Eligibility to participate in the Employee Incentive Bonus Scheme
* Pension scheme which includes life assurance
* Access to professional employee assistance and wellbeing programme
* A competitive package of voluntary benefits including retail, entertainment, gym membership, cycle to work scheme, contribution to eye care costs, and many more discounts
* Training and Development opportunities with a strong focus on internal promotion.
Reports To
UK Airfreight Compliance Manager & London Warehouse General Manager
What’s Next
If you would like to be considered for this position, then please apply using the jobs board with a copy of your CV outlining your experience to date and suitability for the role.
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