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.