About the role
This is a rare and high‑profile opportunity to lead one of DFDS’ largest, most complex, and strategically critical operations. As Route Director you will have full accountability for the performance of our Dover routes, overseeing a fast‑paced, high‑revenue business comprising six vessels and more than 1,000 colleagues. Operating at a senior leadership level, you will shape the future of our Channel operations, driving operational excellence, commercial performance and transformational change across a vital part of our international network. This is a highly visible, influential role where you will engage regularly with senior executives and play a key part in defining DFDS’ long‑term strategy in the region.
Responsibilities
* Full P&L ownership, delivering sustainable, profitable growth by optimising yield, volume and cost across both freight and passenger segments
* Embedding a strong safety culture, ensuring the highest operational standards and full regulatory compliance
* Leading an experienced leadership team within a collaborative, internal matrix organisation and inspiring a large, diverse organisation, building a high‑performing, inclusive and engaged workforce
* Driving operational excellence across ports and vessels, optimising turnaround times, asset utilisation, and customer experience
* Leading major transformation programmes, including fleet modernisation, hybridisation and electrification initiatives, and broader sustainability ambitions across the Channel
* Identifying and delivering strategic growth opportunities, leveraging digitalisation, network optimisation and new commercial initiatives in collaboration with specialist global teams and functions
* Building and maintaining strong, trusted relationships not only with internal stakeholders but with external stakeholders, including government bodies, regulators and port authorities, helping shape the future of cross‑Channel operations
About you
You are an experienced senior leader with a strong track record of delivering results in complex, asset‑heavy and operationally intensive environments. You combine strategic vision with hands‑on leadership, and you are equally comfortable driving transformation and working with prominent external stakeholders as you are leading day‑to‑day operational performance.
Qualifications
* Bring significant experience leading large scale, complex operations, in a senior capacity
* Have proven ownership of a substantial P&L, with a track record of delivering strong financial and operational results
* Demonstrate strong commercial acumen alongside the ability to lead major transformation and change programmes
* Are a visible, engaging and people‑focused leader who builds high‑performing, inclusive teams with a strong safety culture
* Have experience working within international and matrix organisations, influencing across functions and geographies
* Are a confident stakeholder leader, with experience engaging senior leaders, external partners, government bodies and public institutions
* You bring resilience, sound judgement, and the ability to anticipate and respond to evolving market, regulatory and environmental demands.
Benefits
You’ll be able to access some fantastic benefits such as:
* Life assurance cover
* Contributory company pension scheme
* Holiday Purchase Scheme
* Free ferry travel for up to 4 guests between Dover and Calais / Newcastle and Amsterdam with no limit on trips
* Full employee assistance programme including proactive financial, emotional, mental and physical health care support, face‑to‑face counselling, fast 24/7 access to a GP, a second medical opinion and legal support for colleagues and their families
* Huge range of retail discounts from high street and online retailers
* Cashback on health care including dental, optical, physiotherapy, prescriptions, specialist consultations and much more
* Access to myStrength, our Wellbeing platform, which has plenty of content to support and improve mental wellness needs
* Access to mental health first aid and opportunity to join support webinars with a focus on all areas of positive wellbeing
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