Head Of CDZ Operations- MEA

DHL Global Forwarding; Dubai; On-site; AED 360,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

DHL Global Forwarding is seeking a Head of CDZ Operations- MEA in Dubai to lead operations optimization, digital transformation, and program management across MEA. You will drive standardized processes, manage cross-functional teams, and implement strategic improvements in customs, quality, and customer service.

The role focuses on developing regional programs, reducing exposures, and ensuring alignment with global guidelines and KPI targets.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in Freight Forwarding industry.
• 5 years in business process management or finance in logistics.
• University degree required.
• Professional qualification in logistics/finance preferred.
• Strong project and program management skills.

Responsibilities

• Review and optimize CDZ operations and regional processes.
• Identify inefficiencies and drive improvement projects.
• Lead AI/automation initiatives to reduce manual work.
• Standardize customs processes across MEA.
• Prepare audit readiness and training programs.
• Monitor performance and report progress.

Skills

Project management

Process optimization

Digital transformation

Change management

Cross-cultural competence

Data analysis

Education

University degree

Logistics/Finance certification

Job description

Job Description: Would you like to be part of the most international company in the world? A company operating in more than 220 countries worldwide and has been pioneering cross-border express shipping since 1969. Would you like to be part of a business that connects people across the globe and want to make a difference? Then waste no time and join our amazing team at DHL Group. DHL Global Forwarding, Freight (DGFF) is the Group's air, ocean, and road freight specialist. We offer standardized transport as well as highly specialized end-to-end solutions to customers in a wide range of industries globally.

Job purpose:

Manage the MEA CDZ Operations including Business Process Optimization with the aim to continuously improve quality and productivity of the Team minimizing the exposures as per global guidelines and KPI's.

DHL Global Forwarding has an opening Head of CDZ Operations- MEA in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Join us in connecting people and improving lives!

In this Head of CDZ Operations- MEA position

Apply First choice methodology in the day-to-day Operations:

• Reviewing existing processes and workflows. (including CDZ Specific SOPs)
• Identifying inefficiencies, bottlenecks, errors, and rework.
• Develop plans to improve the way work is done
• Introduce best practices across the region.
• Drive projects that improve productivity, quality, and customer service.
• Ensuring processes are followed consistently.
• Improving the quality of service delivered to customers.
• Working with different teams to implement improvements.
• Monitoring performance.
• Ensuring all improvements align with company policies and strategic objectives.

Conceptualize, design, refine and implement Ops Process & Performance programs and define new programs for the region.

• Developing a Root Cause Analysis process for customs errors.
• Introducing AI or automation tools to reduce manual work.
• Standardizing customs processes across multiple countries.
• Designing a Customs Quality Assurance Program
• Proactively manage and reduce exposures like:
• Customs, Port / Apt, Health, S/L, Handling Centres & other authorities and record all
• key milestones and eliminate all exposures such as Customs Bond, Bank Guarantee,
• Cash Bond, Temp Imports, Repair and Return, Demurrage, Detention, Container
• Deposits, Pre Clearance, payment process to customs when required etc

Develop business processes to analyze and evaluate performance data, process controls, quality and timeliness of program deliverables, and workforce planning

• Monitor operational IKO performance and identify trends.
• Measure service quality and process compliance.
• Ensure key controls are in place to reduce errors and risks.
• Track whether projects and initiatives are delivered on time

Oversee implementation program for CDZ standalone and Network files.

• Ensure initiative are implemented effectively across the region.
• Measure and evaluate the success of implementation process.
• Identify gaps, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities

Digital transformation:

• Lead the Digital Transformation Journey in MEA implementing the global initiatives
• Training
• Ensure that it is implemented and monitored (conducting spot check audits)

Global customs Policy management:

• Lead the Digital Transformation Journey in MEA implementing the global initiatives.
• Training
• Ensure that it is implemented.
• Monitor Self-assessment questionaries is complete once a year
• Monitor and audit action plans

Training:

• Asses CDZ Operation staff knowledge and identify possible gaps.
• Provide project sheet (name, surname and country) of training topic required per staff member with timelines and on when and who will provide inhouse training.
• Prepare training material accordingly and save in MEA CDZ folder.
• Prepare training schedule attendance register for sign off.
• Where in-house training is lacking, approve appropriate vendor training with HR and country managers.
• Could be required to give face to face training in country.

Key project role out and management

• Create detailed project plans and schedules.
• Estimate the people, time, budget, and tools needed to complete a project.
• Define key milestones and deadlines.
• Assign responsibilities and track deliverables.
• Monitor progress and address any delays or risks.
• Keep stakeholders informed of project status.
• Measure results and evaluate whether the project delivered the expected benefits.
• Capture lessons learned and identified further improvement opportunities.

Prepare staff for audit readiness

• Set up prep meetings to go through the audit criteria
• Training.
• Monitor audit findings and finalise outcome feedback with the team
• Keep stakeholders informed of project status.

CDZ specific Newsletter creation

• Knowledge of product and related processes in Freight Forwarding and
• In-depth Financial experience particularly in a Freight Forwarding and Logistics environment
• Strong strategic orientation in combination with ability to work on hands on basis
• Strong analytical skills
• Strong results orientation by prioritizing impact against input
• Collaboration & communication skills and information sharing
• Masters the Change Management process
• Cross-cultural competence
• Relevant experience in African logistics market
• Strong project and program management skills

Now, here is what we need from you!

• Knowledge of product and related processes in Freight Forwarding and
• In-depth Financial experience particularly in a Freight Forwarding and Logistics environment
• Strong strategic orientation in combination with ability to work on hands on basis
• Strong analytical skills
• Strong results orientation by prioritizing impact against input
• Collaboration & communication skills and information sharing
• Masters the Change Management process
• Cross-cultural competence
• Relevant experience in African logistics market
• Strong project and program management skills
• Experience: 5 years in the Freight Forwarding Industry
• 5 years business process management or finance experience, preferably in Logistics industry
• Education: University degree holder
• Professional qualification/certification in Logistics/Finance/Business preferred

We offer:

• Opportunities in a global company where you can contribute your ideas and skills to move towards our shared goals.
• Possible further career development
• Competitive salary

Why join DHL Global Forwarding?

We are part of Deutsche Post DHL, the world’s leading logistics provider with operations in over 220 countries. Visit our career site on the web at https://www.logistics.dhl/us-en/home/careers.html

Our TOP EMPLOYER prestigious certification attests to our best-in-class efforts to attract and retain talent by fostering a positive work environment and encouraging personal and professional development among employees. The development of talented women in our organization will be a focus for us and an important part of our DGF Strategy 2025.

We aspire to become the undisputed leader in our industry, when people think of forwarding; we want them to think DGF because we have:

• The largest global network with more than :30,000 passionate employees
• The most efficient processes and fastest response times
• The best solutions and best customer service

Our Vision: The Logistics Company for the World.

Our Mission: Excellence. Simply Delivered.

Our Purpose: Connecting People, improving lives.

Our Values: Respect & Results

Our Goals: Employer, Provider, and Investment of Choice, Living Responsibility

DHL Global Forwarding is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.