Duty Manager

DHL Germany; Crawley, Horley; On-site; GBP 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading logistics provider is seeking a Duty Manager at Gatwick Airport to manage daily operations and ensure compliance with company policies. The ideal candidate will have strong management skills, experience in ground handling practices, and the ability to lead a team effectively. This permanent, full-time role offers a competitive pay rate with additional benefits and requires a commitment to safety and operational excellence.

Benefits

Free confidential 24/7 GP service

Discounts on retail, childcare, and gym

Affordable loans and enhanced pension scheme

24/7 employee support service for employees and family

Qualifications

• Strong management knowledge and experience in logistics or aviation operations.
• Ability to inspire, lead, and motivate a large workforce effectively.
• Proven track record of achieving key performance targets in a similar role.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing operational needs and challenges.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations, ensuring compliance with policies and procedures.
• Conduct performance appraisals and team performance discussions.
• Ensure on-time performance targets are consistently met.
• Uphold safety standards and compliance with health regulations.

Skills

Strong management knowledge and experience

Ability to inspire, lead, and motivate a large workforce

Familiarity with ground handling practices

Excellent people and communication skills

Proven leadership abilities

Strong capability to drive policies and procedures

Flexibility to adapt to changing operational needs

Job description

Pay Rate: £45,492.58
Grade: L
Contract Type: Permanent (Full-Time)
Shift patterns: 4 on 4 off days (6am - 6pm) and nights (6pm - 6am)
Location: Gatwick Airport - RH6 0JW

Please be aware that interviews are provisionally scheduled to take place during the week commencing 1st December 2025. Applications received after this date may not be considered but will be added to our talent pool for future opportunities, subject to your consent. Please also be aware that we review applications continuously and where we have a large number of applications the application period may close ahead of the provisional interview date. To ensure your application is considered we recommend submitting it as early as possible.

PLEASE NOTE: The role is based within an airport. You will be required to undergo a security/background check if you are to be successful for this position.

Ready for your career to take off? Did you know that DHL, an award-winning leading supply chain business, also provides ground handling services at many UK airports? We're seeking a Duty Manager to play an integral role in our aviation contract, delivering a first‑class service and achieving fantastic results.

WHAT DOES THE ROLE ENTAIL?

• Manage day-to-day operations, ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Develop and implement consistent processes to maximize colleague utilization while minimizing staff turnover and absenteeism.
• Conduct comprehensive appraisals and performance management in line with the company handbook.
• Facilitate daily shift handovers and conduct face‑to‑face team performance discussions.
• Keep all staff informed of operational issues, company updates, and station operational notices.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues and liaise with the Assistant Operations Manager (APM) to support cross‑departmental operations.
• Ensure on‑time performance targets set by customers are consistently met.
• Conduct staff performance appraisals, 1‑2‑1's and probationary reviews in accordance with company policies.
• Uphold safety standards by completing audits using iAuditor and raising General Safety Reports (GSRs).
• Foster a culture of safety, ensuring compliance with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and its revisions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with third‑party providers.
• Always represent the company in a professional manner.
• Perform any other reasonable duties as requested during shifts.

WHAT DO WE NEED FROM YOU?

We'd love to hear from you if you have the following experience but don't hesitate to apply if you don't tick every box on this page - we're great at spotting talent and potential in everyone:

• Strong management knowledge and experience.
• Ability to inspire, lead, and motivate a large workforce.
• Familiarity with ground handling practices, including baggage handling, cabin appearance, and airside safety (preferred).
• Excellent people and communication skills.
• Proven leadership abilities with a track record of achieving key performance targets.
• Strong capability to drive policies and procedures.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing operational needs.

SECURITY PROCESS TO WORK WITHIN AVIATION AND TRAVEL AT DHL

• Be able to provide five years address history
• Be able to provide five years reference history (employment/education/benefit claim/character)
• To obtain a full airside ID
• Pass a pre‑employment Drug and Alcohol test

WHY CHOOSE US?

As well as competitive pay rates, you will be entitled to an award‑winning range of benefits including:

• Free confidential 24/7 GP service
• Hundreds of discounts (including retail, childcare + gym)
• Affordable loans & enhanced pension scheme
• 24/7 employee support service for you (+ family) with access to free counselling and much more: https://careers.dhl.com/global/en/dsc-benefits

OUR APPROACH TO DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

We will ensure that all our resourcing activities are fair, transparent and consistent across the UK. Find out more about our global approach to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging: https://careers.dhl.com/global/en/diversity

BE AN ESSENTIAL PART OF EVERYDAY LIFE

DHL is the global leader in Supply Chain management and we keep the world moving. Our expert teams work together to deliver for our customers across a range of industries including retail, automotive, healthcare and more, so they can deliver to their customers.

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