Head of Department (Back of House)

Aviation & Travel; England; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading logistics company in the UK is seeking a Head of Department (Back of House) to oversee operations, ensuring safety and efficiency at Luton Airport. The role involves leading a large team, managing performance, and implementing operational changes. Candidates should have proven senior operations leadership experience and a commitment to safety and excellence. The position offers flexible working options and benefits like pension contributions and 24/7 GP consultations.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Pension scheme with employer contribution

24/7 GP consultations

Retail and lifestyle discounts

Qualifications

• Proven senior operations leader in fast-paced environments.
• Confident leader inspiring large teams and setting clear direction.
• Inclusive leader with focus on engagement and wellbeing.

Responsibilities

• Lead Back of House operations ensuring safety and efficiency.
• Champion health and safety culture across all operational areas.
• Manage a workforce of 200+ colleagues and improve performance.

Skills

Senior operations leadership

People management

Change management

Strong communication skills

Teamwork

Job description

Overview

Pay Rate: £50,000 up to £55,000 depending on experience
Grade: RCS K
Contract Type: Permanent (Full-Time)
Shift patterns: Monday to Friday (flexible for earlies and lates)
Location: Luton Airport, Luton
PLEASE NOTE: The role is based within an airport and a security/background check is required if you are successful for this position.

Think you know DHL? Think again! DHL Supply Chain is the world’s leading logistics company, providing ground handling services at numerous UK airports. We are seeking a Head of Department (Back of House) to lead the Back of House operations and help ensure successful flight operations.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership for Back of House (BOH) operations, including ramp, Turnaround Operations, Dock (baggage handling) and pushback, ensuring safe, efficient, and high‑performing service delivery.
• Champion a strong health and safety culture, ensuring regulatory compliance and embedding safe systems of work across all operational areas.
• Lead and develop a workforce of 200+ colleagues and operational managers, driving accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Attend customer meetings and represent DHL at stakeholder meetings, setting strategic direction and driving efficiencies and operational excellence.
• Drive performance through effective people management, engagement initiatives, and robust attendance and absence control.
• Partner with senior stakeholders to deliver operational change, optimise resources, and support key business objectives.

Qualifications and Experience

• Proven senior operations leader delivering high performance in complex, fast-paced environments.
• Confident, visible leader able to inspire large, multisite teams and set clear direction.
• Change-driven and improvement-focused, with a strong commitment to safety and operational excellence.
• Inclusive people leader experienced in managing managers, driving engagement, performance, and wellbeing.
• Calm, resilient decision maker in high-pressure operational settings.
• Proud brand ambassador with a strong focus on safety, teamwork, and customer service.
• Aviation experience desirable but not essential.
• Full UK manual driving licence essential.

Security and Compliance

• To obtain a full airside ID, you must provide five years’ address history.
• Provide five years’ reference history (employment/education/benefit claim/character).
• Pass a pre-employment Drug and Alcohol test.

Why Join Us

• Flexible working options – ask about alternative patterns at interview.
• Join our pension scheme with 8% employer contribution and 4% employee contribution.
• Free confidential 24/7 GP consultations, discounts, and financial wellbeing benefits.
• Access to retail and lifestyle discounts, loans, savings schemes, and mortgage advice.
• Visit the DHL Careers site to learn more about opportunities.

About DHL

We are the global leaders in supply chain management with 188,000 people in over 50 countries, delivering for customers across industries including retail, automotive, healthcare, and more. DHL is committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone’s skills and experiences matter and where you can be your true self every day.