Head of Operations

DHL Germany; Stoke-on-Trent; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading logistics company is seeking a dynamic Head of Operations in Stoke-on-Trent to manage a high-performing warehouse environment. The role involves ensuring operational excellence, driving automation initiatives, and collaborating with senior stakeholders to enhance service delivery. Ideal candidates will possess strong leadership skills, experience in automated operations, and an analytical mindset. Competitive benefits include a company car scheme and enhanced pension contributions. Join us to shape the future of supply chain operations.

Benefits

Access to Company Car or Car Allowance scheme

Enhanced pension contributions

Free confidential 24/7 GP Service

Hundreds of discounts

Affordable loans

Qualifications

• Proven expertise in leading automation-driven improvements.
• Experience with WMS/WCS systems and tech-enabled environments.
• Track record of delivering results in high-volume settings.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational performance by monitoring KPIs and service levels.
• Engage with senior stakeholders to influence strategic direction.
• Drive innovation by leveraging automation and data analytics.
• Champion a safety-first culture in compliance with standards.
• Manage budgets and develop robust succession plans.
• Develop teams by fostering a culture of accountability.

Skills

Transformation and change management

Automated warehouse operations

Strong leadership capability

Analytical and data-driven mindset

Commercial acumen

Exceptional communication skills

Tools

WMS/WCS systems

Robotics

Job description

Grade: RCS H
Contract Type: Permanent (Full-Time)
Location: Stoke on Trent

Think you know DHL? Think again! We're not just about delivering parcels. DHL Supply Chain is the world's leading logistics company and our people are the unsung heroes who keep the cogs turning and the country running smoothly.

We are looking to hire a dynamic and experienced Head of Operations to lead a high-performing, automated warehouse environment.

This is a pivotal role for an ambitious leader who can balance day-to-day operational excellence with strategic transformation initiatives.

You will leverage cutting-edge automation, data-driven insights, and strong leadership to deliver exceptional service, drive efficiency, and shape the future of our supply chain operations in partnership with our customers.

A TYPICAL DAY MAY INVOLVE

• Lead operational performance by monitoring KPIs, service levels, and automation systems to ensure targets are consistently exceeded.
• Engage with senior stakeholders, acting as a trusted advisor to the customer and influencing strategic direction through insight and commercial acumen.
• Drive innovation and efficiency, leveraging automation and data analytics to deliver cost control and value-added services.
• Oversee strategic projects, collaborating with the customer to identify and execute opportunities for growth and transformation.
• Champion a safety-first culture, ensuring compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards across all operations.
• Manage budgets and resources, reviewing financial performance and developing robust resourcing and succession plans.
• Develop and inspire teams, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and high performance through coaching and mentoring.
• Collaborate across DHL sites, sharing best practices and aligning automation capabilities with customer strategy and service expectations.

THIS ROLE WOULD SUIT PEOPLE WHO

• Experience in transformation and change management, successfully leading automation-driven improvements and operational enhancements.
• Proven expertise in automated warehouse operations, including hands‑on experience with WMS/WCS systems, robotics, and tech-enabled environments.
• Strong leadership capability, with experience in building, developing, and inspiring high-performing teams while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Track record of delivering results in complex, high-volume supply chain settings, balancing operational excellence with strategic initiatives.
• Analytical and data-driven mindset, able to interpret system data and performance dashboards to drive decisions and implement innovative solutions.
• Commercial acumen and influencing skills, with the ability to engage senior stakeholders and align operational strategies with customer objectives.
• Exceptional communication and relationship management skills, ensuring collaboration across internal teams, customers, and external partners.

WHY JOIN US?

• Access to Company Car or Car Allowance scheme
• Enhanced pension contributions
• 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://supplychainjobs.dhl.com/jobs/our-benefits/

WHO WE ARE

We're the global leaders in supply chain management with 188,000 people in over 50 countries. Our expert teams work together to deliver for our customers across a range of industries including retail, automotive, healthcare and more.

BUILDING AN INCLUSIVE WORKPLACE

At DHL, we're all about creating a workplace where everyone's skills and experiences matter, and where you can be your true self every day.

As proud supporters of the Armed Forces Covenant, we value the skills and experience of ex-service personnel and are dedicated to helping our veterans find jobs.

Please be aware that interviews are provisionally scheduled to take place during the week commencing 15th December. 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.