Head of Operations

DHL; Stoke-on-Trent; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A global logistics leader in Stoke-on-Trent is seeking a dynamic Head of Operations to lead a high-performing warehouse. The role involves leveraging automation and data to drive efficiency and manage budgets while developing teams. Ideal candidates should possess experience in transformation, strong leadership capabilities, and proven expertise in automated environments. Competitive benefits include a Company Car or Allowance, enhanced pension contributions, and 24/7 support services. Applications are encouraged early, with interviews commencing the week of December 15th.

Benefits

Access to Company Car or Car Allowance scheme

Enhanced pension contributions

Free confidential 24/7 GP Service

Hundreds of discounts including Retail and Gym

Affordable loans

Employee support service with counseling

Qualifications

• Experience leading automation-driven improvements and operational enhancements.
• Hands-on experience in automated warehouse operations.
• Capability to build and inspire high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational performance by monitoring KPIs and service levels.
• Engage with senior stakeholders to influence strategy.
• Drive innovation and efficiency through automation and data analytics.

Skills

Experience in transformation and change management

Proven expertise in automated warehouse operations

Strong leadership capability

Track record of delivering results in complex environments

Analytical and data-driven mindset

Commercial acumen and influencing skills

Exceptional communication and relationship management 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.

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.