Operations First Line Manager

DHL; Luton; On-site; GBP 43,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading logistics company in Luton Airport is seeking an Operations First Line Manager to ensure successful flight operations and high service levels. The role includes maintaining safety culture, managing HR functions, and engaging with employees. Ideal candidates will have experience in aviation ground handling, team leadership skills, and the ability to manage shift patterns. This position offers competitive benefits including a generous pension scheme and flexible working options.

Benefits

Free parking

Flexible working options

Pension scheme with employer contributions

Free 24/7 GP consultations

Retail and lifestyle discounts

Affordable loans and mortgage advice

Qualifications

• Preferred experience in aviation ground handling.
• Previous experience as a team leader or supervisor.
• Ability to manage HR functions at site level.

Responsibilities

• Ensure delivery of product to service level standards.
• Promote health and safety culture across the site.
• Manage all people-related matters within the operations.

Skills

People management skills

IT literacy

Shift management

HR functions management

Job description

Pay Rate: £42,148
Grade: N
Contract Type: Permanent (Full-Time)
Shift patterns: 6 on 3 off - shift pattern 04:00 - 12:30 / 12.00 - 20:30
Location: Luton Airport - LU2 9LS

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.

Think you know DHL? Think again! We're not just about delivering parcels. DHL Supply Chain is the world's leading logistics company, providing top-notch ground handling services at numerous UK airports. Join us in our mission to deliver excellence in aviation logistics!

We're now looking for an Operations First Line Manager to play an integral role at the heart of our operations, ensuring that every flight is a success.

✅ A TYPICAL DAY MAY INVOLVE

• Ensuring the customer's product is delivered consistently to demanding service level standards and set on time performance targets.
• Maintain and promote H&S culture across the site
• Ownership of all people related matters within the operation from thorough investigations to colleague engagement meetings
• Manage and enhance performance management
• Carry out HR functions as required ensuring compliance with all HR processes and policies including investigations and Grievance management
• Support employee engagement initiatives

✅ THIS ROLE WOULD SUIT PEOPLE WHO

• Preferred experience within aviation ground handling
• Previous experience as a team leader/supervisor
• IT literate
• Ability to manage HR functions at site level
• Strong people management skills
• Hold a valid UK driving license (essential)
• Can work shifts, including weekends and bank holidays

✅ SECURITY PROCESS TO WORK WITHIN AVIATION AND TRAVEL AT DHL

To obtain a full airside ID, you must:

• Be able to provide five years' address history
• Be able to provide five years' reference history (employment/education/benefit claim/character)
• Pass a pre-employment Drug and Alcohol test

✅ WHY JOIN US?

• Free parking
• We're happy to talk about flexible working – just ask about alternative patterns at interview
• Join our generous pension scheme and benefit from an 8% employer contribution, alongside a 4% employee contribution
• Free confidential 24/7 GP consultations
• Hundreds of retail and lifestyle discounts
• Affordable loans, savings schemes and free mortgage advice
• Visit https://careers.dhl.com/global/en/working-at-dhl-supply-chain to learn more

✅ 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 5th January 2026. 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.

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