Regional Director - Operations & Strategy

DHL Germany; Manchester; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading logistics company is seeking to hire a Regional Operations Leader in Manchester. This crucial role involves strategic leadership, achieving business objectives, and overseeing customer-centric operations across the northern UK. The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of relevant experience, be fluent in English, and possess strong financial acumen. The company emphasizes a diverse workplace and offers opportunities for career development.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in senior operations or strategic management roles, ideally in logistics or forwarding.
• Proven experience in leading multi-site operations and large teams.
• Strong financial acumen and strategic thinking.
• Fluent in English.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute regional strategy in alignment with national goals.
• Champion customer-centric operations and ensure service quality.
• Oversee logistics operations across multiple sites for efficiency.
• Achieve regional EBIT targets through effective cost control.
• Inspire and develop high-performing teams through engagement.

Skills

Strategic Planning & Execution

Operations & Supply Chain Management

Customer Relationship Management

Financial Planning & Budgeting

Change Leadership & Transformation

Stakeholder Management & Negotiation

People Development & Leadership

Process Improvement & Technology Adoption

Safety, Compliance & Risk Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

Role Overview

To lead regional Station operations and strategic initiatives across the northern UK region, ensuring delivery of business objectives in market share, customer excellence, profitability, and people development. This role combines high-level operational oversight with strategic leadership, driving transformation and continuous improvement aligned with DHL’s global strategy and DGF’s Simplify 7 Growth Levers.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Business Growth

• Define and execute regional strategy in alignment with national and global business goals.
• Lead complex operational projects and partnerships with significant business impact.
• Drive market share growth through customer retention, acquisition, and innovation.
• Represent the region in national forums and contribute to UK-wide strategic planning.
• Responsibility for managing the financial performance of the region with a strong emphasis on P&L accountability.

Customer Excellence

• Champion customer-centric operations, ensuring service quality exceeds expectations.
• Lead customer reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support onboarding and integration of key accounts, ensuring seamless transitions.

Operational Management

• Oversee logistics operations across multiple sites, ensuring efficiency and scalability.
• Monitor and adjust operational capacities to meet evolving business demands.
• Implement best-in-class practices and technologies to enhance productivity.

Financial Accountability

• Achieve regional EBIT targets through effective cost control and revenue growth.
• Lead budget planning, forecasting, and investment proposals.
• Monitor KPIs and drive performance against financial and operational benchmarks.

People & Culture

• Inspire and develop high-performing teams through Employee Engagement and Leadership Attributes (Head, Heart, Guts and Bite).
• Ensure consistent application of people processes to attract, retain, and grow talent.
• Promote a culture of safety, inclusion, and continuous learning.

Compliance & Change Management

• Ensure adherence to statutory and company policies across all sites.
• Lead change management initiatives including digital transformation and process renewal.
• Drive implementation of the First Choice programme and DGF IT Renewal Roadmap.
• Foster a strong H&S culture which prioritises the wellbeing of employees.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including senior leaders and service providers.
• Influence cross-functional teams and lead negotiations where required.
• Act as a trusted advisor and ambassador for DHL in industry forums.

Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• 8+ years in senior operations or strategic management roles, ideally in logistics or forwarding.
• Proven experience in leading multi-site operations and large teams.
• Strong financial acumen and strategic thinking.
• Fluent in English.

• Strategic Planning & Execution
• Operations & Supply Chain Management
• Customer Relationship Management
• Financial Planning & Budgeting
• Change Leadership & Transformation
• Stakeholder Management & Negotiation
• People Development & Leadership
• Process Improvement & Technology Adoption
• Safety, Compliance & Risk Management

HOURS/SHIFT PATTERN: 37.5 hours per week

REPORTS TO: Managing Director UK & Ireland

What’s Next?

If you would like to be considered for this position, then please apply using the jobs board with a copy of your CV outlining your experience to date and suitability for the role.

DHL is the leading globalbrand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows.

Our culture is focused on personal commitment – to our customers, to each other, to our communities and to the environment. We reward excellent work and we nurture the talents of our employees. This enables you as an employee to develop your expertise and your career in different areas or divisions – and even in other countries.

We are committed to creating a workplace that ensures mutual respect and is focused on results. We hire talented people from all backgrounds – irrespective of gender, disability, nationality, ethnicity, social background, religion and beliefs, age or sexual orientation and identity. Diversity enriches our workplace, drives our success, and helps us deliver excellence.