DHL—Manager - Operations

Job description

Description: Job Title Manager Function Operations Reports To Location Head Location Panvel Travel Required 25% ​þ​ 50% ​☐​ 75% ​☐​ About DHL Blue Dart Express India: Blue Dart Express Limited, a listed company, is a leader in courier, integrated air express package distribution, and eCommerce in South Asia, offering a wide range of logistics solutions. Founded in 1983, it is recognised for reliable, time-bound, and secure delivery services across 55,000+ locations in India as well as internationally. Its competencies span across evaluation and contracting, planning and transition, delivery and execution, and specific service capabilities. We pride ourselves on innovation, digitalization, service excellence, and creating long-term partnerships with our clients, enabling businesses to thrive in the fast-paced logistics environment and ever-evolving supply-chains. It wholly-owns India’s only scheduled air cargo airline, Blue Dart Aviation Limited, since May 1994, and the Concorde Air Logistics Limited, a transport, storage, and communications business, since May 2004.  Blue Dart Express Limited is a part of the DHL Group's DHL eCommerce division, leveraging this global logistics leader’s network across 220 countries and territories to provide comprehensive express and logistics solutions to our clients. Our robust network and unmatched infrastructure have positioned the Blue Dart brand as a key India-grown logistics player with an unmatched and phenomenal global outreach rooted in the DHL brand of its majority shareholder.  We are proud to be consistently ranked among India’s Top 100 Great Places to Work, combining it with DHL Group’s Top Employer certification. Being an Employer of Choice is not just a goal; it’s a fundamental part of who we are, committed to creating a workplace where people are valued, empowered, and wear the sobriquet “Blue Darter” with honour.   If you are looking to join a purpose-led, people-first, company that shapes India’s supply-chains with integrity and safety, Blue Dart is where you belong. Blue Dart offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, access to cross-functional, succession planning and global career paths, and strong culture of recognition.   Position Overview: Regional Surface Hub Manager role is accountable for the operational performance, throughput, productivity, safety, and service quality of Surface Hub Operations across assigned regional hubs. Owns inbound and outbound operations, shipment processing, manpower productivity, infrastructure readiness, and operational compliance to ensure seamless movement of shipments across the Surface Network. Leads Hub Operations teams and drives standardized execution, operational discipline, damage prevention, safety compliance, and continuous improvement while ensuring alignment with regional network requirements and customer service commitments. This role operates as a regional execution and governance function, working closely with Regional Surface Fleet & Network Manager, Regional Senior Manager – PUD Operations, CPU Operations, Air Operations, Engineering, Finance, Commercial, and HR teams to deliver safe, reliable, and cost-efficient hub operations. Job Purpose: To build and operate high-performing Surface Hub Operations by driving throughput, turnaround time, shipment quality, safety, manpower productivity, and infrastructure utilization while ensuring seamless connectivity across the regional logistics network. Key Roles & Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership - Execute regional Surface Hub strategies aligned with operational objectives, customer SLAs, and business growth. - Translate regional operational initiatives into effective hub execution plans and drive continuous improvement. - Ensure alignment of hub operations with regional network priorities and operational governance. Leadership - Lead and manage Hub Operations teams, ensuring alignment to productivity, service quality, safety, and operational excellence objectives. - Build leadership capability, succession planning, and operational bench strength while fostering a high-performance culture. - Drive employee engagement, performance management, and adherence to organizational policies and operational standards. Operational Excellence - Own and govern inbound, outbound, sorting, loading, unloading, and dispatch operations to achieve throughput and turnaround time targets. - Optimize manpower deployment, shift planning, dock utilization, and equipment usage to improve operational efficiency. - Monitor operational performance, identify bottlenecks, and implement corrective actions to improve productivity and service quality. Hub Infrastructure & Resource Management - Ensure optimum utilization and operational readiness of hub infrastructure, docks, conveyors, scanners, MHE, and other operational equipment. - Plan manpower and operational resources based on shipment volumes, business forecasts, and peak season requirements. - Coordinate preventive maintenance and infrastructure improvements with Engineering teams to ensure uninterrupted operations. - Ability to source, negotiate and deploy large workforce service partners Damage Control, Safety & Compliance - Drive damage prevention initiatives through standardized shipment handling, loading, unloading, and storage practices. - Ensure compliance with EHS standards, safety protocols, statutory requirements, and operational SOPs across all hub activities. - Conduct regular safety audits, incident reviews, and corrective action plans to minimize operational risks and improve workplace safety. Cost Optimization & Productivity - Improve hub productivity and PPH through manpower optimization, process standardization, and efficient resource utilization. - Monitor operational costs and identify opportunities to improve efficiency while maintaining service quality. - Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce handling errors, operational waste, and processing costs. Process Re-engineering & Continuous Improvement - Lead Lean and Continuous Improvement initiatives to improve throughput, operational efficiency, and service quality. - Standardize operational practices and drive digital adoption across Surface Hub Operations. - Implement best practices and monitor realization of productivity and quality improvements. Stakeholder & Governance - Collaborate with Regional Surface Fleet & Network Manager to ensure timely vehicle placement, dispatch planning, and network connectivity. - Coordinate with Regional Senior Manager – PUD Operations, CPU Operations, Air Operations, Commercial, Engineering, Finance, HR, and Network Planning teams for seamless end-to-end operations. - Act as the regional SME for Surface Hub Operations during operational reviews, audits, and governance forums Qualifications & Experience: - Education: Bachelor's degree (Engineering / Operations / Supply Chain preferred); MBA/PG desirable. - Experience: 8–10 years of experience in logistics operations with strong exposure to Surface Hub Operations, Distribution Centres, Warehousing, Cross-dock Operations, or Transportation Networks. - Proven experience in managing high-volume operational facilities, leading large operational teams, and driving productivity, safety, and service excellence across multiple shifts. - Exposure to manpower planning, hub infrastructure management, process optimization, damage prevention, and operational compliance preferred. - Preferred Industries: Express Logistics, Transportation, Warehousing, 3PL, eCommerce Logistics, Supply Chain. Skills & Capabilities: Technical Skills: - Surface Hub Operations Management - Shipment Processing & Dock Operations - Manpower Planning & Shift Management - Hub Infrastructure & MHE Management - Damage Prevention & Quality Control - Safety, EHS & Regulatory Compliance - Productivity & Cost Optimization - Operational Analytics & Continuous Improvement - Data analysis and data lead governance Key Competencies: - Leadership & Team Management - Operational Excellence - Customer Focus - Data-driven Decision Making - Stakeholder Management - Problem Solving & Execution Excellence - Change Management Key Performance Indicators: Key Result Areas Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Hub Throughput Shipments Processed, Throughput per Hour Turnaround Time Hub TAT, Vehicle Loading & Unloading TAT Productivity Shipments per Man-hour, Dock Productivity Shipment Quality Miss-sort %, Processing Accuracy Damage Control Damage %, Claims %, Loss Prevention Service Performance Dispatch Compliance, Cut-off Adherence Infrastructure & Resource Utilization MHE Availability, Infrastructure Utilization, Manpower Utilization Cost Efficiency Cost per Shipment Processed Safety & Compliance EHS Score, Safety Audit Compliance, Incident Reduction Continuous Improvement CI Projects Delivered & Benefits Realized People & Culture Employee Engagement, Attrition, Training Completion Why join DHL Blue Dart? When you join us, you’re not just taking a job—you’re becoming part of a purpose-led movement that’s reshaping the future of logistics across India and the world. At Blue Dart, we don’t just deliver parcels—we deliver excellence, innovation, and opportunity every day. Here’s what makes us stand out: - Great Place to Work® Certified—a testament to our people-first culture, inclusive environment, and commitment to your growth and well-being. - Competitive pay and performance-linked rewards that truly recognize your impact. - Structured learning, global exposure, and on-the-job coaching to help you grow faster than ever. - Best-in-class benefits—from comprehensive medical cover (including optional parental care) to financial wellness and generous time off. - A culture that celebrates diversity, innovation, and bold thinking—where your voice is heard and your contributions matter. - Global career paths across the DHL Group, opening doors to opportunities in 220+ countries and territories. - The pride of working with India’s most awarded logistics brand, trusted by millions and driven by purpose. This is your chance to do meaningful work, build a career without borders, and thrive in a company that’s not just a logistics leader—but a Great Place to Work. Come grow with us. Disclaimer: At Blue Dart Express Limited, all recruitment is conducted through a fair, transparent, and merit-based process aligned with our commitments to Human Rights and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB). Blue Dart does not request or accept any fees, deposits, or payments from candidates at any stage of the recruitment or onboarding process. Any such request is fraudulent and unauthorized. Blue Dart shall not be responsible for any loss arising from such fraudulent activity. For verification, candidates may write to bdjobs@bluedart.com. Skills: surface hub operations management, shipment processing, manpower planning, dock operations, hub infrastructure management, mhe management, damage prevention, safety compliance, ehs standards, operational analytics, continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, process optimization, operational compliance, team leadership, performance management, stakeholder management, change management, problem solving, data analysis, operational governance, resource utilization, cost optimization, dispatch planning, quality control, operational excellence