Assistant Operations Manager - Airfreight

Location: Polar Park, Heathrow

Salary: £36,000 (starting), rising to £38,000 after successful 6-month probation

Working Days: Sunday to Thursday

Working Hours: 18:00 - 04:00 (1-hour unpaid break)

Contractual Hours: 45 hours per week

Our Client is a leading airfreight company based in Heathrow, seeking a proactive and driven Assistant Operations Manager to support the management of their night shift warehouse operations. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic logistics environment and play a pivotal role in overseeing efficient warehouse operations while ensuring compliance with health and safety, security, and aviation standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Night Shift Operations Management: Assist in the management of all warehouse operations during the night shift, ensuring resources are effectively allocated and the operation runs smoothly.
• Team Leadership: Supervise and manage staff, ensuring high levels of service for both internal and external customers. Foster a strong, positive team culture.
• Resource Allocation & Planning: Proactively manage resources to ensure the operational service is met efficiently. Develop and communicate contingency plans when necessary.
• Housekeeping & Safety: Ensure that the warehouse is kept clean, safe, and tidy at all times. Maintain high standards of health & safety, ensuring compliance with legislation.
• Process Improvement: Assist in refining current procedures and work practices to improve operational efficiency.
• Cost Management: Ensure optimal staff deployment to minimize overtime and reduce operational costs.
• Compliance & Security: Oversee compliance with aviation security and safety regulations, ensuring staff follow CAA guidance regarding freight, paperwork, and security protocols.
• Driver & Vehicle Support: Provide support to the transport team, including assisting with driver manifests, vehicle breakdowns, and maintenance issues. Ensure safe and secure vehicle operations.
• Communication & Handover: Provide regular updates to senior management on progress and any operational issues. Ensure smooth handovers at the end of shifts with written and verbal communication.
• KPI Management: In the future, you will be responsible for reporting against KPIs, with a focus on improving operational efficiency and team performance.
• Flexibility: Be prepared to cover holidays and peak volumes, with flexibility in working days and on-call duties as required.

Experience & Qualifications:

• Proven experience in the logistics or airfreight sector, with supervisory experience.
• In-depth knowledge of logistics, freight forwarding, and aviation security.
• Strong ability to handle pressure and unforeseen circumstances in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexibility in working hours and a willingness to work weekends, evenings, and on-call as needed.
• Current Fork Lift Licence (essential).
• Excellent people management, communication, and influencing skills.
• Organised with excellent planning abilities and a keen eye for detail.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining high standards.

Core Attributes:

• Energetic, motivated, and professional with a positive attitude.
• High level of personal and team organisation, with strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrable ability to work well both independently and as part of a team.
• A "hands-on" and proactive problem solver, with a commitment to operational excellence.
• Strong communicator, able to interact effectively at all levels within the organisation.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.

Why Join Our Client?

This is a fantastic opportunity to work with one of the leading companies in the airfreight sector at Heathrow. As Assistant Operations Manager, you will have the chance to develop your career, improve operational practices, and make a significant impact on a fast-paced and growing business.

If you are a proactive, motivated individual with a strong logistics background and leadership skills, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today and take the next step in your career with our client!