Operations Manager Review

I currently work as part of the Ops team on site. I'm involved with projects as well as the day-to-day operational running of a shift of managers. I liaise with the customer on a daily basis by providing key operational updates throughout the day. As part of the wider Ops team I am also responsible for ensuring we run in line with our daily headcount plans so as to ensure we stay in line with our weekly budget. More recently I have become involved with managing the training requirements onsite too.

Since starting my apprenticeship I have developed a wide range of skills to help me carry out my role successfully. My confidence has grown massively since I first began working; the sheer number of people I meet and speak with on a daily basis has forced me to become more confident and assertive. I was also given a team of colleagues fairly early on too, and having to give a shift brief to them everyday also helped me to develop my ability to present in front of large groups. Initially I was extremely nervous, but it has now become something that is merely a part of my everyday routine. Overall this has hugely contributed to my ability to communicate effectively and get my point across.

Everyday is different, each day brings new challenges and new opportunities to learn; this stops to job getting tedious or predictable. We have a great team on site who pull together to ensure everything gets done, everyone is more than happy to help and that really makes for an enjoyable experience.

The program is structured enough to give you support, but 'free-flowing' enough for you to be able to drive it in the direction you desire. Providing the site can support, you can specialize in a variety of fields from Operations, Projects, CI or Transport. Placements usually last around 18 months at a site however, you can choose to stay for a shorter/longer period of time if you wish.

Overall DHL have been very supportive of the programme. In my experience the 20% off the job study time is allocated as 1 day a week; for this day the business will allow you to study from home in order to ensure you stay on top of your weekly content.

The Open University support is always there if you need it. You can contact your OU tutor via email or phone at any point in the week. We also have quarterly reviews in order to make sure we are on track to meet the assignment dates. Under mitigated circumstances extensions can also be provided if a valid reason is given.

Depending on the type of role you are carrying out, the programme will have varying amounts of relevance to your day to day role. Where the programme covers such a wide range of topics, from marketing to finance, it is inevitable that not all of the content will help you in your everyday working life. What the programme does do, is provide you with an overall understanding of how businesses work, and to give you the foundations to move forward.

Social activities, sports teams etc. are few and far between however, this will be site specific and based on the individual team members you work with. With regards to networking events, these often come in the form of the emerging talent events that are put on several times a year. These gatherings are often attended by several members of the senior leadership team within DHL UK&I, this gives apprentices and graduates a great opportunity to meet and speak with senior members within the business.

Yes

The business is so huge, you can progress in a whole host of different career paths if you choose. Not only this but the locations you can choose to work are truly global. Whilst the apprenticeship is offered solely in the UK, once completed you can choose to move anywhere in the world. What's more the people within DHL are genuinely invested in growing the talent within their business; they want to see you succeed and will do their best to help you achieve your goals.

Research the company, find out some general background information surrounding the business' inception and how it came to be the largest logistics provider in the world. Ask about the company's response to COVID-19, this will show an understanding current affairs and acknowledging the impact in can and will continue to have on businesses across the globe. Lastly, confidence is key, believe in your ability and the assessors will be able to see it; if you don't believe in your ability then others won't either.