Senior Manager Flight Operations, Global Network & Performance

Senior Manager Flight Operations, Global Network & Performance

Reporting to: VP, Head of Flight Operations & Global Network

RCS Grade: H

Location: Bonn (global responsibility) but open to discuss

Role Purpose

The Flight Operations Manager supports the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of DHL’s global air network. The role focuses on network and operations analysis, performance steering, and continuous improvement, translating data and operational insights into concrete recommendations that support global decision‑making.

The position acts as a key interface between flight operations, network planning, warehouse handling interfaces, performance management, and transformation initiatives, contributing directly to operational execution and strategic aviation projects across DHL’s global network.

Key Responsibilities

Network & Route Analysis

• Prepare and review route studies, simulations, and cost comparisons
• Analyze network structures, operational constraints, and cost drivers
• Support decisions related to schedules, frequencies, aircraft utilization, and network design
• Develop and assess business cases for operational and network initiatives

Performance Steering & Analytics

• Build, enhance, and maintain dashboards and analytical tools to support global decision‑making
• Monitor and analyze key operational and financial KPIs (e.g. reliability, punctuality, utilization, productivity, cost efficiency)
• Identify performance gaps and conduct structured root‑cause analysis
• Translate analytical findings into clear recommendations and improvement actions

Benchmarking & Optimization

• Run benchmarks across regions, fleets, and operational processes
• Identify optimization opportunities and support implementation of improvement initiatives
• Contribute to the development and harmonization of operational standards and best practices
• Support continuous improvement across global flight operations

Operational Support Interfaces

• Support warehouse handling concepts and performance interfaces linked to flight operations
• Contribute to messaging, procedures, and coordination for dedicated tail flying
• Ensure alignment between airside operations and ground handling requirements

Collaboration & Team Development

• Work closely with regional flight operations, network planning, warehouse operations, finance, safety, and IT
• Operate effectively in an international, cross‑regional environment

Required Profile

Education & Experience

• University degree in Aviation, Engineering, Economics, Logistics, Operations, or a related field
• 5+ years of experience in flight operations, network planning, aviation analytics, or operational performance roles
• Solid understanding of global aviation networks and operational cost drivers

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and structured problem‑solving skills
• Experience with simulations, operational modeling, and cost analysis
• Ability to translate complex data into clear management messages
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Solid project management capabilities

Technical Skills

• Advanced Excel and analytical modeling skills
• Experience with BI and visualization tools (e.g. Power BI, Tableau, or similar)
• Affinity for automation, dashboards, and continuous improvement
• Understanding of operational KPIs and network performance steering

Personal Attributes

• Curious, proactive, and solution‑oriented mindset
• Comfortable working in complex, international environments
• High level of ownership and accountability
• Strong interest in aviation, logistics, operations, and transformation

Development & Career Opportunities

• Deep exposure to DHL’s global aviation network and senior leadership
• Hands‑on involvement in critical operational and network decisions
• Strong visibility in strategic aviation and transformation initiatives
• Solid platform for future roles in:
• Senior Flight Operations Management
• Global Network Leadership
• Aviation Strategy or Transformation
• Program or Project Leadership

What’s in It for the Role Holder?

The Flight Operations Manager role offers the opportunity to actively shape DHL’s global air network through analytics, operational insight, and continuous improvement. The role combines hands‑on operational relevance with strategic exposure and provides a strong stepping stone toward broader leadership roles within global aviation operations.