Road Freight OPS Team Leader

About DHL Global Forwarding:

DHL Global Forwarding, Freight (DGFF) is the air, ocean, and road freight specialist within DHL Group—the world’s leading international logistics provider operating in over 220 countries and territories. DGFF delivers standardized transport networks alongside highly specialized end-to-end supply chain solutions.

Position Purpose:

The Road Freight OPS Team Leader is responsible for coordinating network and transport planning operations to deliver fast, reliable, efficient, and cost-effective overland transportation. Based in Manama, Bahrain, this position leads day-to-day operational schedules, manages third-party transport carriers, enforces safety procedures, and ensures seamless road freight execution aligned with customer expectations and corporate guidelines.

Key Responsibilities & Operational Expectations:

1. Transport Planning & Operational Coordination:

– Draft route plans, load schedules, and consolidation frameworks to maximize freight fill-rates across designated service lanes.

– Choose appropriate transport modes and adjust delivery schedules dynamically in response to operational changes or customer delays.

– Oversee cross-border transit, critical material movements, special deliveries, and customs coordination where required.

– Log, monitor, and update movement records across internal transport planning systems.

2. Carrier Management & Performance Tracking:

– Supervise the regional road carrier network, ensuring consistent service quality, load compliance, and adherence to pallet and claim policies.

– Track subcontractor and carrier performance against established SLAs, safety rules, and service delivery targets.

– Manage delivery exceptions, trace delayed shipments, and coordinate root-cause resolutions with carriers, principals, and customer service teams.

3. Team Leadership & Stakeholder Alignment:

– Set daily operational objectives, schedule work shifts, and coach direct reports to execute transport tasks efficiently.

– Act as a key operational liaison for external service providers, internal specialist departments, and client stakeholders.

– Enforce strict adherence to operational, environmental, and occupational health and safety standards across all road transport and handling activities.

Qualifications, Required Experience & Core Competencies:

– Academic Credentials:

* Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.

– Required Experience:

* Minimum 2+ years of verified operational experience in road freight, transport planning, or freight forwarding.

* Demonstrated background in supervising frontline transport teams, managing carrier networks, or coordinating overland freight workflows.

– Skills & Competencies:

* Strong functional understanding of overland transport regulations, cross-border customs procedures, and carrier management.

* Proficiency in transport management software (TMS), routing software, and MS Office applications.

* Excellent leadership, team guidance, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution capabilities.

* Professional fluency in written and spoken English; Arabic language proficiency is an asset.

Compensation & Benefits Package:

– Competitive salary package tailored to experience in Bahrain.

– Comprehensive medical and life insurance coverage.

– Annual home leave airfare allowances and paid annual leave entitlements.

– Continuous professional development, training programs, and career advancement pathways within the global DHL Group network.