Warehouse Operative - Military veterans preferred

Warehouse Operative

Who is DHL Global Forwarding?

DHL Global Forwarding (DGF) is part of the DHL Group.  While the DHL Group employs more than 580,000 people globally, DGF has around 31,000 freight forwarding experts in more than 190 countries around the world, with around 1,000 of us based in the UK across 15 Sites.  As the experts in Freight Forwarding since 1815, we are the global specialists in Air, Ocean and Rail Freight.

You name it, we’ve shipped it - from brown bears to aircraft engines, to lifesaving medicines and luxury cars! We are also proud to partner with some of the well-known global sporting series, movie franchises and music tours.

Our people are at the heart of what we do, and we’re committed to helping our Forwarders to realise their full potential, supported by our own development journey - Certified International Forwarder

(CIF).

Our Values

Every day we are guided by our values: Passion, Entrepreneurship, Excellence and Teamwork.

We are extremely passionate about our people and what we do, which is why DHL Global Forwarding is recognised as a Top Employer and a Great Place to Work, because we are specialists in providing Excellence, Simply Delivered.

In addition to our values, we promote an open and honest feedback culture based on Respect & Results, whereby our employees embrace diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, while ensuring that we never compromise our integrity and compliance.

Role Overview

We are looking for a reliable and aviation security-cleared Warehouse Operative to join our air cargo and exports team. This is a hands-on operational role that involves unloading trucks, sorting cargo by destination, X-raying freight for security purposes, and building shipments into Unit Load Devices (ULDs) for airline transport. You will also assist the London Exports Department with general warehouse support and export preparation duties.

Due to the nature of the role, candidates must hold or be eligible for aviation security CO clearance.

Key Responsibilities:

Air Cargo & Warehouse Operations:

• Unload inbound freight from road vehicles and check against manifests.
• Sort cargo by airline, flight, or final destination.
• Conduct X-ray screening of air cargo in accordance with CAA/DFT aviation security standards.
• Build cargo into ULDs following airline specifications, ensuring correct weight distribution and secure packing.
• Wrap, label, and prepare shipments for dispatch.
• Follow all security procedures and maintain a clean, organized work area.

                Exports & E-commerce Support:

• Assist the London Exports team with preparation of goods for export.
• Pack, weigh, and label export and e-commerce consignments.
• Ensure accurate documentation (e.g., AWBs, export declarations) is attached to relevant shipments.
• Support basic stock control and assist in organizing outbound orders

 Skills and Experience:

Essential:

• Must hold or be eligible to obtain aviation security training/certification Cargo Operative (CO).
• Previous experience in air cargo, freight handling, or airport logistics.
• Understanding of warehouse procedures including ULD build-up, X-ray screening, and cargo handling.
• Physically fit and capable of manual handling duties.
• Punctual, dependable, and team oriented.
• Basic IT skills for shipment and stock processing. High level of attention to detail and commitment to safety/security.
• Team player with a proactive and flexible approach.
• Good communication skills and the ability to follow procedures.
• Calm under pressure and deadline oriented

Desirable:

• Valid forklift license (counterbalance or reach truck).
• Experience working with airfreight documentation and export controls.

 Benefits:

• A competitive salary
• Generous holiday entitlement
• Eligibility to participate in the Employee Incentive Bonus Scheme
• Pension scheme which includes life assurance
• Access to professional employee assistance and wellbeing programme
• A competitive package of voluntary benefits including retail, entertainment, gym membership, cycle to work scheme, contribution to eye care costs, and many more discounts
• Training and Development opportunities with a strong focus on internal promotion

Please note: Due to the nature of our business we are regulated by the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority), therefore it is compulsory for all applicants once offered employment to provide a full 5 year employment history.  Additional to this we are required to carry out a Criminal Record Check.

HOURS/SHIFT PATTERN: Tues – Sat, 0700-1500

Please be aware shift patterns may vary depending on operational demand.

Overtime opportunities may be available.

What’s Next?

If you would like to be considered for this position, then please apply via our with a copy of your CV outlining your experience to date and suitability for the role.

DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows.

Our culture is focused on personal commitment – to our customers, to each other, to our communities and to the environment. We reward excellent work and we nurture the talents of our employees. This enables you as an employee to develop your expertise and your career in different areas or divisions – and even in other countries.

We are committed to creating a workplace that ensures mutual respect and is focused on results. We hire talented people from all backgrounds – irrespective of gender, disability, nationality, ethnicity, social background, religion and beliefs, age or sexual orientation and identity. Diversity enriches our workplace, drives our success, and helps us deliver excellence.