Manager- Ground Operations (GUH)

DHL · Guwahati

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At Blue Dart, we go beyond delivering shipments—we deliver trust, precision, and excellence. As India’s most reliable express logistics provider, we empower commerce by reaching over 56,000+ locations across India and connecting to 220+ countries through our global DHL network. Backed by the strength of DHL Group, we bring together international standards with deep local expertise. Our dedicated Boeing freighter fleet, 12,000+ vehicles, and best-in-class service ensure time-definite delivery that businesses and customers count on every day.

We are proud to be consistently ranked among India’s Top 100 Great Places to Work® and recognized as part of the DHL Group’s Top Employer certification across multiple regions. Being an Employer of Choice is not just a goal—it’s a fundamental part of who we are. We are committed to creating a workplace where people feel valued, empowered, and proud to belong.

If you're looking to join a purpose-led, people-first organization that shapes India’s supply chain with integrity and care—Blue Dart is where you belong.

The SFC Hub Manager is accountable for end-to-end operational performance of an individual Surface Hub, ensuring timely, accurate and cost-efficient movement of shipments across inbound, processing, sorting, staging and outbound linehaul operations.

The role owns day-to-day Surface Hub execution including shipment processing, throughput, turnaround time, manpower deployment, dock and yard operations, vehicle loading and unloading, cut-off adherence, shipment quality, safety and infrastructure readiness.

Leads hub operational teams across shifts and ensures seamless connectivity between upstream pickup / CPU operations and downstream Surface, Air and Last Mile networks.

The role works closely with the Regional SFC Hub Manager and Regional SFC Network & Fleet Manager to ensure timely vehicle placement, dispatch readiness, load consolidation, route connectivity and operational recovery during delays or capacity disruptions.

To manage a safe, reliable and high-performing Surface Hub by ensuring timely shipment processing, accurate sorting, efficient linehaul connectivity, optimum manpower and infrastructure utilization, and adherence to network cut-offs, while continuously improving throughput, productivity, service quality and cost efficiency.

Surface Hub Operational Leadership

• Own day-to-day operational performance of the SFC Hub across all shifts.
• Translate regional network plans, shipment volumes and linehaul schedules into daily hub operating plans.
• Ensure smooth execution of inbound receipt, unloading, sorting, processing, staging, loading and outbound dispatch.
• Maintain operational readiness for scheduled and ad-hoc linehaul movements.
• Ensure seamless handover between the SFC Hub, CPU, PUD, Air and Last Mile operations.
• Proactively escalate capacity, manpower, vehicle or infrastructure risks to the Regional SFC Hub Manager.

Inbound & Outbound Operations

• Ensure timely unloading, processing and clearance of inbound vehicles.
• Manage accurate sorting and staging of shipments for destination-wise dispatch.
• Ensure outbound loads are processed, built and released within network cut-offs.
• Monitor dock utilization, loading sequence and dispatch readiness.
• Prevent avoidable detention, congestion and shipment accumulation.
• Ensure smooth handover to linehaul vehicles and downstream hubs.
• Drive adherence to loading, sealing, documentation and dispatch-control requirements.

Throughput & Turnaround Time Management

• Own hub throughput and processing TAT across all shifts.
• Monitor hourly shipment flow and proactively address bottlenecks.
• Ensure effective load balancing across shifts, docks, processing areas and teams.
• Reduce backlog and ensure timely processing of ageing or exception shipments.
• Improve vehicle turnaround time and dock productivity.
• Drive consistent throughput during peak and seasonal periods.

Linehaul & Network Connectivity

• Ensure adherence to scheduled linehaul departures and network cut-offs.
• Coordinate with the Regional SFC Network & Fleet Manager on vehicle placement, capacity and route requirements.
• Monitor inbound vehicle arrival and outbound dispatch performance.
• Minimize missed connections and avoidable linehaul delays.
• Support contingency planning during vehicle shortages, road disruptions, network delays or sudden volume spikes.
• Ensure optimal synchronization between the hub and upstream/downstream network locations.

People Leadership & Workforce Management

• Lead supervisors, executives, operational staff and outsourced workforce across the SFC Hub.
• Plan shift-wise manpower based on shipment volume and operational workload.
• Ensure efficient manpower deployment across unloading, sorting, processing, loading and support activities.
• Drive attendance, productivity, discipline and accountability across shifts.
• Build team capability through coaching, training and on-the-job development.
• Maintain adequate contingency manpower for peak periods and operational disruptions.
• Promote a high-performance, safety-focused and improvement-oriented culture.

Shipment Quality & Operational Accuracy

• Ensure accurate sorting, scanning, routing and handling of shipments.
• Monitor missorts, misroutes, damages, losses and processing exceptions.
• Drive root-cause analysis and corrective action for recurring quality defects.
• Ensure physical-to-system reconciliation and scan compliance.
• Reduce rework, handling errors and avoidable shipment movement.
• Maintain shipment security and chain-of-custody discipline.

Capacity & Infrastructure Management

• Monitor hub capacity against current and projected shipment volumes.
• Ensure docks, processing areas, material-handling equipment and workstations are operationally ready.
• Coordinate with Engineering / Facilities teams for equipment breakdowns and preventive maintenance.
• Support layout improvements and workflow redesign to improve movement efficiency.
• Identify emerging capacity constraints and recommend infrastructure enhancement.
• Ensure adequate peak-period storage, staging and processing readiness.

Productivity & Cost Management

• Drive shipments-per-man-hour productivity across hub operations.
• Improve dock, manpower and infrastructure utilization.
• Optimize shift deployment, overtime, consumables and support resources.
• Reduce vehicle detention, idle time, excess handling and rework.
• Monitor cost per shipment and identify efficiency opportunities.
• Track operational cost and productivity trends and implement corrective actions.
• Deliver cost improvement without compromising service or safety.

Safety, Security & Compliance

• Ensure strict adherence to Blue Dart operational SOPs, EHS standards and security requirements.
• Maintain safe loading, unloading and material-handling practices.
• Ensure compliance with vehicle, dock and facility safety requirements.
• Conduct regular floor, dock and process audits.
• Drive timely closure of audit observations and corrective actions.
• Maintain housekeeping, workplace safety and equipment-operating discipline.
• Coordinate with Security on shipment loss, damage or operational-risk incidents.

Continuous Improvement & Technology

• Identify recurring bottlenecks and operational failure points.
• Drive root-cause analysis and structured continuous-improvement initiatives.
• Support implementation of scanning, automation and digital operating tools.
• Use operational data to improve throughput, TAT, productivity and service quality.
• Pilot and implement improved operating practices.
• Measure benefits from productivity, process and technology improvements.
• Share successful practices with the Regional SFC Hub Manager for wider replication.

Stakeholder & Governance

• Work closely with the Regional SFC Hub Manager and Regional SFC Network & Fleet Manager.
• Coordinate with CPU, PUD, Air Operations, Last Mile, Engineering, Security, IT, Finance and HR.
• Participate in regional Surface Hub performance reviews.
• Provide accurate daily / weekly operational reporting and risk visibility.
• Escalate network-impacting issues in a timely manner.
• Act as the location SME for Surface Hub operations.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Logistics, Business Administration or related discipline preferred; MBA / PG desirable.
• Experience: 8–11 years of relevant experience in express logistics, Surface Transportation, hub / sort-centre operations, middle-mile logistics, 3PL, eCommerce logistics or high-throughput distribution operations.
• Strong hands-on experience managing inbound, sorting, processing, outbound and linehaul-connected hub operations.
• Proven experience managing medium-to-large operational teams across multiple shifts.
• Strong understanding of network cut-offs, hub throughput, vehicle turnaround and shipment connectivity.
• Experience in manpower planning, productivity improvement and cost optimization.
• Experience handling peak-volume operations and operational contingency planning.
• Exposure to dock operations, material handling, scanning systems and operational technology preferred.
• Strong understanding of safety, process compliance and shipment-quality controls.
• Preferred Industries: Express Logistics, Courier, 3PL, eCommerce Logistics, Surface Transportation, Distribution and Supply Chain Operations.

Technical Competencies:

• Surface Hub / Middle Mile Operations Management
• Inbound & Outbound Processing
• Shipment Sortation & Staging
• Throughput & TAT Management
• Dock & Vehicle Turnaround Management
• Network Cut-off & Dispatch Management
• Shift & Manpower Planning
• Linehaul Connectivity & Coordination
• Capacity & Infrastructure Planning
• Productivity & Cost Management
• Shipment Quality & Scan Compliance
• Safety & Operational Compliance
• Operational Analytics & MIS
• Root Cause Analysis & Continuous Improvement
• Data Analysis and Data-led Governance

Behavioural Competencies:

• Operational Leadership
• Execution Discipline
• Team Leadership & Development
• Data-driven Decision Making
• Problem Solving
• Cross-functional Coordination
• Cost Consciousness
• Safety Orientation
• Continuous Improvement Mindset

When you join us, you’re not just taking a job—you’re becoming part of a purpose-led movement that’s reshaping the future of logistics across India and the world. At Blue Dart, we don’t just deliver parcels—we deliver excellence, innovation, and opportunity every day.

Here’s what makes us stand out:

• Great Place to Work® Certified—a testament to our people-first culture, inclusive environment, and commitment to your growth and well-being.
• Competitive pay and performance-linked rewards that truly recognize your impact.
• Structured learning, global exposure, and on-the-job coaching to help you grow faster than ever.
• Best-in-class benefits—from comprehensive medical cover (including optional parental care) to financial wellness and generous time off.
• A culture that celebrates diversity, innovation, and bold thinking—where your voice is heard and your contributions matter.
• Global career paths across the DHL Group, opening doors to opportunities in 220+ countries and territories.
• The pride of working with India’s most awarded logistics brand, trusted by millions and driven by purpose.

This is your chance to do meaningful work, build a career without borders, and thrive in a company that’s not just a logistics leader—but a Great Place to Work. Come grow with us.

Disclaimer:
At Blue Dart Express Limited, all recruitment is conducted through a fair, transparent, and merit-based process aligned with our commitments to Human Rights and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB).

Blue Dart does not request or accept any fees, deposits, or payments from candidates at any stage of the recruitment or onboarding process. Any such request is fraudulent and unauthorized.

Blue Dart shall not be responsible for any loss arising from such fraudulent activity. For verification, candidates may write to bdjobs@bluedart.com

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