Manufacturing Logistics Future Leaders Programme 2025

Founded in 1969, DHL is the world's leading logistics company. Our 395,000 people in over 220 countries and territories work every day to help our customers cross borders, reach new markets and grow their businesses. DHL Supply Chain, part of the DHL Group, is the world's leading logistics provider and by joining DHL Supply Chain, you are joining a company that offers limitless opportunities to grow. DHL Supply Chain has 5 Business Units all of which offer Graduate opportunities, here you read more about working for our Manufacturing Logistics Business unit.   

Who are Manufacturing Logistics?

In Manufacturing Logistics, we do exactly what you'd think - we provide logistics and supply chain solutions to manufacturing companies across various industries. This includes managing inbound logistics (such as transportation of raw materials from suppliers), inventory management, warehousing & distribution, order fulfilment services among others, ensuring that they have the right materials, parts and products at the right time and in the right place. 

We have four ‘pillars' in Manufacturing Logistics

• Passenger Transport – for customers making anything that carries passengers, including planes, boats, and cars.
• Engineering, Manufacturing, Energy and Chemicals – With a focus on future sustainability, we have customers who deal in chemicals and energy, including household names like Network Rail and Shell.
• Jaguar Landrover – partnering the luxury car maker at its UK and Slovakia production facilities.
• Finished Vehicle Solutions – from preparing cars for delivery for Ford and VW Audi Group, to delivering a true VIP experience, including providing VIP cars for both the Queen's funeral and the King's Coronation.

Many of our customers are national and international household names and a significant number produce true luxury items.

What to expect when on the programme

Our UK nationwide Future Leaders Programme is all about developing Senior Leaders of the future in our operations. By working in our warehousing and transport operations we will give you the skills and experience you need to fast track your way through DHL Supply Chain. From day one, you'll take on real responsibility with a supportive culture that helps you get the most out of your time as a Graduate, whilst building on your people and stakeholder management skills and becoming an expert in all things Operations. 

Our Graduate programme in Manufacturing Logistics focuses on delivering a holistic experience of the supply chain from the ground up, to help prepare Graduates for a strong management career, understanding the operation in different areas, how to get the most from the team and how to deliver an exceptional service to our customers.  

• 24 -month structured Programme (2 x 12-month placements) 
• Placements will be based at a minimum of 2 sites across the 2-year programme 
• Completion of Operation Departmental ILM Manager Level 5 Qualification (alongside our internal Certified Supervisory training) 
• Based in Warehouse or Transport Operations 
• Early accountability and fast progression 
• Experience of working within diverse sites and environments 
• Regular performance feedback and personal growth planning through a structured learning plan.  
• Contribute to DHL's sustainability 2050 mission of zero emissions.  
• The opportunity to network with the wider Graduate and Apprentice population. 
• Give back to the community through DHL's Foundation by helping achieve the vision to end youth unemployment  

What kind of work will I do?

• Enhance customer and employee experiences and improve operational performance.
• Support the safe and efficient running of operations.
• Prepare and execute shift handovers.
• Conduct pre-shift meetings and communicate site performance indicators.
• Manage individual and team performance against KPIs.
• Participate in site projects and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
• Learn end-to-end processes at your placement site.
• Engage in CSR activities.
• Manage people and relationships with Customers and Stakeholders.
• Contribute to site development and lead projects.
• Ensure quality and compliance within core processes. 

What skills do I need? 

• A desire to be a People Manager and to guide teams of people through the day-to-day business.
• Do not need to have completed a degree in an associated area (I.e. Supply Chain Management).
• A desire to work with others in a team environment and a willingness to learn.
• A desire to work in operations or transport.

What entry requirements do I need? 

• Fully mobile to relocate within the UK (graduates are required to relocate every 12 months for their placements whilst on the programme). 
• Must hold a valid UK driving license or be self-reliant to travel to multiple sites when required. 
• Eligibility to work in the UK (DHL Supply Chain does not offer visa sponsorships. if you currently have a time-limited visa, you will be asked for your visa end date as part of your application) 
• Must be fluent in English. 
• No minimum degree grade and any degree subject is welcome. 
• As part of the Operation Departmental ILM Manager Level 5 Qualification, you must have lived in the UK or European Economic Area (EEA) for the last 3 consecutive years as it is a government funded apprenticeship programme. 

What's in it for me? 

Compensation 

• Starting Salary: £29,000 per annum, with increases throughout the programme and inclusion in the annual bonus scheme. 
• Relocation Allowance: Up to £1,000 if eligible, depending on placement location. 

Benefits 

• Perks: 25 days holiday, pension scheme, medical cover, childcare vouchers, retail discounts, mental health support, and private GP services. 

Networks 

• Inclusivity: We prioritize diversity across six key pillars: Ability, Ethnic and National origin, Religion, Gender, LGBTQ+, and Generations. Our focus is on Educating, Supporting, and Celebrating diversity. 

Future Prospects 

• Career Growth: Fast-track into management, contribute to our business success, and join our Alumni community post-programme for continued career development. 

Working week:  40 – 42 hours shift patterns will apply and differ depending on your placement.

Application process

Our application process is simple – you'll complete an online application form, then take an online strengths assessment, followed by an online job simulation. Provided you meet the required criteria, you'll then be invited to a virtual programme overview session where you can learn the details about the role you've applied to! If it's still something you're excited about, you'll be invited to an Experience Day (aka Assessment Centre) where we can meet you in person. 

If you decide to make an application, please make a note of the Experience Day date as we only hold one per role.

The Experience Day Date: 12th March 2025

Please note, we receive a high number of applications for our graduate programmes and may close the vacancy early if we're oversubscribed. if you're interested, we recommend submitting your application as soon as possible.

As our Graduate Programmes are permanent positions, it is essential for candidates to have suitable visas that allow them to work without restrictions upon completing the programme. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship at this time.