Sr. Director, Gateway Operations

Senior Director, Gateway Operations – JFK

What makes DHL great? Our people. We believe every employee's individual contribution makes us the #1 Delivery and Logistics Company in the world. DHL is consistently recognized as a World's Best Workplace™ by Great Place to Work® and Fortune Magazine.

At DHL, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, empowering environment where employees can make a meaningful impact on our business, on one another, and on the global communities we serve. Beyond competitive compensation, DHL offers comprehensive programs, benefits, and development opportunities that support employees throughout their personal and professional journeys.

Position Summary

DHL Express has an exciting career opportunity for a Senior Director, Gateway Operations – JFK. This executive leadership role is responsible for the overall management, performance, and strategic direction of the JFK Gateway facility.

The Senior Director will ensure full compliance with all legal, regulatory, customs, security, and safety requirements, while delivering operational excellence aligned with DHL's Global Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The role serves as the primary executive liaison among customers, customs brokers, airline partners, internal DHL networks, labor representatives, and government agencies, ensuring seamless and compliant movement of international shipments.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure strict adherence to Health & Safety, Customs, Security, TSA, CBP, and all applicable governmental regulations, as well as DHL quality and compliance standards.
• Maintain full alignment with DHL Global SOPs, PMO, OPMS, and governance frameworks.
• Lead risk mitigation strategies to protect business continuity, safety, service levels, and regulatory compliance.
• Serve as an active member of the U.S. Gateways Senior Management Team, contributing to national and network-wide strategy.
• Provide executive leadership to large, multi-layered operational teams, directly and indirectly influencing multiple management levels.
• Execute long-term strategic initiatives, including network optimization, capacity expansion, and gateway modernization.
• Evaluate, approve, and sponsor capital investments including automation, sortation systems, facility upgrades, and fleet support initiatives.
• Lead the implementation and optimization of sorting technology, scanning solutions, and shipment tracking platforms.
• Partner closely with IT, Engineering, and Innovation teams to deploy automation, data analytics, and AI-driven logistics solutions.
• Oversee workforce planning, labor modeling, scheduling, and productivity optimization.
• Establish productivity metrics (resource-to-workload models) and performance targets aligned with company goals.
• Drive a strong learning and development culture, ensuring all employees receive training to meet operational, regulatory, and leadership standards.
• Recruit, mentor, motivate, and develop senior leadership and subject matter experts; manage performance consistently and equitably.
• Own the JFK Gateway operating budget, ensuring cost-efficient operations aligned with DHL's financial targets and long range forecasts.
• Manage and continuously improve Service Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for safety, service, quality, cost, and productivity.
• Set, measure, and review individual and operational goals to support both performance outcomes and succession planning.
• Partner closely with Labor Relations to ensure consistent, equitable application of collective bargaining agreements.
• Support labor strategy development and participation in future labor negotiations.
• Maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders, including Airlines, Port Authority, ground handling agents, CBP, TSA, and other government agencies to ensure uninterrupted operations.
• Collaborate extensively with U.S. Hubs, Gateways, Pickup & Delivery operations, and the global DHL network to ensure synchronized execution.
• Work closely with the Purchased Air Manager to ensure capacity, cost efficiency, and transit-time commitments are met.
• Design, evaluate, and continuously improve process flows and operational procedures, identifying bottlenecks and implementing sustainable solutions.
• Leverage best practices from other DHL gateways and global entities, driving operational alignment and continuous improvement.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree (BS/BA) in a related discipline; 10+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience within logistics, aviation, gateway, or supply chain operations.
• Proven executive leader with strong strategic, analytical, and creative problem-solving capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex, high-volume, time-critical operations in a regulated environment.
• Inspirational leader with exceptional communication, influence, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong financial acumen with deep understanding of DHL P&Ls, cost controls, and capital investment evaluation.
• Comprehensive knowledge of DHL's network, Global SOPs, PMO, OPMS, and operational governance.
• Extensive knowledge of airline operations, airport facilities, and international gateway processes.
• Track record of achieving and exceeding operational and strategic objectives.
• Highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and ethical leadership.
• Established internal network and cross-functional collaboration experience strongly preferred.

Employee Benefits & Incentives

DHL offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support employees and their families throughout their careers, including:

• Competitive executive compensation
• Annual bonus and incentive programs
• Fuel card
• Retirement savings plan (401(k)) with company match
• Medical, dental, vision, and well-being programs
• Tuition reimbursement
• Generous paid time off (starting at 4 weeks for full-time employees)
• Paid leave programs
• Employee discount programs
• Employee Assistance Program and work-life resources
• World-class leadership and professional development opportunities
• New York Exempt Salary Range $187,950-$250,600

DHL is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. The EEO is the Law poster is available here: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.