Manager – Operations & Aviation Controlling, HQC
| Job Title | Manager – Operations & Aviation Controlling |
| Function | Finance |
| Reports To | Operations Controller |
| Location | Head Office, Mumbai |
| Travel Required | 25% þ 50% ☐ 75% ☐ |
| About DHL Blue Dart Express India: |
Blue Dart Express Limited, a listed company, is a leader in courier, integrated air express package distribution, and eCommerce in South Asia, offering a wide range of logistics solutions. Founded in 1983, it is recognised for reliable, time-bound, and secure delivery services across 55,000+ locations in India as well as internationally. Its competencies span across evaluation and contracting, planning and transition, delivery and execution, and specific service capabilities. We pride ourselves on innovation, digitalization, service excellence, and creating long-term partnerships with our clients, enabling businesses to thrive in the fast-paced logistics environment and ever-evolving supply-chains. It wholly-owns India’s only scheduled air cargo airline, Blue Dart Aviation Limited, since May 1994, and the Concorde Air Logistics Limited, a transport, storage, and communications business, since May 2004.
Blue Dart Express Limited is a part of the DHL Group's DHL eCommerce division, leveraging this global logistics leader’s network across 220 countries and territories to provide comprehensive express and logistics solutions to our clients. Our robust network and unmatched infrastructure have positioned the Blue Dart brand as a key India-grown logistics player with an unmatched and phenomenal global outreach rooted in the DHL brand of its majority shareholder.
We are proud to be consistently ranked among India’s Top 100 Great Places to Work, combining it with DHL Group’s Top Employer certification. Being an Employer of Choice is not just a goal; it’s a fundamental part of who we are, committed to creating a workplace where people are valued, empowered, and wear the sobriquet “Blue Darter” with honour.
If you are looking to join a purpose-led, people-first, company that shapes India’s supply-chains with integrity and safety, Blue Dart is where you belong. Blue Dart offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, access to cross-functional, succession planning and global career paths, and strong culture of recognition.
| Position Overview: |
The Manager – Operations & Aviation Controlling will be responsible for driving financial and operational performance of aviation and operations through effective cost controlling, analytics and business partnering. The role will work closely with Aviation, Operations, Network Planning and Finance teams to identify cost optimisation opportunities, improve operational efficiency and support data-driven business decisions.
| Job Purpose: |
The Operations & Aviation Controlling Manager will be responsible for providing financial and analytical leadership for Blue Dart’s aviation operations, with a strong focus on cost optimisation, aircraft utilisation, network efficiency and operational performance.
The role will work closely with the Aviation, Operations, Network Planning and Finance teams to translate operational data into actionable business insights, identify opportunities for cost reduction and improve the overall economics of the aviation network.
The position requires a strong combination of commercial acumen, operational understanding, analytical capability and stakeholder management skills. The successful candidate will be expected to challenge existing practices constructively, identify improvement opportunities and support management in making data-driven decisions.
| Key Roles & Responsibilities: |
Aviation Cost Controlling & Performance Management
- Own and drive the aviation cost controlling agenda, including aircraft-related costs, fuel, maintenance, crew, airport/handling charges, navigation costs and other operating expenses.
- Develop detailed analysis of actual vs. budget vs. forecast aviation costs and identify key drivers of variances.
- Establish appropriate cost KPIs and performance dashboards for aviation operations.
- Monitor cost trends at aircraft, route, station and network level and highlight areas requiring management intervention.
- Work closely with Aviation and Operations teams to identify and implement cost optimisation opportunities.
- Develop meaningful unit-cost metrics, such as cost per flight, cost per block hour, cost per kg/tonne, cost per shipment and route-level economics, wherever relevant.
- Support annual budgeting, forecasting and long-range planning for aviation operations.
Business Partnering with Aviation & Operations
- Act as the Finance business partner to Aviation and Operations, working closely with operational leaders rather than functioning as a traditional reporting role.
- Develop a strong understanding of aviation operations and the key operational drivers impacting cost and profitability.
- Participate in operational reviews and provide financial insights and recommendations.
- Challenge operational assumptions constructively and help teams understand the financial impact of operational decisions.
- Convert complex operational data into clear management insights and actionable recommendations.
- Build strong relationships across Aviation, Operations, Network Planning, Finance and other relevant functions.
Data Analytics & Business Intelligence
- Build and maintain robust aviation performance and cost databases, ensuring data integrity, consistency and reliability.
- Analyse large and complex datasets to identify trends, correlations, inefficiencies and improvement opportunities.
- Develop and maintain Power BI dashboards and management reporting covering aviation cost, aircraft utilisation, network performance and operational KPIs.
- Develop automated reporting solutions to reduce manual reporting and improve speed and accuracy of decision-making.
- Establish appropriate data structures and reporting standards for aviation controlling.
- Use advanced analytical techniques to identify cost drivers, operational inefficiencies and potential savings opportunities.
- Continuously improve the quality, automation and visualisation of management information.
Governance & Controls
- Ensure appropriate controls around aviation cost capture, allocation, reporting and analysis.
- Ensure consistency between operational and financial data.
- Establish clear ownership of aviation KPIs and reporting.
- Identify data quality issues and work with relevant teams to resolve them.
- Support internal and external reviews relating to aviation costs and operational performance, including transfer pricing / benchmarking exercises where required.
| Qualifications & Experience: |
Education Level:
- CA / CMA / MBA (Finance) / equivalent qualification preferred.
- Candidates with strong operational analytics and commercial experience may also be considered..
Experience Level
- Approximately 5 to 8 years of relevant experience in controlling, business finance, operations finance, aviation, logistics, express, supply chain or another asset-intensive operating environment.
- Experience in operational / cost controlling and business partnering is strongly preferred.
- Exposure to aviation, logistics, transportation or network-driven businesses will be an advantage.
- Experience of working with large databases and translating operational data into business insights is essential.
| Skills & Capabilities: |
Technical Skills:
- Advanced / expert-level MS Excel, including:
- Pivot Tables
- Power Query
- Advanced formulas
- Strong Power BI capability, including dashboard development, data modelling and visualisation.
Behavioural Competencies:
- Analytical & Problem-Solving Orientation
- Commercial Acumen & Business Orientation
- Business Partnering & Stakeholder Management
- Strategic Thinking & Decision Making
- Ownership & Continuous Improvement
| Key Performance Indicators: |
| Key Result Area | KPIs |
| Aviation Cost Controlling | Actual vs. Budget/Forecast variance; accuracy and timeliness of aviation cost reporting |
| Cost Optimisation | Cost-saving opportunities identified and implemented; quantified savings delivered |
| Operational & Network Performance | Aircraft utilisation; cost per flight/block hour/kg/tonne; route and network-level performance |
| Budgeting & Forecasting | Accuracy of annual budget and periodic forecasts; timely completion of budgeting and forecasting cycles |
| Business Partnering & Management Insights | Timeliness and quality of financial analysis, variance commentary and actionable recommendations to Aviation & Operations |
| Data Analytics & Process Improvement | Accuracy and adoption of Power BI dashboards; automation of reporting; reduction in manual reporting effort and reporting turnaround time |
| Why join DHL Blue Dart? |
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.