Transport Shift Manager

The Transport Shift Manager is responsible for leading and managing the daily transport operation within the inflight catering unit to ensure the safe, efficient, and timely delivery and collection of aircraft catering equipment, supplies, and associated materials. The role ensures full compliance with airline service standards, safety regulations, and operational performance targets while maintaining high levels of employee engagement and operational excellence.

Location: London Gatwick

Reports to: Transport Manager

Salary: Circa £43,000

Hours: Shift-based (including early, late, night, weekend, and public holiday work as required)

Benefits:

• Free meals
• On-site parking
• Life Assurance of two times basic salary
• An Income Protection Scheme
• Full training and uniform
• Employee Assistance Program
• Free online health and wellbeing support
• Pensions and Income Protection Schemes
• Year-round access to virtual GP Service
• Employee Discounts (also open to friends and family)
• 28 days holiday (inclusive of UK Bank Holidays), increasing with length of service

Key responsibilities and accountabilities:

• Manage the day-to-day transport operation during the assigned shift, ensuring all scheduled flights are serviced accurately and on time.
• Oversee vehicle dispatch and turnaround activities to maintain efficient delivery schedules to and from aircraft stands.
• Ensure all loading, unloading, and transport activities are conducted in accordance with airline specifications, airport regulations, and company procedures.
• Monitor shift performance, vehicle utilisation, and resource allocation to meet operational demands.
• Coordinate closely with Production, Airside Operations, and manage client relations to resolve service issues promptly.
• Supervise, motivate, and support the Transport team to achieve daily performance and safety objectives.
• Manage staffing levels, rotas, and overtime in line with business requirements.
• Conduct shift briefings, ensuring all team members are fully informed of flight schedules, priorities, and safety updates.
• Plan and allocate vehicles and staff to manage ad hoc requirements, flight schedule changes, and peak operational periods efficiently and safely.
• Lead by example in promoting a culture of safety, teamwork, and accountability.
• Participate in recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing training of transport staff.
• Ensure full compliance with aviation security, airside driving, and health & safety regulations.
• Conduct regular vehicle, equipment, and documentation checks to ensure adherence to company and airport standards.
• Report and investigate accidents, near misses, and service failures, implementing corrective actions as required.
• Maintain accurate operational records, including driver hours, vehicle maintenance, and performance reports.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, cost control, and service quality.
• Support the implementation of new technologies, route optimisation tools, and process improvements.
• Liaise with maintenance and planning teams to ensure vehicle availability and reliability.
• Adhere to Unit safety measures in place.
• Ensure you are aware, promote and comply with QHSE policies and procedures.
• Ensure you understand Newrest Non-negotiables and always adhere to these.
• Ensure staff are supervised at appropriate levels and comply with all QHSE rules and procedures.
• Responsible for reporting all accident/hazards/near misses, in your area in line with Newrest requirements.
• Comply with all unit Corporate, Social, Responsibility initiatives.

Key Skills and Attributes:

• Strong leadership and team management skills with experience supervising multi-skilled operational teams.
• Excellent organisational, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities under pressure.
• Good understanding of transport operations within a regulated environment (airside or logistics).
• Effective communication skills across all levels of the organisation and with external partners.
• High level of diligence and commitment to service quality.
• Proficient in MS Office and transport management systems (TMS) desirable.

Experience and Qualifications:

• Proven experience in a transport or logistics management role, ideally within inflight catering, airport, or time-critical service industries.
• Valid UK driving licence (Category B; Category C or airside driving permit advantageous).
• Knowledge of airside operations and airport security procedures preferred.
• IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent health & safety qualifications are desirable.
• CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) in Transport Management advantageous.