Food Production & Distribution

Role Title: Transport Shift Manager - Aviation Food Production & Distribution
Sector/Environment: High-volume aviation food production and supply chain (in-flight catering and distribution operations at Gatwick Airport)
Location: Gatwick Airport area (airside/landside facilities - full security vetting and AVSEC compliance required)
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 37.5 hours per week - 5 days on a Monday to Friday rota (fixed shifts: 08:00 - 16:00)
Salary: £38,000 per annum basic + performance bonus (details to be confirmed at offer stage)

Purpose of Role: To lead and manage a shift team responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant production, assembly, loading, and distribution of high-volume airline meals and catering supplies. The role ensures on-time delivery to aircraft, adherence to strict aviation security, food safety, hygiene, and operational standards in a fast-paced, time-critical environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, motivate, and supervise a team of production operatives, packers, loaders, drivers, and support staff across a shift (typically 20-40 people depending on volume).
• Oversee end-to-end operations: meal preparation/assembly, quality checks, temperature-controlled storage, loading of catering trucks, and on-time dispatch to aircraft stands.
• Manage shift planning, resource allocation, and daily performance to meet tight flight schedules and SLA targets.
• Ensure full compliance with aviation security (AVSEC), food hygiene (HACCP, BRCGS), health & safety, and airline/client-specific standards.
• Monitor stock levels, waste control, and inventory accuracy; coordinate with production, logistics, and airside teams.
• Handle real-time problem-solving (delays, equipment issues, last-minute flight changes) while maintaining service levels.
• Conduct team briefings, performance monitoring, coaching, and welfare checks.
• Report on shift KPIs (on-time performance, quality incidents, staff attendance, safety metrics) and escalat issues promptly.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives, training, and implementation of new processes or equipment.
• Maintain accurate records for audits, regulatory inspections, and internal reporting.
• Proven experience as a Shift/Team Leader or Supervisor in high-volume food production, catering, logistics, or distribution environments (ideally aviation/in-flight catering, chilled/fresh food production, or similar time-critical supply chain).
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing teams of 15+ in a fast-paced, shift-based operation.
• Solid understanding of food safety standards (HACCP, BRCGS, or equivalent), temperature control, and hygiene protocols.
• Knowledge of aviation security requirements (AVSEC/GSAT) - full training will be provided if needed.
• Experience managing transport/loading operations and coordinating with airside/airline teams (advantageous).
• Excellent organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills under pressure.
• IT literate (MS Office, warehouse/production systems, rostering tools).
• Physically fit - able to work in a chilled/refrigerated environment and handle occasional manual tasks.
• Right to Work in the UK and able to pass full security vetting (DBS, criminal records, background checks) for airside access.
• Full UK driving licence (clean and valid) - advantageous for operational flexibility.
• Reliable, punctual, and committed to high standards of safety, quality, and service.
• Previous experience in aviation catering, in-flight meal production, or Gatwick/Heathrow food supply chain.
• Formal supervisory/management qualification (e.g., ILM, CMI) or food safety certification (Level 3/4).
• Forklift licence (counterbalance/reach) w/ transport management experience.
• Basic salary: £38,000 per annum
• Performance bonus (paid annually or quarterly - details to be confirmed)
• Standard holiday entitlement + bank holidays
• Full AVSEC and specialist training provided (no cost to candidate)
• Ongoing support including welfare checks and career development pathways
• Basic salary: £38,000 per annum
• Performance bonus (paid annually or quarterly - details to be confirmed)
• Standard holiday entitlement + bank holidays
• Full AVSEC and specialist training provided (no cost to candidate)
• Ongoing support including welfare checks and career development pathways

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