Transport Team Leader

The Transport Team Leader 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.

Your day could include:

1. Manage the day-to-day transport operation during the assigned shift, ensuring all scheduled flights are serviced accurately and on time.
2. Plan and allocate (vehicles and staff) to manage ad hoc requirements, flight schedule changes, and peak operational period efficiently and safely.
3. Oversee vehicle dispatch and turnaround activities to maintain efficient delivery schedules to and from aircraft stands.
4. Ensure all loading, unloading, and transport activities are conducted in accordance with airline specifications, airport regulations, and company procedures.
5. Monitor shift performance, vehicle utilisation and resource allocation to meet operational demands.
6. Coordinate closely with Production, Airside Operations and manage client relations to resolve service issues promptly.
7. Participate in recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing training of transport staff.
8. Conduct shift briefings, ensuring all team members are fully informed of flight schedules, priorities, and safety updates.
9. Team Management - Holiday / Sickness reporting - Monthly 1-2-1 reviews - Personnel Development Performance - Training / Coaching - Induction and Probation reviews.
10. Supervise, motivate and support the Transport team to achieve daily performance and safety objectives.
11. Investigation of any incidents and delays and report findings to Line Manager
12. Ensure any disciplinary action is carried out following company procedure and aim to resolve grievances by leading by example.
13. Lead by example in promoting a culture of safety, teamwork and accountability.
14. Ensure full compliance with aviation security, airside driving, and health & safety regulations.
15. Conduct regular vehicle, equipment, and documentation checks to ensure adherence to company and airport standards.
16. Report and investigate accidents, near misses, and service failures, implementing corrective actions as required.
17. Maintain accurate operational records, including driver hours, vehicle maintenance, and performance reports.
18. Monitor all tachograph requirements and compliance.
19. Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, cost control, and service quality.
20. Support the implementation of new technologies, route optimisation tools, and process improvements.
21. Liaise with maintenance and planning teams to ensure vehicle availability and reliability.
22. Adhere to clean as you go standard.
23. Adhere to Unit and Inflight safety measures and compliance requirements.
24. Ensure you are aware, promote and comply with QHSE policies and procedures.
25. Ensure staff are supervised at appropriate levels and comply with all QHSE rules and procedures.
26. Responsible for reporting all accident/hazards/near misses, in your area in line with Newrest requirements.

You’ll ideally have:

• 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.
• 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.