As a Transport Shift Manager in a high-volume inflight catering unit, you’ll be the driving force behind seamless airside operations for some of the world’s biggest airlines. You’ll coordinate people, vehicles and tight flight schedules making real-time decisions that keep aircraft moving and standards sky-high.

Reports to:   Transport Manager 

Salary:         Circa £43,000 

Hours:          Shift-based (including early, late, night, weekend and public holidays)

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

1. Lead and motivate airside drivers and transport teams across live shifts, managing the day-to-day operation during the assigned shift, ensuring all scheduled flights are serviced accurately and on time.
2. Manage staffing levels, rotas, and overtime in line with business requirements.
3. Ensure all loading, unloading and transport activities are conducted in accordance with airline specifications, airport regulations and company procedures.
4. Monitor shift performance, vehicle utilisation and resource allocation to meet operational demands.
5. Coordinate closely with Production, Airside Operations and manage client relations to resolve service issues promptly.
6. Monitor performance, handle disruptions and problem-solve under pressure.
7. Conduct briefings, audits and incident management when required.
8. Conduct regular vehicle, equipment and documentation checks.
9. Report and investigate accidents, near misses and service failures, implementing corrective actions.
10. Maintain accurate operational records, including driver hours, vehicle maintenance, and performance reports.
11. Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, cost control and service quality.
12. Support the implementation of new technologies, route optimisation tools and process improvements.

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.
• 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.