Airline Catering Coordinator

Title: Airline Catering Coordinator

Department: Ground Services / OCC Ground Division 

Reports To: Manager of Ground Services

Location: Ypsilanti, MI

Summary

The Airline Catering Coordinator is responsible for the day-to-day management and oversight of all catering operations for Kalitta Air worldwide. This role ensures that all crew catering requirements are fulfilled in accordance with Kalitta Air’s operational standards, cost controls, and quality expectations. The position works closely with the Ground Services Department, Crew Committee, Procurement, and Flight Operations to maintain consistency, accountability, and service excellence across all catering vendors and stations.

Primary Responsibilities

Operational Coordination

• Plan, coordinate, and confirm all catering uplifts for Kalitta Air scheduled and charter operations, including B747 and B777 fleet.
•  Monitor daily flight schedules and coordinate directly with stations and catering vendors to ensure timely catering delivery in line with departure requirements.
• Track all changes to flight routing, crew complement and ensuring accurate adjustments to catering orders.
• Communicate catering uplift schedules and ensure all updates are reflected in station instructions and OCC planning systems.

Vendor Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact between Kalitta Air and catering providers at all international and domestic locations.
•  Evaluate vendor performance, ensuring compliance with Kalitta Air’s service standards, and cost agreements.
• Coordinate corrective action and service recovery measures when deficiencies are identified.
•  Support vendor audits, qualification reviews.

Menu & Crew Experience Management

• Coordinate with the Crew Catering Committee to plan and maintain menu cycles that align with crew feedback and nutritional requirements.
• Schedule and manage vendor tastings and evaluations to review meal quality, variety, and presentation.
• Monitor catering feedback and implement continuous improvement measures based on crew reports and service observations via Chief Pilot Office.
• Ensure consistency in meal offerings and presentation across all catering locations.

Financial Oversight

• Review catering invoices and ensure billing accuracy per approved contract rates and uplift records.
• Track catering expenditures per flight, station, and vendor to identify cost reduction and efficiency opportunities.
• Maintain records of catering cost trends and vendor rate adjustments for management review.

Compliance & Documentation

•  Maintain complete records of uplift logs, vendor performance reports, and catering service discrepancies.
•  Support internal and external audits related to catering, and vendor service performance.
•  Coordinate with Quality and Safety departments on any reported catering incidents or non-conformances.

Qualifications

•  Minimum 3 years of experience in airline catering coordination, flight service management, or ground operations.
•  Strong organizational, communication, and analytical skills.
•  Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and operational planning systems (AIMS, KAMIS, or equivalent).
•  Ability to work independently under time-critical environments.
•  Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States

Preferred Experience

•  Experience supporting cargo or ACMI flight operations.
•  Background in airline procurement, cost control, or vendor contract management.
•  Previous experience coordinating multi-sector or long-haul crew catering.
•  Demonstrated ability to implement standardized procedures and vendor evaluation programs.