Inflight Catering Packer / Operations Associate

Inflight Catering Packer / Operations Associate

Department: Inflight Catering / Operations
Reports To: Operations Manager / Inflight Catering Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time / Part-Time, based on business needs
Location: Rita’s Catering

Position Summary

The Inflight Catering Packer / Operations Associate is responsible for supporting the accurate preparation, packing, coordination, and delivery of airline catering orders from the time an order is received through final dispatch.

This role requires strong attention to detail, organization, communication, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced catering and logistics environment. The Inflight Catering Packer / Operations Associate works closely with kitchen staff, drivers, customer service, management, clients, and delivery partners to ensure all orders are complete, properly labeled, accurately packed, and ready for delivery on schedule.

The ideal candidate is dependable, organized, proactive, and able to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of accuracy and customer service.

Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesOrder Processing and Coordination

• Print, review, and organize invoices, order sheets, and related paperwork.
• Monitor incoming emails for new orders, modifications, cancellations, and special instructions.
• Review orders carefully for accuracy and completeness.
• Verify quantities, flight information, airport destinations, delivery details, and special customer requirements.
• Communicate order updates and changes promptly to the kitchen, drivers, customer service team, management, and clients as appropriate.
• Ensure orders are prepared according to customer specifications and company standards.
• Escalate discrepancies, shortages, delays, or other concerns to management promptly.

Packing and Labeling

• Accurately and efficiently pack inflight catering orders.
• Prepare and apply appropriate labels to boxes, carts, containers, and individual orders.
• Verify order contents, quantities, labels, destinations, and delivery instructions prior to release.
• Conduct final quality checks before orders leave the facility.
• Identify and report missing, damaged, incorrect, or improperly prepared items.
• Maintain an organized, sanitary, and efficient packing area.
• Ensure completed orders are staged properly and ready for scheduled driver pickup.

Delivery and Transportation Coordination

• Schedule and coordinate deliveries through Metrobi and other approved delivery providers.
• Monitor delivery status and communicate with drivers regarding pickup times, delivery instructions, delays, or changes.
• Coordinate with customer service, clients, and management when delivery issues arise.
• Ensure orders are completed and ready by scheduled pickup deadlines.
• Assist with deliveries when operationally necessary and authorized by management.
• Support the resolution of transportation or delivery-related issues to minimize service disruptions.

Inventory Management

• Monitor inventory levels for food items, packaging materials, supplies, and other operational necessities.
• Replenish supplies as needed and within authorized procedures.
• Identify low-stock, out-of-stock, or critical items before they affect production or customer orders.
• Maintain accurate inventory counts and assist with routine inventory checks.
• Prepare and maintain daily and/or weekly shopping and supply lists.
• Communicate inventory needs and shortages to management.
• Purchase or pick up supplies when authorized and required for business operations.

Communication and Customer Service

Maintain clear, professional, and timely communication with:

• Kitchen staff
• Drivers
• Customer service representatives
• Supervisors and management
• Airline and catering clients
• Delivery partners
• Other internal departments as necessary

Immediately communicate any:

• Order discrepancies
• Delays
• Cancellations
• Product shortages
• Delivery concerns
• Client changes
• Safety or operational issues that may affect service

Additional Responsibilities

• Assist other departments based on operational and business needs.
• Help maintain cleanliness, organization, and sanitation throughout packing, storage, and staging areas.
• Follow all company food safety, sanitation, security, and airline catering procedures.
• Follow applicable workplace safety policies and safe lifting practices.
• Handle food, packaging, equipment, and supplies in accordance with company standards.
• Maintain confidentiality of customer and business information where appropriate.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by management.

QualificationsRequired / Preferred Experience

• Previous experience in catering, food service, airline catering, warehouse operations, logistics, shipping, order fulfillment, or a related environment is preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to work efficiently and remain organized in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to read and understand invoices, customer orders, labels, flight information, delivery instructions, and related documentation.
• Basic computer, email, and data-entry skills.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively as part of a team.
• Dependable attendance and ability to work scheduled shifts based on operational needs.
• Valid driver's license may be required if performing company deliveries or supply pickups.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements of this position may include:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to bend, reach, push, pull, and perform repetitive movements.
• Ability to safely lift, carry, and move catering boxes, food products, packaging, equipment, and supplies as required by the position.
• Ability to work in areas that may include refrigerated, freezer, kitchen, warehouse, loading, or food-production environments.
• Ability to perform physical duties safely and request assistance when team lifting or additional support is required.

Reasonable accommodations may be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.

Work Environment

This position operates within a fast-paced food production, catering, packing, and logistics environment. Employees may work around commercial kitchen equipment, food-production areas, refrigerated storage, delivery vehicles, and loading areas.

Schedules may vary based on airline schedules, customer orders, events, weekends, holidays, early mornings, evenings, or other operational requirements.

Core Competencies

Successful candidates should demonstrate:

• Attention to detail
• Organization
• Reliability and dependability
• Sense of urgency
• Professional communication
• Teamwork
• Problem-solving
• Time management
• Accountability
• Customer-service focus
• Ability to prioritize competing operational needs

Equal Employment Opportunity

Rita’s Catering is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to any status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Pay: $22.50 - $24.50 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $23 - $25