What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Operations-Transportation (Airline Catering) position at SkyChefs?
Job Title: Director of Operations-Transportation (Airline Catering)
Job Location: Des Plaines-USA-60016
Work Location Type: On-Site
About us
Role Purpose Statement
Keep one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs moving.
We are seeking a strategic, operationally driven Director, Catering Transportation & Operations Planning to lead transportation, dispatch, logistics planning, and airline service execution for our Chicago operations. This is a high-impact leadership role for an experienced aviation, airline, ground operations, or logistics professional who thrives in a fast-paced 24/7 environment where every minute matters.
You will serve as the critical link between airline operations, catering production, dispatch teams, transportation resources, and station leadership—ensuring the right products reach the right aircraft at the right time, every time.
Why This Role Matters
Every flight departure depends on flawless coordination. As Director, you will oversee the operational planning and execution that drives on-time catering performance, fleet efficiency, safety compliance, and customer satisfaction across a complex airline network.
Location: Our Chicago Hub is located in Des Plaines, IL near Chicago O'Hare International Airport
Benefits: No waiting period, eligible as of Day 1.
Main Accountabilities
Key Responsibilities
- Lead all transportation, dispatch, routing, and catering delivery operations.
- Align catering logistics plans with airline schedules, flight changes, and operational requirements.
- Partner with airline Operations Control Centers (OCC), station leadership, and catering facilities to ensure seamless execution.
- Develop transportation and dispatch strategies that support safety, service, and on-time performance objectives.
- Manage operational planning for daily operations, schedule changes, peak periods, and irregular operations (IROPs).
- Establish processes for fleet utilization, route optimization, and labor efficiency.
- Lead risk assessments and process mapping initiatives to identify operational vulnerabilities and drive continuous improvement.
- Monitor operational KPIs including:
- On-Time Catering Performance
- Aircraft Service Compliance
- Dispatch Accuracy
- Fleet Utilization
- Service Failures
- Cost per Delivery
- Direct airline communication and escalation protocols during operational disruptions.
- Manage third-party transportation partners and service agreements where applicable.
- Ensure compliance with safety, quality, security, and airline-specific requirements.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- 8-10 years in airline, aviation, airline catering, ground operations, logistics, dispatch, or operational planning.
- Experience supporting airline operations and understanding flight scheduling dynamics.
- Strong operational leadership experience in a 24/7 environment.
- Experience managing dispatch, transportation, routing, and service delivery functions.
SkyChefs is an EEO and Affirmative Action Employer of Women/Minorities/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.