Director of Operations-Transportation (Airline Catering)

Job Title: Director of Operations-Transportation (Airline Catering)
Job Location: Des Plaines-USA-60016
Work Location Type: On-Site

About us

Since 1942, SkyChefs has taken culinary excellence to new heights. As a trusted partner to the nation’s leading airlines and retailers, we proudly deliver millions of meals and exceptional service experiences every year across 43 sites throughout the United States. Built on a legacy of operational excellence, culinary expertise, and continuous innovation, we are committed to setting the industry standard in aviation culinary, airline services, last-mile logistics, and retail commerce. From the kitchen to the runway, our teams work together to deliver quality, reliability, and service at every altitude. Our people are the heart of everything we do. At SkyChefs, a career is more than a job – it’s an opportunity to grow, lead, and make an impact in a fast-paced, team-driven environment. Join America’s first, foremost, and finest and take your career to new heights.

Job Summary

Keep one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs moving.

We are seeking a strategic, operationally driven Director of Transportation, Airline Catering & Planning to lead transportation, dispatch, airport catering operations, planning and airline service execution for our Chicago operations. This is a high-impact leadership role for an experienced, airline, ground operations, or airline catering transportation professional who thrives in a fast-paced 24/7 environment.

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 transportation operations & dispatch 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

• Develop the transportation department strategy and lead all transportation operational activities including: site to aircraft delivery, onboard catering, dispatch, and dock for a 24/7 operation.
• Align catering logistics plans with airline schedules, flight changes, and operational requirements.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, security, and airline-specific requirements.
• Partner with airline Operations Control Centers (OCC), station leadership, and catering facilities to ensure seamless execution.
• Manage operational planning for daily operations, schedule changes, peak periods, and irregular operations (IROPs).
• Establish processes for fleet utilization, route optimization, and labor efficiency.
• Manage third-party transportation partners and service agreements where applicable.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• 8-10+ years in airline, airline catering, ground operations, logistics, dispatch,
• 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

SkyChefs is an EEO and Affirmative Action Employer of Women/Minorities/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.