Transportation Coordinator

Job Title: Transportation Coordinator 
Job Location: Des Plaines-USA-60016 
Work Location Type: On-Site 
Salary Range: $16.03 - 23.52 per hour 

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.

Role Purpose Statement

A Transportation Coordinator is responsible for assigning drivers, coordinating flight catering deliveries, ensuring on‑time truck departures, maintaining safety compliance, and serving as the communication link between the kitchen, drivers, and airline partners. This aligns with documented responsibilities for Transportation Supervisors and Managers at SkyChefs.

Main Accountabilities

• • Support and administer Transportation requirements to ensure SkyChefs protocols are met, including maintaining appropriate staffing levels.
  • Assist teams with late flights, equipment changes, and updated airline service requirements.
  • Obtain control sheets and assigning drivers to specific flights daily.
  • Check the dock to ensure trucks have required equipment and depart on schedule. 
  • Work collaboratively with Operations Management to communicate deficiencies and ensure consistent application of policies and procedures.
  • Maintain radio contact with operations managers, meal planners, and leads during operations.
  • Maintain all required documentation within key areas of compliance in accordance with established company standards.
  • Verify that teams cater the correct aircraft and flights.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Strong Excel skills and the ability to quickly become proficient in supporting software platforms.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to effectively engage with employees at all levels.
• Understanding of flight schedules, galley equipment, aircraft service requirements, and catering logistics.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong Excel skills and the ability to quickly become proficient in supporting software platforms.
• Transportation or dispatch experience in a fast‑paced environment (aviation, logistics, delivery, or warehouse).
• Familiarity with ramp safety, TSA/FAA compliance, and airport badging procedures.
• Knowledge of driver assignments, route planning, and on‑time departure standards.
• Ability to manage multiple flights, trucks, and drivers simultaneously under tight deadlines.
• Skilled in relaying updates between drivers, kitchen teams, operations managers, and airline reps.
• Airline or airport operations exposure preferred, especially roles involving ramp operations or flight servicing.
• Must be avaialble to work rotating shifts that include, morning, afternoons, evenings, weekends and holidays.

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