Assembly Technician

Job Overview The Cold Kitchen Assembly Lead is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Cold Kitchen Assembly area within a high-volume aviation catering environment. This role leads and supports Cold Kitchen Assembly team members to ensure airline meals are assembled accurately, safely, and on schedule while maintaining the highest standards of food safety, quality, and operational efficiency. Responsibilities Lead daily Cold Kitchen Assembly operations to ensure airline meals are assembled accurately and delivered on schedule. Assign workstations and daily responsibilities to Cold Kitchen Assembly team members based on production requirements. Monitor production flow and staffing levels to ensure productivity and service level expectations are met. Ensure meal trays, salads, desserts, breads, condiments, and other cold food items are assembled according to airline specifications and production schedules. Review production charts, diagrams, and work orders to ensure proper quantities and configurations are followed. Identify and resolve production bottlenecks while maintaining quality and operational efficiency. Escalate operational issues to management as necessary. Provide day‑to‑day direction, coaching, and support to Cold Kitchen Assembly team members. Train new employees on airline specifications, food safety requirements, assembly procedures, and operational expectations. Monitor employee performance and provide ongoing coaching to improve productivity and accuracy. Promote teamwork, accountability, and a positive work environment. Assist management with employee performance discussions, attendance concerns, and training opportunities. Lead by example and maintain professional standards at all times. Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance Ensure strict adherence to HACCP, GMP, food safety, sanitation, and personal hygiene requirements. Verify products are properly labeled, dated, rotated, and stored according to company standards. Monitor food temperatures and ensure cold chain integrity is maintained throughout production. Conduct routine inspections of workstations to ensure cleanliness and food safety compliance. Report food safety concerns, equipment issues, or potential hazards immediately. Partner with Quality Assurance during audits, inspections, and corrective action activities. Inventory & Product Control Monitor inventory levels of cold food products, packaging materials, and assembly supplies. Ensure proper handling and storage of all ingredients and finished products. Coordinate with Culinary and Warehouse teams to ensure products are available to support production schedules. Minimize waste by following proper portioning, dating, and product rotation procedures. Assist with inventory counts and product reconciliation as required. Operational Excellence Ensure all airline customer specifications and service standards are consistently met. Promote efficiency, organization, and continuous improvement within the Cold Kitchen Assembly area. Maintain accurate production records and required operational documentation. Support special projects, airline launches, and menu changes as required. Assist management in achieving departmental productivity, quality, and safety goals. Non-Essential Functions Other duties as assigned by management. Education & Experience High School Diploma or GED required. Minimum of 2 years of experience in food production, airline catering, hospitality, or commissary operations. Minimum of 1 year of leadership experience or experience serving as a Lead, Trainer, or Senior Team Member preferred. Experience working in high-volume food production environments strongly preferred. Qualifications Strong understanding of food safety, HACCP, GMP, and sanitation requirements. Must meet all applicable state and local food handler certification requirements for the work location (Texas requires a Food Handler Certificate within 60 days of hire). Excellent organizational and time‑management skills. Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously. Strong leadership and interpersonal skills. Ability to train and motivate team members. Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality. Ability to work efficiently under strict production deadlines. Flexible schedule required, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime as operational needs require. Ability to read and interpret production charts, airline specifications, and work instructions. Continuous multitasking under time-sensitive conditions with constant attention to detail and accuracy. Strong leadership and decision‑making skills. Consistent attendance, punctuality, professionalism, and ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment. Physical Demands Regularly required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, bend, stoop, kneel, and crouch. Must regularly lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Safety & Security Observes safety and security procedures. Reports potentially unsafe conditions. Uses equipment and materials properly. Maintains compliance with all security and facility access requirements. Essential functions performed indoors in a food production and airline catering environment. Regularly works in refrigerated environments with temperatures ranging from 35–40 degrees Fahrenheit and may be exposed to moderate to loud noise levels. Frequent interaction with Culinary, Operations, Quality Assurance, and Production teams to ensure meals are assembled accurately, safely, and on time. Benefits Full‑time employees are eligible for 401(k) and healthcare benefits including Medical, Dental & Vision. Complimentary daily meals: FREE breakfast, lunch, and dinner during your shift. Diversity & Inclusion We believe that diversity and inclusion are fundamental to creating a strong workplace and community. We welcome everyone. Our employee resource groups are one of the many ways we champion diversity and inclusion. Background Check Disclosure (State Law) California: Pursuant to the California Investigative Consumer Reporting Agencies Act (Cal. Civ. Code § 1786 et seq.), dnata Catering may obtain an investigative consumer report that may include information regarding your character, general reputation, personal characteristics, or mode of living. You have the right to request a copy of any report obtained. New York: In accordance with Article 23-A of the New York Correction Law and the New York Human Rights Law, background checks will be conducted only as permitted by law, and any employment decision based on criminal history will follow required legal standards and notice requirements. Massachusetts: Pursuant to the Massachusetts Consumer Reporting Act (M.G.L. c. 93, § 52 et seq.) and the Massachusetts CORI statute (M.G.L. c. 6, § 172), dnata Catering may obtain a consumer report or criminal offender record information for employment purposes, consistent with state law. Applicants may request a copy of any report obtained. New Jersey: In accordance with the New Jersey Opportunity to Compete Act (N.J.S.A. 34:6B-11 et seq.) and applicable consumer reporting laws, background checks will be conducted only as permitted by law, and applicants will receive required notices and rights regarding any consumer report obtained. Texas: Background checks may be conducted in accordance with applicable Texas law and the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Applicants will receive required disclosures and authorizations prior to any consumer report being obtained. Tennessee: Background checks may be conducted in accordance with applicable Tennessee law and the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Applicants will receive required disclosures and authorizations prior to any consumer report being obtained. #J-18808-Ljbffr