Operational Assistant - Air China Cargo

Glasgow Prestwick Airport; Prestwick; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Disability Confident employer

Equal opportunities in recruitment

Job summary

Glasgow Prestwick Airport is seeking an Operational Assistant to support its busy 24/7 cargo operation with Air China. You will handle administrative tasks, ground handling coordination, and customer service, contributing to international cargo flows.

The role requires a UK driving licence and the ability to work in a fast-paced aviation environment, with strong organizational and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Ideal administrative background with aviation awareness.
• Strong organisational and communication abilities.
• Proficient with MS Office applications and data handling.

Responsibilities

• Check flight reservations and follow goods delivery one day before ETD.
• Provide customer service via phone and email responses.
• Perform ULD data checks and update cargo system entries.
• Process claims and attend meetings with service providers.
• Check handling invoices and ensure accuracy.
• Supervise cargo buildup and document cross-checking in warehouse.
• Monitor ramp readiness and crew transport logistics.
• Ensure security procedures and confidentiality at all times.
• Collaborate with sales, warehouse and ramp teams via messaging apps.
• Maintain 24/7 shift readiness (40 hours/week).

Skills

Organisational skills

Microsoft Office

Communication

Team player

Attention to detail

Time management

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Are you ready to be part of something fast-paced, dynamic, and essential to global trade? We’re looking for enthusiastic and motivated Operational Assistants to work alongside Air China at Glasgow Prestwick Airport. This is your opportunity to play a key role in the success of our 24/7 cargo operation, supporting vital international connections and helping us deliver world-class service every single day.

About Us

Glasgow Prestwick Airport directly employs around 500 people and supports over 4,000 jobs across Scotland’s aerospace cluster. Located at the heart of Scotland’s aviation and aerospace industry, we deliver a wide range of in-house aviation services, providing vital connections to the rest of the world.

What We’re Looking For

As an Operational Assistant, you’ll be at the center of our busy airport operation, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. From working closely with Air China supporting key ground activities, you’ll make a real difference to the success of our cargo and aviation services.

Key Responsibilities:

• Check the flight reservation and follow the goods delivery one day before flight ETD.
• Customer service, answer phone calls, reply to emails, and other daily matters.
• ULD data check and update cargo system.
• Deal with claims.
• Attend meetings with service providers.
• Check handling invoices.

Warehouse supervision

• Focus on cargo buildup according to the building instruction.
• Cross check all related documents.
• Supervise all ULD ready to be loaded a certain time before flight departure.

Ramp supervision

• Check all facilities on stand and available for use before flight arrival.
• Monitor refuelling, catering and engineering service.
• Supervise flight unloading and loading.
• Focusing on crew transport.
• Check the flight documents, obtain the crew’s signature where required, and file them for record.
• Assist in resolving the problems of crew related to flight operation whenever needed.

Communication

• Communicate with related departments, including sales team, warehouse and ramp.
• Focus on WeChat & WhatsApp information from the sales team, warehouse, ramp and deal with any irregularities.

Security

• To ensure knowledge and understanding of all appropriate security responsibilities as detailed in job description and other relevant policy documents.
• To ensure that standards set at security training courses are adhered to.
• To maintain level 1 security competence.

About You

Ideal candidates will have previous administrative experience, an understanding of the Aviation industry, excellent organisational skills and strong attention to detail.

• Flexibility to work in a 24/7 shift environment (40 hours per week, Monday–Sunday).
• A full UK driving licence is essential.
• A team player with a strong work ethic, reliability, and the drive to deliver in a fast-paced environment.
• Organise, prioritise and manage time / work effectively.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Good team player and able to work on own initiative.
• Self-disciplined and able to work to tight deadlines.
• High level of discretion and confidentiality.

Join the team at Glasgow Prestwick Airport and become part of a dynamic and diverse workforce dedicated to excellence in aviation services.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and are committed to applying equal opportunities at all stages of our recruitment and selection process. Reasonable adjustments will be made to our recruitment process to ensure that no applicant is disadvantaged.