Team Leader - Operations

gategroup; Braintree; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meals

On-site parking

Pension scheme

Life insurance

Training & development

Counselling services

Refer-a-friend bonus

Cycle-to-work

Job summary

gategroup is seeking a Team Leader in the United Kingdom to run the day shift, ensuring targets, standards, and readiness of the team. You will be the steady link between the unit and airside operations, turning a busy shift into a successful one.

You will plan outputs, monitor performance, run briefings, and maintain KPI visibility while upholding health, safety and compliance across multiple areas. This role demands proactive leadership under pressure and strong communication.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a team in a fast-paced setting, preferably food/logistics.
• Good grasp of hygiene standards and safety practices.
• Proven accountability and reliable decision-making in busy shifts.
• Strong numeracy and ability to use standard office tools.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage your team's output to meet business, section and customer targets.
• Monitor performance daily and flag concerns to the Unit Manager.
• Run shift briefings and keep KPIs visible.
• Lead daily operational meetings with accurate data.
• Resolve conflicts with clear communication and negotiation.
• Ensure health, safety, food safety, DfT, security and gateOPEX compliance.
• Drive continuous improvement and support audits.
• Act as deputy for the Unit Manager and coordinate across departments.

Skills

Team leadership

Fast-paced environment

Hygiene basics

Accountability

Numeracy

English proficiency

Education

A-levels or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Behind every smooth flight is a team that got the details right on the ground. That team needs a leader. That's where you come in.

As Team Leader, you'll run the day shift and own it — hitting targets, keeping standards tight, and making sure your team has everything they need to deliver. You'll be the steady hand when things get busy, the link between the unit and the airside operation, and the person who turns a good shift into a great one.

What you'll be doing

• Planning and managing your team's output so business, section and customer targets are met
• Monitoring performance daily, spotting concerns early and flagging them to the Unit Manager
• Running shift briefings, capturing what matters and keeping KPIs visible
• Leading daily operational meetings with accurate data at your fingertips
• Smoothing over conflict with sharp communication, negotiation and influence
• Keeping the operation legal and safe across health & safety, food safety, DfT, security and gateOPEX
• Driving continuous improvement and championing SQOR audits
• Deputising for the Unit Manager, and stepping across departments when needed
• Building a workplace people actually want to show up to

What you'll bring

• Solid experience leading a similar team — food or logistics a real plus
• A background in a fast-paced, deadline-driven setting (production, manufacturing or stores ideal)
• Working knowledge of basic hygiene
• A track record of taking genuine accountability
• A-levels or equivalent, or the experience to match
• Confident with numbers, words and Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel
• Clear English, written and spoken, and the presence to hold your own with management
• Integrity, discretion and a calm head under pressure
• A proactive, flexible, glass-half-full attitude

What's in it for you

Competitive salary and a benefits package:

• Complimentary meals and refreshments, on us
• Free on-site parking and free uniform
• Company sick pay, paid holiday and a pension scheme
• Free life insurance
• In-house training and development, with room to grow
• A bespoke employee support programme, including free counselling
• Refer-a-friend bonuses, a cycle-to-work scheme, and a discount platform that saves you money on the everyday