On-Site Operations Leader, Aviation Catering & Logistics

SkyChefs; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 86,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

SkyChefs in Santa Ana seeks an experienced Operations Manager to lead our Customer Service Center, overseeing daily production, ensuring safety, quality, and timely catering for flights. You will direct several teams, manage costs, and drive improvements in a fast-paced, aircraft-catering environment.

The role requires 5–7 years of progressive leadership, strong communication, and hands-on management. Bachelor's degree in Business/Operations is preferred, with experience in ERP and performance

Qualifications

• Minimum 5-7 years of progressive leadership experience in operations management, manufacturing, food production, logistics, distribution, airline catering, or a related field.
• Proven success managing multiple departments and large frontline teams in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Strong leadership skills with a hands‑on management style and the ability to drive accountability, performance, and employee engagement.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with employees, customers, vendors, and executive leadership.
• Professional presentation, interpersonal, and relationship‑building skills.
• Experience with workforce planning, production scheduling, staffing management, and operational performance metrics.
• Demonstrated ability to identify operational inefficiencies and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Knowledge of food manufacturing, airline catering, aviation operations, or other high-volume production environments is highly preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities with the capacity to make sound decisions in a dynamic environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint) and Windows‑based applications.
• Experience using ERP, production planning, workforce management, or operational reporting systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Direct and lead multiple dynamic teams across all operations, supervisors, production employees, etc.
• Responsible for department costs to budget through effective manpower planning, scheduling and overtime usage
• Ensure on-time and accurate production in the preparation of food/equipment and catering of flights
• Lead root-cause investigations for service or quality issues and implement corrective actions
• Maintain an ongoing, positive and pro-active relationship with all internal and external customers
• Provide data for the development of an annual business plan and budgeting for the department

Skills

Leadership

Operations management

Communication

Lean manufacturing

Safety compliance

Project management

Budgeting

ERP systems

Staffing management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Operations

Tools

ERP Systems

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

SkyChefs in Santa Ana seeks an experienced Operations Manager to lead our Customer Service Center, overseeing daily production, ensuring safety, quality, and timely catering for flights. You will direct several teams, manage costs, and drive improvements in a fast-paced, aircraft-catering environment.

The role requires 5–7 years of progressive leadership, strong communication, and hands-on management. Bachelor's degree in Business/Operations is preferred, with experience in ERP and performance