Cold Kitchen Assembly Lead

DNATA US Inflight Catering • Everett, MA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Cold Kitchen Assembly Lead oversees day-to-day operations in the Cold Kitchen Assembly area within a high-volume aviation catering environment. The role leads and supports team members to ensure airline meals are assembled accurately and on schedule while maintaining food safety, quality, and operational efficiency standards.

As the first point of contact for team members on the floor, the Lead assigns work, monitors productivity, trains employees, and ensures compliance with HACCP, GMP, airline specifications, and company policies. The position works closely with Culinary, Quality Assurance, Operations, and Human Resources to foster accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

The position is performed indoors in a food production and airline catering environment, including refrigerated areas ranging from 35–40 degrees Fahrenheit and possible exposure to moderate-to-loud noise. The role involves frequent interaction with Culinary, Operations, Quality Assurance, and Production teams. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future employment visa sponsorship from dnata Catering USA.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least 2 years of experience in food production, airline catering, hospitality, or commissary operations.
• Strong understanding of food safety, HACCP, GMP, and sanitation requirements.
• Must meet applicable state and local food-handler certification requirements for the work location; in Texas, a Food Handler Certificate is required 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, including the ability to train and motivate team members.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to work efficiently under strict production deadlines.
• Excellent verbal communication skills.
• Flexible schedule, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime as operational needs require.
• Ability to read and interpret production charts, airline specifications, and work instructions.
• Ability to multitask under time-sensitive conditions, maintain attention to detail and accuracy, follow simple and complex instructions, meet productivity standards, and work effectively on a team.
• Consistent attendance, punctuality, professionalism, and ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Regularly stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, bend, stoop, kneel, and crouch; regularly lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout employment without current or future sponsorship from dnata Catering USA.

Nice To Haves

• At least 1 year of leadership experience or experience serving as a Lead, Trainer, or Senior Team Member.
• Experience working in high-volume food production environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily Cold Kitchen Assembly operations to ensure airline meals are assembled accurately and delivered on schedule.
• Assign workstations and daily responsibilities based on production requirements.
• Monitor production flow and staffing levels to meet productivity and service-level expectations.
• 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 correct quantities and configurations.
• Identify and resolve production bottlenecks while maintaining quality and operational efficiency; escalate issues to management as needed.
• Provide day-to-day direction, coaching, and support to team members.
• Train new employees on airline specifications, food safety requirements, assembly procedures, and operational expectations.
• Monitor performance and provide ongoing coaching to improve productivity and accuracy.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, and a positive work environment; maintain professional standards and lead by example.
• Assist management with employee performance discussions, attendance concerns, and training opportunities.
• Ensure adherence to HACCP, GMP, food safety, sanitation, and personal hygiene requirements.
• Verify products are labeled, dated, rotated, and stored according to company standards.
• Monitor food temperatures and maintain cold chain integrity throughout production.
• Inspect workstations for cleanliness and food safety compliance; report safety concerns, equipment issues, or hazards promptly.
• Partner with Quality Assurance during audits, inspections, and corrective action activities.
• Monitor inventory of cold food products, packaging materials, and assembly supplies.
• Ensure proper handling and storage of ingredients and finished products; coordinate with Culinary and Warehouse teams to support production schedules.
• Minimize waste through proper portioning, dating, and product rotation; assist with inventory counts and product reconciliation.
• Meet airline customer specifications and service standards and promote efficiency, organization, and continuous improvement.
• Maintain accurate production records and operational documentation.
• Support special projects, airline launches, and menu changes; assist management in meeting productivity, quality, and safety goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.
• Observe safety and security procedures, report potentially unsafe conditions, use equipment and materials properly, and comply with security and facility-access requirements.

Benefits

• Full-time employees are eligible for 401(k) and healthcare benefits, including Medical, Dental & Vision.
• Complimentary breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the shift.
• Mentoring, volunteer, and professional development opportunities.
• Employee resource groups.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED