Dock Manager

Sky Cafe • Phoenix, AZ

5d

About The Position

The Dock Manager is responsible for the full execution, control, and oversight of all ramp-side and dock-side activities that support aircraft catering operations. This role ensures timely, accurate, and compliant Dock Departures, partnering closely with Dispatch, Drivers, and the Food Boss to deliver perfect flights on time. The Dock Manager leads all dock operations including flight pairing, truck readiness, trip ticket compliance, truck load verification, international regulated garbage handling, and safety standards. This role sets the tone for communication, shift discipline, and operational flow on the dock, ensuring that all drivers and helpers operate safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with company and regulatory requirements. ROLE IMPACT The Dock Manager ensures Sky Café’s commitment to on-time, safe, and compliant flight departures. As the central coordinator of the dock, this role directly influences customer performance, driver efficiency, and overall operational reliability. In partnership with the Food Boss and Dispatch, the Dock Boss is a key driver of teamwork, communication, and execution excellence.

Requirements

• Minimum 3–5 years transport, warehouse, or operations experience within airline catering or logistics.
• Strong understanding of driver operations, DOT rules, pre-trip requirements, and dock flow.
• Knowledge of international regulated garbage procedures (or ability to train quickly).
• Experience leading teams in a fast-paced, time-sensitive environment.
• Strong communication skills and ability to stay calm and decisive under pressure.
• Demonstrated leadership presence on the floor and ability to drive accountability.

Responsibilities

• Timely Dock Departure & Operational Flow
• Ensure all flights depart the dock on time, complete with full quality, quantity, and documentation.
• Direct all dock activities to maintain efficient flow, prevent congestion, and ensure readiness for the next wave.
• Monitor outbound staging, vehicle positioning, and movement to achieve seamless load-out.
• Collaborate with Dispatch to confirm all flights are paired, assigned, and pulled on schedule.
• Coordination With Food Manager & Flight Readiness
• Work in daily partnership with the Food Manager to verify drivers are taking the correct food carts, ovens, SPMLs, preorders, and equipment.
• Ensure diagrams, menu specs, substitution labels, and Dear Flight Attendant (DFA) letters are accounted for before release.
• Escalate discrepancies immediately to site leadership.
• Safety, Compliance & Key Controls
• Enforce all International Regulated Garbage (IRG) policies and procedures, ensuring strict compliance on every applicable flight.
• Ensure drivers adhere to trip ticket procedures, including sign-offs, checks, and accurate reporting.
• Maintain strict control over keys, vehicles, and truck assignments, ensuring proper documentation for all movements.
• Lead daily inspections to ensure vehicles pass pre-trip and safety checks before leaving the dock.
• Take immediate corrective action on any safety violations or non-compliance.
• Driver Oversight, Performance & Standards
• Conduct shift briefings to communicate safety expectations, operational priorities, and customer updates.
• Provide hands-on guidance to drivers and helpers to ensure operational clarity.
• Monitor individual performance and escalate issues to leadership for corrective action or coaching.
• Ensure all drivers adhere to uniform standards, PPE requirements, and professional conduct.
• Communication & Escalation
• Maintain constant communication with Dispatch, Food Boss, and Ramp leadership to align timing and priorities.
• Escalate risks early: late carts, missing items, truck delays, mechanical issues, or staffing shortages.
• Ensure all dock activities support a real-time picture of Flight Ready Times (FRTs).
• Deliver shift updates and performance summaries at end-of-shift.
• Documentation, Controls & Transparency
• Ensure accurate completion and control of:
• Trip tickets
• Key logs
• Pre-trip inspection forms
• IRG documentation
• Load verification records
• Support the use of digital tools and dashboards for visibility across departments.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed