dnata is one of the world’s largest air services providers. Established in 1959, the company ensures the aviation industry operates smoothly and efficiently in 127 airports. Offering ground handling, cargo, travel, and flight catering services in 35 countries across six continents, dnata is a trusted partner for over 300 airline customers around the world. Each day, the company handles over 1,900 flights, moves over 8,500 tons of cargo, books over 16,000 hotel stays, and uplifts over 320,000 meals.
As a Flight Administrator for dnata Catering, you serve as the operational lead responsible for coordinating and aligning inflight catering activities across multiple functional teams to ensure on-time, accurate, and customer-compliant flight execution. This role operates one level above the Flight Administrator, providing real-time operational oversight, prioritization, and problem resolution without direct people management responsibility.
You act as the primary point of coordination between airline clients, account management, production, dispatch, and quality teams to manage schedules, resolve service disruptions, and proactively address last-minute operational changes. Your role requires strong operational judgment, situational awareness, and decision-making to keep flights moving safely, efficiently, and in accordance with service agreements.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- An effective operational communicator, capable of synthesizing real-time information, determining the most effective communication channels, and aligning multiple stakeholders toward timely execution.
- Highly adaptable in approach and demeanor to manage shifting operational priorities, service disruptions, and time-sensitive changes.
- Capable of building strong external and internal relationships while delivering customer-focused operational solutions.
- A strong decision-maker with demonstrated ability to assess risk, prioritize competing demands, and take decisive action to maintain operational continuity.
- Proactively identifies issues, anticipates downstream impacts, and drives solutions with urgency, accountability, and professionalism.
You Will:
- Serve as the primary operational coordination point between airline clients, account management, production, dispatch, quality, and ramp operations.
- Monitor flight schedules, catering timelines, staffing alignment, and service execution to ensure on-time and compliant delivery.
- Lead real-time resolution of service disruptions, shortages, equipment variances, and last-minute customer requests.
- Validate operational readiness and ensure handoffs between functional teams are aligned and documented.
- Escalate critical risks appropriately while independently resolving routine operational issues.
- Ensure compliance with all HACCP/GMP, dnata sanitation, food safety, security, and safety policies.
- Maintain situational awareness across multiple flights and operational zones simultaneously.
- Support operational reporting, service recovery documentation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Frequently move between office, production areas, and airside operations as required.\
- Ability to lift up to 30 lbs., stand for extended periods, bend, squat, and work in refrigerated environments (35–40°F) and outdoor weather conditions.
- Comply with Ramp Safety policies and procedures; safety vests and PPE must be worn while on the field.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
External Relationships
- Serve as a primary operational liaison with airline clients, station leadership, and customer representatives.
- Coordinate service expectations, schedule changes, operational constraints, and recovery actions in real time.
- Maintain professional, solution-oriented communication that reinforces dnata’s service standards and reliability.
Communication and Process
- Demonstrates excellent communication skills, including conflict resolution, situational de-escalation, and operational clarity across diverse teams.
- Communicates priorities, risks, and changes accurately and timely to ensure alignment and continuity of operations.
- Documents operational decisions, service deviations, and corrective actions according to established procedures.
- Identifies process gaps and partners with leadership to recommend workflow improvements and standardization.
NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION: High school diploma or GED with three – five years of progressive aviation, logistics, catering, or operational customer service experience. Prior experience coordinating multi-functional workflows or airline operations strongly preferred.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
- Must have driver’s license.
- The ability to meet requirements necessary to obtain a Port Authority, Port ID (per TSA regulations and more specifically)
- Must have excellent attention to detail.
- Must be able to multi-task.
- Must be able to read and write in English.
- Flexibility (different shifts - night, weekends, holidays).
- Ability to lift and push heavy objects, racks, etc.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Work safely to prevent accidents to self and coworkers.
Intellectual/Social demands: While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is continuously asked to multi-task under time limits. Position requires constant attention to precise details and accuracy of specified standards including following simple to complex (more than 3 steps) instructions, and concentration which frequently extends beyond 30 minutes at a time. This position also requires constant attendance and punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time. Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan. Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly.
Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 30 pounds. Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Use equipment and materials properly.
Work environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to extreme cold/heat (weather), heights and loud noise (earplugs must be worn while on the Ramp)
We believe that diversity and inclusion are fundamental to creating a strong workplace and community. At dnata, we’re proud that our workforce is as diverse as the customers we serve. And we’re committed to nurturing your talent with mentoring, volunteer and professional development opportunities. We welcome everyone. Our employee resource groups are one of the many ways we champion diversity and inclusion at dnata.
Notice Regarding Background Checks in California
Pursuant to the California Investigative Consumer Reporting Agencies Act (Cal. Civ. Code §1786 et seq.), dnata Catering may obtain an investigative consumer report (background check) on applicants or employees for employment purposes. Such a report may include information about your character, general reputation, personal characteristics, or mode of living.
You have the right, upon written request, to receive a copy of any report obtained and a summary of your rights under California law. You also have the right to inspect or obtain a copy of your file maintained by the consumer reporting agency that prepares such reports, as provided under Cal. Civ. Code §1786.22.
