Director of Transportation

Company: gategroup
Location: Schiller Park
Posted on: January 16, 2026

Job Description:

We’re looking for motivated, engaged people to help make everyone’s journeys better. This role is to provide leadership and tactical (strategic) direction for the Transportation department, within the Gate Gourmet Hub operations. The position is responsible for the total functioning of the Transportation Department to include providing quality process leadership. In tandem with the Transportation Operations Management, oversees all aspects of the day to day operation of the Exterior to include employee relations, training, safety and discipline. Target Salary Range: $120k -$125k Benefits · Paid time off · 401k, with company match · Company sponsored life insurance · Medical, dental, vision plans · Voluntary short-term/long-term disability insurance · Voluntary life, accident, and hospital plans · Employee Assistance Program · Employee Discounts · Free hot healthy meals for unit operations roles Main Duties and Responsibilities: Responsible for leading daily activities to ensure the achievement of labor targets, manpower allocation and space utilization Responsible for Transportation routing, coordinating flight delivery assignments, and ensuring Kitchen departure times are being met In partnership with the Transportation Management and General Manager, prepares and plans against monthly projections Effectively interfaces and coordinates between customers and employees Ensures that all Corporate, customer, Federal, State and local policies and procedures are followed Responsible for fleet maintenance and ensures compliance to all company, DOT, or associated regulations Actively promotes special projects and other duties as assigned by the General Manager Supervises and supports lower level managers/supervisors on daily operations including: Conducts performance evaluations for employees providing specific and detailed feedback on their management and leadership skills and the attainment of their respective goals and objectives Ensures compliance with company Wage & Hour policy, including ensuring employees get the rest & meal breaks and ensuring company processes are followed. Trains and monitors employees on proper work procedures to ensure maximum productivity with minimum labor and food expenses. Monitors daily manpower planning and schedules employees. Responsible for employee retention and reducing employee turnover. Responsible for coaching, counseling and preparing corrective actions for employees in compliance with the applicable union/collective bargaining agreement(s). Reviews and ensures employees in chain of command are in correct cost centers and correct job titles. Reviews and ensures union represented employees’ pay rates are correct based on wage scales and seniority. Compliance with all company required policies, procedures and processes including but not limited to required training Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s Degree or four years equivalent work experience in a senior manager level required Work Experience: Minimum 10 years management experience in Airline Catering and/or fleet management and logistics as it relates to running a complex multi-tier Transportation Department Technical Skills: (Certification, Licenses and Registration) Experience working in a warehouse and/or production operation Experience in Food Service a plus Working Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing Ability to forecast future needs to coincide with the badge and customs requirements Good planning and scheduling skills to meet budgetary needs MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet Language / Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills Job Dimensions Geographic Responsibility: Hub Unit (gross revenues of $50M and direct and indirect headcount of 500 employees.) Type of Employment: Full Time Travel %: up to 10% Exemption Classification: United States only – Exempt Internal Relationships: all internal department External Relationships: customers, suppliers Work Environment / Requirements of the Job: Regularly, stands, bends, lifts, and moves intermittently during shifts of 10 hours. In a normal production facility there may be physical discomfort due to temperature and noise. Must be able to lift, push, pull and move product, equipment, supplies, etc., in excess of twenty-five (25) pounds. A rotating schedule of over 55 hours per week is typical. Able to work in deadline driven environment Budget / Revenue Responsibility: (Local Currency) N/A Organization Structure Direct Line Manager (Title): GM, Ops, Hub or BU Leader Dotted Line Manager (Title, if applicable): N/A Number of Direct Reports: 1-5 Number of Dotted Line Reports: 0 Estimated Total Size of Team: 100 gategroup Competencies Required to be Successful in the Job: Thinking – Information Search and analysis & problem resolution skills Engaging – Understanding others, Team Leadership and Developing People Inspiring – Influencing and building relationships, Motivating and Inspiring, Communicating effectively Achieving – Delivering business results under pressure, Championing Performance Improvement and Customer Focus Demonstrated Values to be Successful in the Position Employees at gategroup are expected to live our Values of Excellence, Integrity, Passion and Accountability. To demonstrate these Values, we expect to observe the following from everyone: We treat each other with respect and we act with integrity We communicate and keep each other informed We put our heads together to problem solve and deliver excellence as a team We have passion for our work and we pay attention to the little details We foster an environment of accountability , take responsibility for our actions and learn from our mistakes We do what we say we will do, when we say we are going to do it We care about our coworkers, always taking an opportunity to make someone’s day better The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. gategroup is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability status or other category under applicable law. For further information regarding Equal Employment Opportunity, copy and paste the following URL into your web browser: http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf We anticipate that this job will close on: 02/08/2026 For California Residents, please clic k here to view our California privacy notice. If you want to be part of a team that helps make travel and culinary memories, join us!

Keywords: gategroup, Chicago , Director of Transportation, Manufacturing , Schiller Park, Illinois