Airport Ramp Operations Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Ramp Operations Supervisor

Location: San Francisco, CA (Onsite)
Salary: $80,000 - $85,000

About the Company

Our client is a leading provider of airline catering, onboard hospitality, and aviation logistics services, supporting major airlines across North America. Operating in a fast-paced airport environment, the company plays a critical role in ensuring aircraft depart safely, efficiently, and on schedule.

About the Role

We're seeking a Ramp Operations Supervisor to lead daily airport ramp operations supporting aircraft catering and loading. This position is responsible for supervising frontline employees, coordinating with flight operations, and ensuring aircraft are serviced safely, accurately, and on time.

This is a fast-paced leadership role based primarily inside the facility, where you'll oversee teams of 50 or more employees per shift, including drivers, helpers, flight checkers, and coordinators. Success in this role depends more on situational awareness and strong problem-solving under pressure than on prior AOA experience — we'll train you on airside rules and regulations. You'll work closely with operations, dispatch, and catering teams to keep flights moving while maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Ramp Operations

• Oversee daily aircraft catering and loading operations to ensure flights depart safely and on schedule.

• Supervise approximately 20–30 employees per shift, including drivers, helpers, flight checkers, and coordinators.

• Coordinate with flight operations, dispatch, transportation, and catering teams to ensure accurate and timely aircraft servicing.

• Monitor ramp activity, equipment utilization, and workflow to maximize operational efficiency.

• Resolve operational issues quickly while maintaining service standards in a fast-paced environment.

• Maintain operational records, reports, and performance metrics.

Leadership

• Schedule, train, coach, and develop frontline employees.

• Provide direction and support throughout each shift while promoting accountability and teamwork.

• Make real-time operational decisions and escalate issues when appropriate.

• Foster a positive, safety-focused work environment.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with OSHA, FAA, TSA, and company safety standards.

• Conduct routine safety inspections and training sessions.

• Promote safe operating procedures and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

Required

• Previous experience in ramp operations, airline catering, airport operations, ground handling, cargo operations, or a related field.

• Ideally 3+ years of ramp operations experience, though candidates with 1–3 years of relevant experience will also be considered.

• Proven track record supervising teams of 50 or more employees in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

• Demonstrated strong situational judgment and problem-solving ability — able to navigate dynamic, day-to-day operational challenges independently.

• Stable work history with no major unexplained gaps.

• Strong leadership and supervisory experience in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to make quick decisions and remain calm under pressure.

• Working knowledge of aviation safety regulations and procedures.

• Valid driver's license and the ability to operate ground service equipment.

Preferred

• Union work experience.

• Experience in airline catering, airport ground operations, or AOA/ramp environments is a plus but not required — we'll train on airside rules and regulations.

• Candidates from high-volume logistics or production environments (such as Amazon or similar operations) may also be considered.

• Strong judgment, common sense, and the ability to know when to make decisions independently versus escalating issues.

Schedule

This is a 24/7 operation, and supervisors must have open availability.

• Primarily assigned to AM, swing, or overnight shifts

• Schedules may change based on operational needs and seasonal flight volumes

• Must be willing to work weekends and holidays

• May occasionally be asked to cover other shifts with advance notice

• Employees typically receive two consecutive days off

Why Join?

• Competitive salary of $80,000-$85,000

• Medical insurance at no cost for employees

• Dental insurance

• 401(k)

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Paid Sick Time

• Outstanding career growth opportunities with a company that strongly promotes from within

• Opportunity to build leadership experience in a high-profile airport operation with advancement potential into management and opportunities to relocate to other markets

Important Requirement

Open availability is required. Candidates must be willing to work any shift, including days, evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays. This is a non-negotiable requirement due to the 24/7 nature of airport operations.