Food Packing Operative – Aviation Catering

Gatwick Airport Area
Temp-to-Perm Opportunities Available

Are you looking for a fast-paced, hands-on role within the aviation industry? We are currently recruiting Food Packing Operatives (General Assistants) to join a busy airline catering operation supporting major airlines at London Gatwick Airport.

This is a fantastic opportunity to become part of a dedicated team responsible for preparing, handling and distributing airline catering, equipment and onboard supplies, helping ensure flights depart safely, securely and on schedule.

Shift Pattern

Rotating shifts – Full Flexibility is Essential

This is a 24/7 operation, and only applicants who are fully flexible should apply.

You must be available to work a mixture of:

• Early mornings
• Afternoons
• Night shifts
• Weekends
• Bank holidays

Shift patterns are allocated based on business needs, so you must be able to work any shift as required. We cannot accommodate fixed shifts or restricted availability.

The Role

As a Food Packing Operative (General Assistant), you may work across several operational departments depending on business requirements, including:

• Production
• Equipment
• Wash
• Search & Seal

This is a varied role where no two days are the same. You should be happy to move between departments and adapt to changing operational demands.

Key Responsibilities

Production

• Preparing and plating meals for airline customers
• Handling packed food products
• Packing amenity kits and flight condiments
• Supporting food production operations

Equipment

• Stacking shelves and organising stock
• Rotating stock to maintain accuracy and compliance
• Replenishing and re-ordering dry stock
• Maintaining an organised working area

Wash

• Washing airline equipment to airline and industry standards
• Carrying out general cleaning duties
• Removing and disposing of waste
• Maintaining excellent hygiene standards

Search & Seal

• Inspecting goods to ensure prohibited items are not present
• Checking stock for quality and damage
• Completing operational paperwork
• Following all aviation security procedures

Please note: Duties are not limited to the above and may change depending on operational requirements. Flexibility to work across departments is essential.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for reliable, hardworking individuals who are happy to work in a busy, fast-paced environment.

You will need:

• Full flexibility to work any shift across a 24/7 operation
• A positive attitude and willingness to learn
• Good attention to detail
• The ability to follow instructions and procedures
• Good mobility and the ability to carry out manual handling duties
• The ability to stand for long periods
• A basic understanding of English
• A strong team-focused approach

Essential Requirements

Successful applicants must be able to pass full aviation security clearance, including:

• Five years’ employment and/or address history
• Background screening
• Right to Work verification

You must also:

• Be comfortable handling pork and alcohol products
• Be willing to work in a chilled environment

What We Offer

• Temp-to-perm opportunities
• Full training provided
• Career progression opportunities
• Friendly and supportive team environment
• The opportunity to work at one of the UK’s busiest international airports

Please only apply if you are fully flexible and able to work any shift pattern required by the operation.

Apply today and take the next step towards an exciting career in aviation catering at Gatwick Airport.