Job Purpose
To safely, accurately, and efficiently handle air cargo and operate a wide range of ground support equipment (GSE) to support the loading, unloading, and movement of freight for wide-body aircraft operations. This role plays a critical part in maintaining safe and timely aircraft turnarounds by ensuring all cargo handling tasks are completed in accordance with operational standards, Ramp Safety and airline service level agreements
The Cargo Ramp Handler upholds the highest levels of ramp safety discipline, situational awareness, and equipment care while working in a high-pressure, fast-moving airside environment. The position requires full compliance with aviation security regulations, ramp operating and safety procedures, and company health, safety, and environmental policies. The role also supports safe aircraft arrival and departure operations by performing pre- and post GSE checks, equipment positioning, aircraft marshalling (if trained), and strict adherence to Foreign Object Debris (FOD) control, PPE standards, and airside driving rules.
Key Responsibilities
Safely load and offload cargo, mail, and baggage from wide-body aircraft (e.g., B747, B777, in accordance with aircraft loading instructions, standard operating procedures, and airline requirements.
Handle both loose-loaded and ULD-based cargo, ensuring correct segregation of freight types (general cargo, perishable goods, live animals, high-value shipments, and Dangerous Goods in accordance with IATA DGR requirements).
Build, break down, and secure ULDs (Unit Load Devices) including pallets and containers, ensuring accurate weight distribution, correct use of cargo restraints (nets, straps, locks), and compliance with structural limits and aircraft load plans.
Apply correct labelling, ULD documentation, seal control, and loading tag procedures to maintain cargo integrity and traceability throughout the handling process.
Position, level, and secure cargo pallets and containers according to Weight & Balance, or Load Control instructions while verifying freight condition, ULD integrity, and proper fit on aircraft positions.
Perform physical checks of cargo against manifests and load sheets, identifying any discrepancies, damage, or mis-loads and escalating immediately to supervisors or Load Control.
Install and remove aircraft chocks, safety cones, as required to support safe ground handling activities.
Support aircraft arrival and departure tasks including opening and closing aircraft doors, FOD checks, and communicating with flight crew.
Assist with aircraft marshalling, chocking, and guidance of GSE when trained and authorised, maintaining situational awareness and ensuring a safe operating environment around aircraft.
Conduct continuous FOD checks, equipment positioning checks, and aircraft walk-around observations to identify hazards or obstructions that could impact aircraft safety or turnaround efficiency.
GSE Operation
Operate a wide range of Ground Support Equipment (GSE) to support the safe and efficient loading, unloading, and movement of cargo for wide-body aircraft.
Safely operate Main Deck and Lower Deck Cargo Loaders, ensuring correct platform positioning, bridge alignment, aircraft protection, and communication with the loading team and Loadmaster/flight crew when required.
Operate belt loaders for loose cargo and baggage, following safety procedures for aircraft door areas, height restrictions, and secure equipment positioning.
Drive cargo tugs to transport ULDs and cargo between aircraft stands, warehouse, and cargo facilities while adhering to airside speed limits, designated roadways, and right-of-way rules.
Maneuver and secure ULD dollies, and baggage carts, ensuring correct brake engagement, tow-bar safety, and safe coupling/decoupling practices.
Operate high-loaders, (where trained, certified, and authorised), ensuring correct use of lifting equipment and maintaining load stability.
Operate Ground Power Units (GPU), Air Start Units (ASU), and aircraft access equipment when trained and qualified, ensuring proper equipment positioning, connection, and safe removal procedures.
Position safety cones, chocks, aircraft steps, and other support equipment as required to maintain safe access and aircraft protection.
Conduct pre-use equipment checks and safety inspections, reporting defects immediately and ensuring unserviceable equipment is isolated and tagged out of service.
Maintain equipment cleanliness, fuel levels, safe parking positions, and correct stowage when not in use, preventing FOD hazards and operational disruption.
Follow aircraft stand plans, marshalling guidance, and weight ans balance instructions to ensure safe aircraft approach and departure procedures.
Maintain radio communication and coordination with ramp control, warehouse, and aircraft loading teams to support safe and efficient turnaround operations.Comply with airport authority driving rules, airside permits, GSE operating rules, and company training and recertification requirements.
Ramp Safety & Compliance
Follow all applicable UK CAA, EASA, ICAO, airport authority, and company airside safety regulations, ensuring strict compliance with airside security and operational procedures at all times.
Maintain full awareness of aircraft movement areas, jet blast/prop wash risks, engine start zones, and restricted operating areas, applying safe distances and operating practices.
Ensure all Ground Support Equipment (GSE) is operated safely, inspected prior to use, and parked/stowed correctly, following brake application, chocking, and isolation procedures to prevent unintended movement or hazards.
Maintain a clean, controlled, and hazard-free ramp operating environment, enforcing safe zones around aircraft, cargo loaders, and service vehicles.
Apply stringent Foreign Object Debris (FOD) control by conducting routine inspections, removing hazards promptly, and participating in FOD walks as required.
Ensure correct and consistent use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including high-visibility clothing, safety footwear, hearing protection, and gloves when required by duty.
Comply with all airside driving rules, road layouts, maximum speed limits, stop-checks, and stand entry control procedures.
Correctly position Aircraft wheel chocks, Aircraft safety cones, GSE Chocks to protect aircraft and personnel during arrival, loading/unloading, and departure.
Immediately report all safety hazards, near-misses, equipment defects, security concerns, and operational abnormalities in accordance with the Safety Management System (SMS) and local reporting policies.
Actively participate in safety briefings, and operational training to maintain competence and awareness of updated procedures.
Support aircraft and cargo security checks, including seal checks, access control, secure perimeter checks, and verification of authorised personnel in restricted zones.
Follow IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) and company DG procedures, identifying, handling, and segregating Dangerous Goods correctly and escalating any discrepancies, leaks, or suspicious cargo immediately. Dangerous Goods Specialist
Ensure safe working practices in adverse weather conditions, adjusting operations as required to account for ice, wind, snow, heat, poor visibility, or lightning restrictions.
Promote a strong and proactive safety culture, challenging unsafe behaviour, intervening to stop unsafe acts, and supporting continuous improvement in ramp safety and security performance.
Core Competencies
Safety-focused mindsetDemonstrates strong awareness of airside hazards, follows safety procedures rigorously, challenges unsafe behaviours, and prioritises aircraft, equipment, and personnel safety at all times.
Attention to detailAccurately verifies cargo documentation, ULD tags, and load instructions; checks equipment and aircraft interfaces; and identifies discrepancies or hazards before they impact operations.
Operational disciplineConsistently follows standard operating procedures, security protocols, and aircraft handling requirements; maintains compliance even under pressure or when working independently.
Teamwork and communicationWorks collaboratively within a fast-paced ramp environment, communicates clearly via radio and face-to-face instructions, and supports colleagues to ensure safe and timely aircraft turnaround.
Reliability and punctualityDemonstrates dependable attendance, timekeeping, and work ethic; meets shift requirements and remains focused during demanding operating periods and changing conditions.
Problem-solving under time pressureQuickly assesses operational issues (e.g., equipment delays, load discrepancies, weather impacts), escalates appropriately, and contributes to safe and efficient solutions to maintain aircraft schedules without compromising safety or compliance.
Skills & Qualifications
Right to work in the United Kingdom
Ability to pass a 5-year employment referencing check to meet aviation security standards
Clean criminal record check in line with UK airport background screening requirements (Basic Criminal Record Check / DBS)
Knowledge of airport ramp and cargo operations
Understanding of aircraft types, safety zones, and standard operating procedures
Awareness of IATA DGR and correct handling of dangerous goods (desirable)
Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills
Ability to safely operate ground support equipment (GSE)
Physically fit for manual handling and airside duties
Pay: From £28,500.00 per year
Ability to commute/relocate:
- East Midlands Airport, Leicestershire: reliably commute or be willing to relocate with an employer-provided relocation package (required)
Experience:
- Ramps: 2 years (required)
Language:
Work authorisation:
Work Location: In person
