Catering Operations Leader — Real-Time Flight Support

Uae Job Alert; Dubai; On-site; AED 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job description

Senior Manager – Catering Operations

About the Role
Seize the opportunity to lead within one of the world’s premier airline networks. As the Senior Manager of Catering Operations, you will be critical in ensuring seamless coordination between Emirates Airlines (EK) and Emirates Flight Catering (EKFC). This high-impact position, based in the Emirates Network Control Centre (NCC), demands exceptional leadership, strategic agility, and a commitment to operational excellence in a fast-paced aviation environment.

In this role, you’ll drive collaboration, maintain top-tier catering standards, and tackle real-time challenges to safeguard on-time performance (OTP). Be the architect of a key function that enhances the passenger experience across one of the globe’s most extensive airline networks.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Represent EKFC at the Emirates NCC, managing daily operations and proactively addressing disruptions 24/7.
• Align EKFC operations with the NCC’s strategic direction to achieve seamless synergy.

Real-Time Decision-Making

• Serve as the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) between EKFC and NCC, responding swiftly to schedule changes, disruptions, and emergencies.
• Communicate updates and assess operational impacts to ensure OTP and quality standards.

Resource Optimization

• Adjust catering resources and provisions based on flight schedules and passenger capacities to optimize efficiency and minimize waste.

Operational Oversight and Compliance

• Oversee day-to-day EKFC operations to ensure on-time and accurate catering services, adhering to SLAs, PTS, and KPIs.
• Ensure compliance with governance protocols, regulatory standards, and incident review requirements.

Continuous Improvement

• Report operational challenges and successes, enhancing coordination between EK and EKFC.
• Identify risks, implement mitigation strategies, and champion innovative processes and technologies.

Business Continuity

• Develop and manage EKFC’s Business Continuity Plan, ensuring readiness to handle disruptions while maintaining service excellence.

Industry Analysis

• Monitor global and local catering trends, regulations, and innovations to maintain competitive and compliant operations.

What We’re Looking For

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• Preferred certifications: Lean Six Sigma, PMP, IOSH, or airport safety credentials.

Experience

• At least 8 years in a managerial role within high-pressure, time-sensitive environments such as airline catering, large-scale logistics, or airport operations.

Skills

• Leadership: Proven ability to engage and lead multicultural teams across various functions.
• Problem-Solving: Analytical expertise to manage complex operational challenges.
• Stakeholder Management: Strong interpersonal and influencing skills for high-level collaboration.
• Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with airline IT systems and data-driven decision-making.
• Communication: Clear, decisive communication skills with effective delegation and follow-up abilities.

Why Join Us?

• Join a globally recognized leader in aviation and hospitality.
• Take on a pivotal role that balances strategic influence with operational impact.
• Work in a fast-moving environment where your decisions directly enhance the passenger journey and uphold an industry-leading reputation.

Shape the future of airline catering operations—apply now!