Manager Regional Catering Performance

Etihad Airways; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading airline in the UAE is searching for a Catering Operations Manager to oversee the performance of catering services and ensure compliance with safety, hygiene, and Halal standards. This leadership role involves managing budgets, analyzing performance metrics, and working closely with catering partners globally. Candidates must have substantial experience in airline catering and be prepared to travel frequently. Join a dynamic team committed to delivering excellence in airline service standards and operations.

Qualifications

• Direct experience managing catering performance and supplier relationships required.
• Willingness to travel globally on duty frequently.

Responsibilities

• Lead Catering Operations team and manage budgets and compliance.
• Implement performance metrics for catering partners and conduct audits.
• Identify trends and develop action plans to address performance issues.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Data Analysis

Education

8 years of airline or airline catering experience

Management experience in catering

Minimum 2 years in a leadership role

Tools

MS Office

Job description

In this role, you are accountable for leading Regional Catering Performance Teams to manage the 24/7/365 operations of both HUB and global Catering partners, ensuring the delivery of all products and services as designed in a safe and Halal-compliant manner. You will ensure all menus comply with GE standards and are within budget. Additionally, you will track and measure Catering partner performance against agreed metrics, providing trend analysis, improvement progress, and benefits realization.

Accountabilities

• Lead the Catering Operations team across HUB & OSS worldwide for all flight catering services. Manage catering partner budgets, food safety, hygiene, Halal, and Kosher compliance.
• Ensure all services align with Etihad Airways Food Safety, Halal, Kosher standards, and operational and galley/loading plans.
• Monitor contractor compliance with AVSEC, Ethics, and other related requirements. Conduct performance audits and participate in caterer evaluations and menu presentations.
• Implement and monitor the performance of CCS and OSS Catering partners against metrics and KPIs through audits, checks, reports, and feedback.
• Identify trends and develop Corrective Action Plans to resolve issues and improve performance. Place orders with catering partners to meet onboard service and crew F&B requirements.
• Allocate costs to processes, manage budgets, and implement cost-saving initiatives, including reducing meal wastage.
• Make operational decisions to manage safety and security risks effectively, evaluating hazards and threats as needed.

Education & Experience

• 8 years of airline or airline catering experience.
• Minimum 2 years in a leadership role.
• Management experience in catering and high-volume food production.

Must have direct experience managing catering performance and supplier relationships.

Willingness to travel globally on duty frequently

• Knowledge of airline catering processes, food safety, Halal requirements, and allergen management.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken. High computer literacy (MS Office).
• Ability to analyze data for opportunities and insights.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, was established in 2003 and has become one of the world’s leading airlines. Based in Abu Dhabi, Etihad operates flights to destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. The airline has received numerous awards for its service, cargo, and loyalty programs, aligning with its Journey 2030 strategy to double its fleet and triple its customer base over the next six years.

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