Regional Catering Operations Manager

Emirates Airlines - Other locations; Dubai; On-site; AED 60,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading airline company seeks a Regional Catering Operations Manager to oversee catering operations and ensure quality standards across various international regions. Successful candidates will have 8+ years in in-flight catering, strong management and communication skills, and a degree or equivalent. This role offers an attractive tax-free salary, travel benefits, and comprehensive healthcare packages.

Benefits

Attractive tax-free salary

Discounted flights and hotel stays

Generous leave and healthcare package

Transport benefits

Life insurance

Qualifications

• 8+ years in In-Flight Service/In-Flight Catering.
• Experience in hospitality, especially in F & B-related roles.
• Extensive knowledge of food product and service trends.

Responsibilities

• Manage regional catering operations including quality and cost efficiency.
• Define catering operations standards and Service Level Agreements.
• Monitor compliance audits of contracted service providers.

Skills

In-Flight Service

Food & Beverage Management

Operational Audits

Contract Management

Team Management

Communication Skills

Education

Degree or Honours (12+3 or equivalent)

Job description

Job Purpose

Join our Catering team, where you will be part of an exciting business area that plays a vital role in delivering the Emirates ‘Fly Better’ experience. This team is responsible for a wide range of food and non-food functions, including catering, equipment, and amenities for inflight dining and special events.

If you are passionate about culinary excellence, logistics, and delivering world‑class service, we invite you to apply and contribute to the success of Emirates Group. As a key part of our Service Delivery operations, our catering team makes crucial decisions that enhance the customer experience and elevate our growing global brand.

About the Role

As a Regional Catering Operations Manager, you will manage the regional catering operations, including food and beverage delivery, flight handling, quality, cost efficiency, and stock management in collaboration with Emirates' global catering service providers. Ensure operational menus align with Emirates' vision of being the world leader in innovative in-flight dining. This role is responsible for leading and supporting operations across assigned international regions, ensuring effective performance in diverse operational, cultural, and regulatory contexts in line with business needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and implement catering operations standards & procedures, and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with regional service providers, working cross‑functionally within Service Delivery (SD) teams to ensure alignment with Emirates operational and business objectives.
• Manage and optimise catering operations, food & beverage, flight handling, stock management, laundry, and third‑party suppliers within approved budgets whilst identifying opportunities for efficiency and value improvement.
• Monitor and improve the regional performance management of contracted service providers through regular compliance audits and checks against the agreed food & beverage and catering operational standards. Drive continuous improvement initiatives to maintain quality and operational excellence.
• Execute the implementation of station‑level menu designs and services. Collaborate with the F&B and Service Design teams to support in the menu design process, the trialling of new F&B and service concepts, and celebratory promotions, whilst ensuring timely and cost‑effective execution.
• Collaborate with the Finance and Procurement teams to negotiate and validate costs for the regional catering operational and food & beverages services, ensuring accurate invoicing and best value for Emirates.
• Lead the catering department representation in the vendor selection process for regional catering partners. Manage catering contracts and maintain supplier relationships within the allocated region, ensuring adherence to SLAs and representing Emirates' interests effectively.
• Manage and develop the regional catering team, fostering capability building, performance management, and succession planning to support strategic resource utilisation and operational goals.

Qualifications

This job might be for you if you have:

• Degree or Honours (12+3 or equivalent).
• 8+ years in In‑Flight Service/In‑Flight Catering.

You’ll have an edge if you possess:

• Degree/Diploma in Culinary Arts or F & B Management or equivalent certification in food safety.
• Experience in the hospitality industry specifically in an F & B‑related role of which at least 3 years should have been in an airline catering environment.
• Experience in an airline operational environment of which at least 5 years in an airline catering operations environment/supplier with operational audits.
• Must have extensive knowledge of global food product and service delivery trends and concepts.
• Must demonstrate good contract management capabilities.
• Good understanding of cultural dimensions and adapting to managing delivery of product from worldwide catering locations.
• Knowledge of food production, development, food safety, and product distribution.
• Proven ability to manage teams, work with key stakeholders and manage relationships.
• Extensive knowledge in managing airline catering operational supplies.
• Capable of working under pressure in an environment where a very high degree of initiative, self‑motivation and control are required.
• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal.

At Emirates, we’re committed to helping our people grow and thrive. If you’re ready for a rewarding and challenging career, apply today and be a part of our world‑class team!

Salary & Benefits

Join us in a management role and enjoy an attractive tax‑free salary. On top of our generous travel benefits, including discounted flights and hotel stays around the world, this managerial role also has an excellent leave and healthcare package. That’s on top of transport benefits, life insurance and more. Find out what it’s like to live and work in our fast‑paced, cosmopolitan home city in the Dubai Lifestyle section of our website www.emirates.com/careers.