Production Manager

dnata catering UK; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering services provider in Newcastle upon Tyne is seeking a skilled operations manager to oversee the production and assembly of inflight meals. You'll ensure food quality standards are maintained and manage operational compliance, schedules, and team performance. Ideal candidates will possess strong people management skills and relevant food hygiene certifications. This role offers a unique opportunity to join a global family with desirable employee benefits.

Benefits

Free breakfast, lunch and dinner on site

Free tea and coffee

Simply health Plan

Refer a Friend Scheme

Discounted gym membership

Cycle to Work Scheme

In-house apprenticeship programme opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven ability to manage and lead a team effectively.
• Certification in Food Hygiene and understanding of IOSH practices.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy is crucial.

Responsibilities

• Achieve production cost targets through effective planning and scheduling.
• Conduct daily checks and initiatives for compliance improvements.
• Monitor team performance and conduct monthly appraisals.

Skills

People management skills

Food Hygiene certificate and or IOSH

Knowledge of the latest H&S policies

Attention to detail and accuracy

Computer literate

Communication Skills

Understanding of health and safety regulations

Job description

Who are we?

Dnata is one of the world’s largest air and travel services providers. We provide a comprehensive range of inflight catering, onboard retail, supply chain and logistics services at all major and regional airports across the UK. Dnata Catering provide expertly crafted inflight catering services, delivering fresh and high-quality meals at major and regional airports across the UK. As the leading Halal caterer in the UK, we also provide tailored experiences to meet each customer’s unique needs. We’re a leader in VIP catering, offering bespoke inflight to private and charter clients.

The Role

This role is responsible for interfacing with customers/ providing operational/ administrative support/ providing support services. You will be responsible for the production and assembly of meals in line with scheduled activity and deadlines. You will ensure that required food product is managed effectively to ensure that food quality standards are preserved at all stages of the production process.

Key Responsibilities

• Achieve production cost targets through effective planning and scheduling.
• Organise holidays, rosters, and work schedules using best practice tools.
• Maintain internal delivery schedules and coordinate period-end stock takes.
• Design and review contingency plans for assembly changes.
• Conduct yield testing to verify theoretical yields.
• Apply best practice assembly processes.
• Manage waste through documentation, analysis, corrective actions, and progress tracking.
• Control substitution and wastage costs with targeted action plans.
• Drive performance through clear objectives and teamwork.
• Monitor team performance daily, weekly, and periodically.
• Conduct appraisals and review action plans monthly.
• Attend daily meetings to resolve issues and align on targets.
• Ensure recruitment meets current and future needs.
• Maintain compliance with legislation, customer, and company standards.
• Perform daily compliance checks and initiate improvements.
• Complete due diligence and security checks.
• Plan and deliver training to ensure compliance.
• Observe health and safety policies and report hazards.
• Communicate effectively using established structures.
• Ensure high levels of internal and external customer service.
• Maintain contact with customers and resolve assembly issues.
• Review and implement changes based on customer requirements.
• Provide expert production knowledge and manage Category A incidents.
• Accountable for Labour costs / Wastage Costs

Required Skills

• People management skills
• Food Hygiene certificate and or IOSH
• Knowledge of the latest H&S policies
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Computer literate
• Communication Skills – must be able to communicate at all levels
• An understanding of health and safety regulations

Preferred Skills

• Ability to plan, organise and delegate
• Must be methodical, and logical in their approach to work

What's in it for you?

• An opportunity to be part of the Emirates global family.
• Free breakfast, lunch and dinner on site
• Free tea and coffee
• Simply health Plan
• Refer a Friend Scheme
• Discounted gym membership at over 2000 gyms nationwide
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Opportunity to enhance your learning through our inhouse apprenticeship programme

If you're invited to interview, please let us know if there are any adjustments we can make to ensure you're cleared for take-off and able to perform at your best. We’re committed to making the recruitment journey as smooth and inclusive as possible.

Our roles attract high volumes of applications, so it may take us a little time to taxi through them all. We aim to respond to every application within 14 days. If you haven’t heard from us by then — or if you have any questions about this or other opportunities — feel free to contact a member of our Talent crew for further assistance.

We appreciate your patience while we navigate the runway!