Operations Manager

SkyChefs; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 86,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

SkyChefs in Santa Ana seeks an experienced Operations Manager to lead our Customer Service Center, overseeing daily production, ensuring safety, quality, and timely catering for flights. You will direct several teams, manage costs, and drive improvements in a fast-paced, aircraft-catering environment.

The role requires 5–7 years of progressive leadership, strong communication, and hands-on management. Bachelor's degree in Business/Operations is preferred, with experience in ERP and performance

Qualifications

• Minimum 5-7 years of progressive leadership experience in operations management, manufacturing, food production, logistics, distribution, airline catering, or a related field.
• Proven success managing multiple departments and large frontline teams in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Strong leadership skills with a hands‑on management style and the ability to drive accountability, performance, and employee engagement.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with employees, customers, vendors, and executive leadership.
• Professional presentation, interpersonal, and relationship‑building skills.
• Experience with workforce planning, production scheduling, staffing management, and operational performance metrics.
• Demonstrated ability to identify operational inefficiencies and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Knowledge of food manufacturing, airline catering, aviation operations, or other high-volume production environments is highly preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities with the capacity to make sound decisions in a dynamic environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint) and Windows‑based applications.
• Experience using ERP, production planning, workforce management, or operational reporting systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Direct and lead multiple dynamic teams across all operations, supervisors, production employees, etc.
• Responsible for department costs to budget through effective manpower planning, scheduling and overtime usage
• Ensure on-time and accurate production in the preparation of food/equipment and catering of flights
• Lead root-cause investigations for service or quality issues and implement corrective actions
• Maintain an ongoing, positive and pro-active relationship with all internal and external customers
• Provide data for the development of an annual business plan and budgeting for the department

Skills

Leadership

Operations management

Communication

Lean manufacturing

Safety compliance

Project management

Budgeting

ERP systems

Staffing management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Operations

Tools

ERP Systems

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

About Us

Since 1942, SkyChefs has taken culinary excellence to new heights. As a trusted partner to the nation’s leading airlines and retailers, we proudly deliver millions of meals and exceptional service experiences every year across 43 sites throughout the United States. Built on a legacy of operational excellence, culinary expertise, and continuous innovation, we are committed to setting the industry standard in aviation culinary, airline services, last-mile logistics, and retail commerce. From the kitchen to the runway, our teams work together to deliver quality, reliability, and service at every altitude. Our people are the heart of everything we do. At SkyChefs, a career is more than a job – it’s an opportunity to grow, lead, and make an impact in a fast-paced, team-driven environment. Join America’s first, foremost, and finest and take your career to new heights.

Job Title:

Operations Manager

Job Location:

Santa Ana-USA-92626

Work Location Type:

On-Site

Salary Range:

$86,417.73 - 100,000.00

About Us

Since 1942, SkyChefs has taken culinary excellence to new heights. As a trusted partner to the nation’s leading airlines and retailers, we proudly deliver millions of meals and exceptional service experiences every year across 43 sites throughout the United States. Built on a legacy of operational excellence, culinary expertise, and continuous innovation, we are committed to setting the industry standard in aviation culinary, airline services, last-mile logistics, and retail commerce. From the kitchen to the runway, our teams work together to deliver quality, reliability, and service at every altitude. Our people are the heart of everything we do. At SkyChefs, a career is more than a job – it’s an opportunity to grow, lead, and make an impact in a fast-paced, team-driven environment. Join America’s first, foremost, and finest and take your career to new heights.

Role Purpose Statement

Are you ready to take on a dynamic leadership role with one of the world's largest airline catering and hospitality providers?

SkyChefs is seeking a passionate, results-driven Operations Manager who thrives in a fast-paced production environment and excels at leading diverse teams focused on delivering exceptional products and service to our airline customers.

As an Operations Manager, you will oversee all aspects of daily operations within our Customer Service Center (CSC), ensuring the safe, efficient, and timely production and delivery of products while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and customer satisfaction.

This is a highly visible leadership role where you will drive operational excellence through employee engagement, performance management, process improvement, and safety leadership. Your ability to motivate, develop, and inspire team members will be critical to achieving operational goals and fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

At SkyChefs, our people are our greatest asset. We are looking for a leader who embraces our values, champions employee development, and creates an environment where individuals and teams can perform at their very best.

Main Accountabilities

Operational Leadership

• Direct and lead multiple dynamic teams across all operations, supervisors, production employees, etc.
• Responsible for department costs to budget through effective manpower planning, scheduling and overtime usage
• Ensure on-time and accurate production in the preparation of food/equipment and catering of flights
• Lead root-cause investigations for service or quality issues and implement corrective actions
• Maintain an ongoing, positive and pro-active relationship with all internal and external customers
• Provide data for the development of an annual business plan and budgeting for the departmen

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure full compliance with FDA, USDA, OSHA, HACCP, GQS, and airline-specific requirements
• Champion a culture of safety and accountability across all ramp teams
• Attend daily operational briefings and provide insight on shift performance

Resource Optimization

• Manage inventory levels for customer-specific equipment
• Oversee deployment of staff, equipment, and materials to meet operational demands
• Support annual budgeting, business planning, and performance tracking

Leadership Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team aligned with company values
• Manage performance through the Global Performance System (GPS)
• Foster a culture of teamwork, respect, and continuous improvement
• Support initiatives in Lean Manufacturing, Quality, Safety, and Operational Excellence
• Ensure the department is organized, staffed, and supported to meet business goals

Knowledge, Skills And Experience

• Minimum 5-7 years of progressive leadership experience in operations management, manufacturing, food production, logistics, distribution, airline catering, or a related field.
• Proven success managing multiple departments and large frontline teams in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Strong leadership skills with a hands‑on management style and the ability to drive accountability, performance, and employee engagement.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with employees, customers, vendors, and executive leadership.
• Professional presentation, interpersonal, and relationship‑building skills.
• Experience with workforce planning, production scheduling, staffing management, and operational performance metrics.
• Demonstrated ability to identify operational inefficiencies and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Knowledge of food manufacturing, airline catering, aviation operations, or other high-volume production environments is highly preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities with the capacity to make sound decisions in a dynamic environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint) and Windows‑based applications.
• Experience using ERP, production planning, workforce management, or operational reporting systems is a plus.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Preferred Leadership Competencies

• Strategic Thinking
• Operational Excellence
• Team Development and Coaching
• Change Management
• Customer Focus
• Continuous Improvement
• Safety and Regulatory Compliance
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration

SkyChefs is an EEO and Aff…