Senior Operations Manager, Airline Catering

SkyChefs; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

SkyChefs is seeking an seasoned Operations Leader to support the growth of the Customer Service Center. You will supervise three Operations Supervisors and 47 union associates, driving production, service and continuous improvement in a high-visibility role onsite at our facility near IAH.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree and 5–7 years of leadership in operations or manufacturing, with strong communication and budgeting skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required or equivalent combination of education and leadership experience.
• 5-7 years of progressive operations, manufacturing, distribution, or customer service leadership experience.
• Proven ability to lead multiple departments and cross-functional operations in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Execute CSC operational plans and ensure alignment with policies, procedures and business objectives.
• Provide performance data, forecasts and operational insights for budgets.
• Lead daily operations to achieve productivity, quality, service and financial targets; apply corrective actions as needed.
• Optimize labor, equipment, materials and facility resources to maximize efficiency.
• Oversee material planning and inventory to support uninterrupted operations.
• Ensure processes comply with company standards and regulatory guidelines.
• Drive continuous improvement, lean initiatives and capital projects.

Skills

Operations leadership

People management

Strong communication

Data analysis

Budget management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

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.

Position Overview

We are searching for a seasoned Operations Leader to support the continued growth of our Customer Service Center (CSC). This position plays a pivotal role in scaling operations, driving operational excellence, and ensuring the effective execution of production and service activities. The ideal candidate is a proven people leader with extensive experience managing managers and supervisors, fostering high-performing teams, and successfully leading organizational change in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

In this role, you will oversee the planning, direction, and coordination of multiple operational functions to achieve business objectives, enhance efficiency, and maintain competitive advantage. You will be responsible for ensuring alignment with company standards, meeting customer expectations, and maintaining compliance with all applicable regulatory and quality requirements.

This is a highly visible, boots-on-the-ground leadership position responsible for day-to-day operations within a food production facility. You will lead three Operations Supervisors and 47 union associates.

• Work location - onsite @ our SkyChefs facility near George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
• Work schedule - Monday-Friday: Must be flexible to variations in schedule based on business needs
• We operate 24/7 365

What You'll Do

Operations Management

• Execute CSC operational plans and ensure alignment with corporate policies, procedures, and business objectives.
• Support annual operating plans and budgets by providing performance data, forecasts, and operational insights.
• Lead daily operations to achieve productivity, quality, service, and financial targets; implement corrective actions when performance gaps arise.
• Optimize the use of labor, equipment, materials, and facility resources to maximize efficiency and customer satisfaction.
• Oversee material planning and inventory availability to support uninterrupted operations.
• Ensure operational processes comply with company standards, customer requirements, and applicable regulatory guidelines.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, process optimization, and capital investment projects to enhance performance and scalability.
• Maintain a strong focus on safety, quality, environmental compliance, and operational excellence.
• Foster effective collaboration and communication across cross-functional teams and external partners.

Leadership

• Lead, develop, and manage supervisors, managers, and frontline teams to achieve operational goals.
• Build a high-performance culture through coaching, performance management, talent development, and succession planning.
• Champion company values, leadership principles, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Manage departmental budgets, monitor expenses, and implement corrective actions to meet financial objectives.
• Support and drive continuous improvement programs, including quality, safety, lean manufacturing, and operational excellence initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Bachelor's degree required; equivalent combination of education and relevant leadership experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive operations, manufacturing, distribution, or customer service leadership experience.
• Demonstrated success leading multiple departments, teams, and cross-functional operations in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate across all levels of the organization.
• Exceptional presentation, relationship-building, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and other Windows-based business applications.
• Proven ability to analyze operational data, drive performance improvements, and achieve business objectives.