Manager - Catering Operations %26… at United Airlines · Denver

Why Inflight Services?

Our customers choose United because of our dedication to safety and passion for service. United's Inflight Services team is made up of diverse, driven individuals working together to Connect People and Unite the World. From operational leadership and crew planning to safety and service procedures, our Inflight Services team provides the innovative approaches, tools, training and guidance needed for our flight attendants to deliver the best possible customer experience, and aid in our mission to become the best airline in the history of aviation.

Job Overview and Responsibilities

As the Manager, Catering Operations & Logistics, the role will promote safety and compliance in all United does. Whether on the ramp, in food production, or away from work, keeping each other safe is top of mind. This role will demonstrate our commitment to partnership. This role will provide manage oversight and direction to our airport and catering partners as they perform the daily tasks required to support the operation. United are good stewards of our resources. This role supports a continual focus on responsible use of United Airlines’ equipment and materials, warehouse management practices, inventory ordering and stock management, as well as waste reduction efforts. United is focused and aligned on objectives. This role manages knowledge of, and ensures compliance with United’s policies and procedures, as well as the understanding and awareness of performance metrics and reports.

• Vendor & Performance Management
  • Primary management control oversight of goals and expectations that holds the vendor accountable to enable the consistent delivery of quality service and product
  • Drive accountability of vendor action plans
  • Monitor and prioritize corrective actions in identified issues, operational risks, quality of product, and areas of concern
  • Drive consistency in standard work and facilitate sharing of best practices with vendor partners
  • Maintain thorough situational awareness about any events that may impact operations, make tactical decisions as needed and escalate significant operational challenges
  • Engage in structured problem solving with vendors in accomplishing goals and objectives
• Auditing & Regulatory Compliance
  • Oversee audit program ensuring compliance with Catering Operations Business Manual, United Airlines Safety Standards, and other regulatory requirements
  • Oversee investigations into safety incidents including corrective action planning
  • Facilitate partnership with United Airlines Food Safety and operational safety teams
• Leadership, Collaboration & Partnering
  • Provide consistent, ongoing strategic communication with all departments and serve as the primary liaison with vendor and local station stakeholders
  • Facilitate meetings, channels of communication and other forums for robust information sharing and planning at the local level
  • Serve as primary point of escalation and support to United catering leadership
  • Endorse recognition and excellence programs through recognition and commendation
  • Serve as consultant and subject matter expert as needed providing guidance and advice to catering partners and local operating groups
• Change Management
  • Maintain continuous improvement with catering partners for new initiatives such as technology enhancements, changes to United’s performance management system, new process adoption, etc.
  • Partner with CSC and leadership teams to champion change management and communication plans for initiatives
  • Provide on-site support and monitoring of adoption and success for new initiatives
  • Oversees execution of new menu concepts and service enhancements
• Financial Controls
  • Ensure integrity of catering partner inventory management process
  • Identify and champion cost-savings initiatives
  • Provide oversight and intelligence over key cost drivers or extraordinary cost drivers (e.g., equipment shortage, excessive oversight) as needed

What’s needed to succeed (Minimum Qualifications):

• Bachelor's degree
• Business, Operations, Engineering or Related Field
• Minimum 2-4 years’ experience in Airport Operations, Inflight, Vendor Management or similar functions
• Vendor management
• Project management
• Leadership experience
• Ability to work flexible schedule to cover operationally critical days of week and shifts
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office suite
• Must possess exceptional planning and organizational skills, along with strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to document and communicate opportunities and action plans in a clear, precise, and actionable manner
• Ability to lead stakeholders through complex planning and implementation of initiatives
• Proven track record to work independently, in controlled and uncontrolled operation environments, and in a team environment
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship
• Successful completion of interview required to meet job qualification
• Reliable, punctual attendance is an essential function of the position

What will help you propel from the pack (Preferred Qualifications):

• Lean manufacturing experience
• Safety Management systems
• LEAN Six Sigma
• HACCP, PCQI or equivalent food safety certificates
• 2 years’ experience in airline catering, travel industry or hospitality leadership experience
• 4-6 years’ experience in Airport Operation, Inflight, Vendor Management or similar functions
• Demonstrates an understanding of the capabilities and limitations of generative AI tools and effectively leverages them for research, analysis, content creation, and problem-solving. Applies critical thinking to validate AI-generated outputs while adhering to company policies related to responsible AI use, data privacy, and security.