Regional Catering Operations Manager

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.

As a Regional Catering Operations Manager in the Catering team 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.

In this role you will:

• 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 optimize 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 utilization and operational goals.

Qualification

To be considered for the role, you must meet the below requirements:

• Hold a Degree or Honours (12+3 or equivalent), preferably in Culinary Arts or F&B Management, or equivalent certification in food safety.
• Have 8+ years of experience in In-Flight Service/In-Flight Catering.
• Have experience in the hospitality industry specifically in an F&B kitchen-based related role (i.e. a Senior Chef/Culinary position) of which at least 3 years should have been in an airline catering environment.
• Have experience in an airline operational environment of which at least 5 years is in an airline catering operations environment/supplier with operational audits.
• Demonstrate extensive knowledge of global food product and service delivery trends and concepts, and knowledge of food production, development, food safety, and product distribution.
• Demonstrate good contract management capabilities and extensive knowledge in managing airline catering operational supplies.
• Have a good understanding of cultural dimensions and adapting to managing delivery of product from worldwide catering locations.
• Demonstrate proven ability to manage teams, work with key stakeholders and manage relationships.
• Be capable of working under pressure in an environment where a very high degree of initiative, self-motivation and control are required.
• Possess 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.