Senior Manager - Catering Operations and Logistics

Description

There's never been a more exciting time to join United Airlines. We're on a path towards becoming the best airline in the history of aviation. Our shared purpose - Connecting People, Uniting the World - is about more than getting people from one place to another. It also means that as a global company that operates in hundreds of locations around the world with millions of customers and tens of thousands of employees, we have a unique responsibility to uplift and provide opportunities in the places where we work, live and fly, and we can only do that with a truly diverse and inclusive workforce. And we're growing - in the years ahead, we'll hire tens of thousands of people across every area of the airline. Our careers include a competitive benefits package aimed at keeping you happy, healthy and well-traveled. From employee-run "Business Resource Group" communities to world-class benefits like parental leave, 401k and privileges like space available travel, United is truly a one-of-a-kind place to work. Are you ready to travel the world?



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.



Key Responsibilities:

A s the Senior Manager - Catering Operations & Logistics, the selected candidate will provide oversight and direction to catering vendors for assigned hubs and/or line stations to ensure a safe, reliable operation. Through direct leadership and collaboration, the Senior Manager will ensure achievement of all relevant operating performance targets and drive improvements to internal and external customer metrics. This role will be based at the CSC or a hub airport, with 20 - 40% travel to ensure adequate oversight of assigned stations. The successful candidate will cultivate strong partnerships with internal stakeholders including Catering Supply Chain, Inflight Services, Airport Operations, Menu Strategy & Planning, Food Safety, and Corporate Safety. This role will also support responsible use of United's equipment and materials, effective warehouse management practices, inventory ordering and stock management, and waste reduction efforts.

Vendor & Performance Management

• Define strategy to drive catering performance improvement and be accountable for overall Safety, operating performance, and compliance of catering vendors in assigned locations. Coordinate team efforts and reallocate resources as needed to ensure objectives are met.
• Continuously analyze vendor performance and internal and external customer satisfaction data to identify trends, produce actionable insights, and make data driven decisions. Ensure the accuracy of identified root causes and vendor accountability for corrective actions, action plans, and timelines.
• Engage in structured problem solving with vendors to resolve significant and/or recurring issues. Identify any United driven obstacles and lead or influence internal improvements.
• Ensure vendor readiness and maintain situational awareness through peak periods, irregular operations, and schedule changes; make tactical decisions as needed and ensure effective communication with all stakeholders.

Logistics

• Lead the establishment and continuous improvement of processes and controls to ensure United owned assets and equipment are utilized and managed efficiently
• Ensure adoption of a robust performance system with goals and measures focused on timely and accurate inventory reporting
• Collaborate with Menu Planning, Supply Chain, and catering vendors to minimize stock outs and product substitutions

Partnership & Communication

• Develop a consultative relationship with catering vendors at the local and corporate level with the goal of building a mutually beneficial partnership
• Collaborate with Menu Planning and other operating groups including but not limited to Airport Operations and Inflight on short and long term initiatives
• Initiate regular communication and collaboration with Inflight base teams to address leadership and frontline concerns and recommendations

Team Development

• Lead the continuous improvement of vendor capabilities and adoption of best practices to support stable, sustainable operational performance
• Lead functional and leadership training for team members
• Facilitate a culture of recognition and camaraderie among our team and our vendor partners

United values diverse experiences, perspectives, and we encourage everyone who meets the minimum qualifications to apply. While having the "desired" qualifications make for a stronger candidate, we encourage applicants who may not feel they check ALL of those boxes! We are always looking for individuals who will bring something new to the table!



The salary for this position is $114,750 to $168,300, dependent on job-related, non-discriminatory factors such as experience, education and skills. This range is based on a full-time schedule.

Qualifications

What's needed to succeed (Minimum Qualifications):

• Bachelor's degree or 4 years of relevant work experience
• Business, Operations, Engineering or other related fields
• Minimum 4+ years' experience in Operations, Vendor management or related leadership role
• Vendor management experience
• Project management experience
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office suite
• Must possess exceptional planning and organizational skills, along with strong written and oral communication skills
• Strong internal customer service and responsiveness to stakeholders and internal customers
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build and nurture relationships within and across all work groups and at levels from frontline to senior leadership
• Ability to document and communicate opportunities and action plans in a clear and actionable manner
• Ability to lead stakeholders through complex planning and implementation of initiatives
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment and balance tactical execution with project/initiative progress
• Willingness to work during non-standard hours and peak periods when needed to support a global 24/7/365 operation
• Proven ability to be visible and engaged in the operation in controlled and uncontrolled environments when required
• 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):

• Master's degree or 6 years of relevant work experience
• 8+ years' experience in operation, vendor management or related leadership role
• Catering Operations or Inflight leadership experience