Manager - Catering Operations & Logistics

Achieving our goals starts with supporting yours. Grow your career, access top-tier health and wellness benefits, build lasting connections with your team and our customers, and travel the world using our extensive route network. Come join us to create what’s next. Let’s define tomorrow, together. Description 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 ManagementPrimary management control oversight of goals and expectations that holds the vendor accountable to enable the consistent delivery of quality service and productDrive accountability of vendor action plansMonitor 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 partnersMaintain thorough situational awareness about any events that may impact operations, make tactical decisions as needed and escalate significant operational challengesEngage in structured problem solving with vendors in accomplishing goals and objectivesAuditing & Regulatory ComplianceOversee audit program ensuring compliance with Catering Operations Business Manual, United Airlines Safety Standards, and other regulatory requirementsOversee investigations into safety incidents including corrective action planningFacilitate partnership with United Airlines Food Safety and operational safety teamsLeadership, Collaboration & PartneringProvide 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 levelServe as primary point of escalation and support to United catering leadershipEndorse recognition and excellence programs through recognition and commendationServe as consultant and subject matter expert as needed providing guidance and advice to catering partners and local operating groupsChange ManagementMaintain 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 initiativesProvide on-site support and monitoring of adoption and success for new initiativesOversees execution of new menu concepts and service enhancementsFinancial ControlsEnsure integrity of catering partner inventory management processIdentify and champion cost-savings initiativesProvide oversight and intelligence over key cost drivers or extraordinary cost drivers (e.g., equipment shortage, excessive oversight) as needed Qualifications What’s needed to succeed (Minimum Qualifications): Bachelor's degreeBusiness, Operations, Engineering or Related FieldMinimum 2-4 years’ experience in Airport Operations, Inflight, Vendor Management or similar functionsVendor managementProject managementLeadership experienceAbility to work flexible schedule to cover operationally critical days of week and shiftsAdvanced skills in Microsoft Office suiteMust 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 mannerAbility 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 environmentMust be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorshipSuccessful completion of interview required to meet job qualificationReliable, punctual attendance is an essential function of the position What will help you propel from the pack (Preferred Qualifications): Lean manufacturing experienceSafety Management systemsLEAN Six SigmaHACCP, PCQI or equivalent food safety certificates2+ years’ experience in airline catering, travel industry or hospitality leadership experience4-6+ years’ experience in Airport Operation, Inflight, Vendor Management or similar functionsDemonstrates 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. The base pay range for this role is $102,220.00 to $133,194.00. The base salary range/hourly rate listed is dependent on job-related, factors such as experience, education, and skills. This position is also eligible for bonus and/or long-term incentive compensation awards. You may be eligible for the following competitive benefits: medical, dental, vision, life, accident & disability, parental leave, employee assistance program, commuter, paid holidays, paid time off, 401(k) and flight privileges. United Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law. We provide reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation, contact JobAccommodations@united.com