Why Inflight Services?

Our customers choose United because of our dedication to safety and passion for service. Uniteds 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 Assistant Manager - Catering Operations & Logistics, the selected candidate will provide oversight and direction to catering vendors for an assigned region to ensure a safe, reliable operation. Through direct leadership and collaboration, the Assistant Manager will ensure achievement of all relevant operating performance targets and drive improvements to internal and external customer metrics. This is an on-site role that requires up to 50 travel , with time spent in both the catering facilities to ensure adequate oversight and in the airports to ensure strong partnership with all stakeholders. The successful candidate will cultivate strong partnerships with internal stakeholders including Inflight Services, Airport Operations, Menu Strategy & Planning, and Food 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.

• Caterer Performance Management:
  • Utilize performance data to drive insights and educate/support partners
  • Engage in structured problem solving with vendors in accomplishing goals and objectives
  • Drive accountability of vendor action plans
• Change Management:
  • Partner with the Corporate Support Center and leadership teams to provide guidance in change management and communication plans for initiatives
  • Provide support to catering partners and United stakeholders by driving adoption and success of new initiatives
  • Support execution of new menu concepts, service enhancements and catering station startups/transitions
• Leadership, Collaboration & Partnering:
  • Facilitate and/or lead sustainable operational improvements from conception to completion
  • Serve as consultant and subject matter expert as needed providing guidance and advice to catering partners and local operating groups
  • Serve as primary liaison between catering vendors and all relevant stakeholders
• 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

This position is offered on local terms and conditions. Expatriate assignments and sponsorship for employment visas, even on a time-limited visa status, will not be awarded.

• Bachelors degree or 4 years of relevant work experience in Business, Operations, Engineering or related field
• Relevant experience in operations, engineering, vendor management, manufacturing or similar functions
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data, identify trends, and generate actionable insights and recommendations, intermediate Microsoft Excel skills
• Experience leading projects and/or initiatives with measurable results; ability to lead stakeholders through planning and implementation of initiatives
• Effective business writing and speaking skills and confidence engaging with all levels of leadership internally and externally; ability to independently create PowerPoint presentations
• 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
• Strong internal customer service and responsiveness to stakeholders and internal customers
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment and balance tactical execution with project progress
• Willingness to be visible and engaged in the operation in controlled and uncontrolled environments
• Willingness to work during non-standard hours and peak periods when needed to support a global 24/7/365 operation
• Reliable, punctual attendance is an essential function of the position
• Must be legally authorized to work in United Kingdom for any employer without sponsorship
• Must be fluent in English (written and spoken)
• Successful completion of interview required to meet job qualification
• Reliable, punctual attendance is an essential function of the position

• Bachelors degree in industrial engineering, Lean six sigma or continuous improvement leadership experience
• Project Management
• Lean Six Sigma
• HACCP, PCQi, or equivalent food safety certificates
• Airline catering leadership experience
• Advanced excel and PowerPoint skills