Assistant Manager - Catering Operations ORD

United Airlines•Chicago, IL

4d•$81,795 - $106,602•Onsite

About The Position

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 The Assistant Manager, Catering Operations provides direct leadership to Catering Operations Supervisors and supports day-to-day kitchen performance. This role ensures consistent operational execution, drives performance improvements, and strengthens frontline leadership capability. Operational Leadership: Oversee a multi-site operating model with consistent in-field leadership presence, including traveling between facilities and on the ramp to ensure operational excellence, compliance, and performance accountability Lead and coach a team of Catering Operations Supervisors Ensure consistent execution of safety, quality, and on-time performance standards across shifts Oversee and at times provide MOD coverage and support disruption management (IRROPS, recovery efforts) Partner with catering vendors and operational stakeholders to resolve issues quickly Overseeing a multi-facility operational model, involving Performance & Accountability: Monitor key performance metrics and drive corrective actions Review delays, safety incidents, and customer feedback to identify trends Ensure timely closure of reports and compliance requirements Support caterer labor planning and staffing readiness Conduct regular audits ensuring compliance with Catering Operations Business Manual, United Airlines Safety Standards, and other regulatory requirements Lead investigations into safety incidents including corrective action planning Facilitate partnership with United Airlines Food Safety and operational Safety/Security teams Team Development: Provide coaching, performance feedback, and development planning for supervisors Reinforce accountability and operational discipline Leadership & Collaboration: Serve as primary liaison between Catering vendors and all relevant stakeholders 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 Change Management: Partner with the Corporate Support Center and leadership teams to provide guidance in change management and communication plans for initiatives Provide on-site support and monitoring of adoption and success for new initiatives Support execution of new menu concepts and service enhancements

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or 4 years of relevant work experience
Manufacturing Operations, Business, Airport Operations, or Related Field
Minimum 4 years leadership experience in Operations, Engineering, Vendor Management, Manufacturing, or similar functions
Minimum of 1-2 years of experience leading frontline leaders
Demonstrated ability to analyze data, identify trends, and generate actionable insights and recommendations, intermediate Microsoft Excel skills
Strong problem-solving skills
Ability to lead in a fast-paced, 24/7 operational environment
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
Willingness to work on-site 100% in an airport and/or catering facility office
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

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree
Catering Operations
Project management
LEAN Six Sigma
HACCP, PCQI or equivalent food safety certificates
Airline catering leadership experience
Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills

Responsibilities

Oversee a multi-site operating model with consistent in-field leadership presence, including traveling between facilities and on the ramp to ensure operational excellence, compliance, and performance accountability
Lead and coach a team of Catering Operations Supervisors
Ensure consistent execution of safety, quality, and on-time performance standards across shifts
Oversee and at times provide MOD coverage and support disruption management (IRROPS, recovery efforts)
Partner with catering vendors and operational stakeholders to resolve issues quickly
Monitor key performance metrics and drive corrective actions
Review delays, safety incidents, and customer feedback to identify trends
Ensure timely closure of reports and compliance requirements
Support caterer labor planning and staffing readiness
Conduct regular audits ensuring compliance with Catering Operations Business Manual, United Airlines Safety Standards, and other regulatory requirements
Lead investigations into safety incidents including corrective action planning
Facilitate partnership with United Airlines Food Safety and operational Safety/Security teams
Provide coaching, performance feedback, and development planning for supervisors
Reinforce accountability and operational discipline
Serve as primary liaison between Catering vendors and all relevant stakeholders
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
Partner with the Corporate Support Center and leadership teams to provide guidance in change management and communication plans for initiatives
Provide on-site support and monitoring of adoption and success for new initiatives
Support execution of new menu concepts and service enhancements