Job PurposeJob PurposeWe are seeking an experienced, strategic, and operationally driven General Manager to lead, motivate, and inspire the overall performance of a high-volume aviation catering facility within dnata Catering North America. As a
General Manager, JFK dnata Catering and Retail, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of facility operations, including production, food safety, quality assurance, customer experience, financial performance, security compliance, workforce leadership, and continuous improvement initiatives. The General Manager will drive operational excellence while ensuring the facility consistently delivers exceptional service to airline partners, maintains strict regulatory compliance, and achieves financial and operational targets. This role serves as a key business leader responsible for cultivating a high-performance culture aligned with dnata's Vision, Mission, Values, and "The dnata Way." This position reports directly to the Vice President of Operations U.S. and maintains close partnership with executive leadership, airline customers, airport authorities, TSA, and regulatory agencies.
In this role. you will:- Lead and oversee the overall operation of the aviation catering facility, including Production, Operations, Quality Assurance, Food Safety, Warehousing, Transportation, Purchasing, and Customer Service functions.
- Drive operational performance through strategic planning, process optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Monitor operational KPIs and implement corrective actions to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and optimize labor utilization.
- Maintain full accountability for the facility Profit & Loss (P&L) performance and achievement of annual operating plans and budget commitments.
- Ensure full compliance with all dnata Food Safety Standards, including HACCP, SSOP, GMP, FDA, USDA, TSA, OSHA, and all applicable airline, airport, and governmental regulations.
- Lead all internal and external food safety, quality assurance, and regulatory audits while ensuring timely corrective actions and continuous compliance improvement
- Serve as the primary operational representative for the facility in customer meetings, audits, operational reviews, and external communications.
- Drive customer satisfaction initiatives focused on service reliability, on-time performance, responsiveness, and operational excellence.
- Collaborate with internal dnata business units to share best practices and support enterprise-wide operational initiatives.
- Build, develop, and lead a high-performing operational leadership team committed to accountability, engagement, safety, and continuous improvement.
- Drive employee engagement, workforce development, succession planning, and talent management initiatives in partnership with Human Resources.
QualificationTo be considered for the role, you must meet the below requirements:- Bachelor's degree
- Associate degree from a two-year college or technical school with a minimum of seven (7) years of inflight catering experience may be considered in combination with relevant leadership experience.
- Minimum 5-7 years of progressive Operations Management leadership experience, preferably within inflight catering, aviation hospitality, manufacturing, food production, or large-scale food processing environments.
- Proven success leading complex airline catering operations with responsibility for P&L management, operational execution, and customer satisfaction.
You'll have an edge if you have:- Experience managing international airline accounts and multi-functional operational teams preferred.
- Strong knowledge of HACCP, FDA, OSHA, TSA, USDA, and regulatory compliance standards.
- Experience leading large hourly workforce populations in fast-paced, high-volume operational environments.
- Experience with labor planning, operational forecasting, budgeting, and workforce optimization.
Intellectual/Social demands:
- While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is continuously asked to multi-task under time limits. Position requires constant attention to precise details and accuracy of specified standards including following simple to complex (more than 3 steps) instructions, and concentration which frequently extends beyond 30 minutes at a time. This position also requires constant attendance and punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time. Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan. Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly.
Physical demands:
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 30 pounds. Safety and Security
- Observes safety and security procedures; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Use equipment and materials properly.
Work environment:
- The essential functions of this position are performed indoors. The noise level in the work environment can range from minimal to loud.
Salary & benefits98,000 USD - 175,000 USD annually
