Assistant Manager - Regional Catering Operations & Logistics

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?

As the Assistant Manager – Regional 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 manager will ensure achievement of all relevant operating performance targets and drive improvements to internal and external customer metrics. This is Chicago-based role, with 60 – 80 travel to ensure adequate oversight of assigned stations. 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.

• 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

• 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 teams

• 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

• 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

• 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

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!

• Bachelors Degree or 4 years of equivalent experience
• Minimum 2 years leadership experience in Operations, Engineering, Vendor Management, Manufacturing, or similar functions
• Analytical Acumen - Demonstrated ability to analyze data, identify trends, and generate actionable insights and recommendations, intermediate Microsoft Excel skills
• Project Execution - Experience leading projects and/or initiatives with measurable results; ability to lead stakeholders through planning and implementation of initiatives
• Communication - 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 travel 60 - 80 and work out of our Corporate Support Center in Chicago
• Reliable, punctual attendance is an essential function of the position
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship
• Successful completion of interview required to meet job qualification

• Airline catering leadership experience
• Operations or Manufacturing leadership experience
• Bachelor’s or advanced degree
• Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills
• Industrial Engineering, Lean Six Sigma or Continuous Improvement leadership experience
• HACCP, PCQI or equivalent food safety certificates
• Fluency in other languages

United Airlines is an equal opportunity employer. United Airlines recruits, employs, trains, compensates and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical ability, age, veteran status and other protected status as required by applicable law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions. Please contact JobAccommodationsunited.com to request accommodation