Manager - 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?

Key Responsibilities:

As the Operations & Logistics Manager, 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 an airport-based role, with 20 – 40 travel to ensure adequate oversight of assigned stations. The successful candidate will become a core part of the cross-divisional operations team, and 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.

Vendor & Performance Management

• Continuously analyze vendor performance and internal and external customer satisfaction data to identify trends, produce actionable insights, and make data driven decisions. Ensure the accuracy of identified root causes and vendor accountability for corrective actions, action plans, and timelines.
• Engage in structured problem solving with vendors to resolve significant and/or recurring issues. Identify any United driven obstacles and lead or influence internal improvements.
• Ensure vendor readiness and maintain situational awareness through peak periods, irregular operations, and schedule changes; make tactical decisions as needed and ensure effective communication with all stakeholders.

Auditing & Regulatory Compliance

• Oversee audit program ensuring compliance with Catering Operations Business Manual, United Airlines Safety Standards, and other regulatory requirements
• Oversee investigations into safety incidents including corrective action planning
• Facilitate partnership with United Airlines Food Safety and operational safety teams

Leadership, Collaboration & Partnering

• Manage direct report team of Catering supervisors
• Serve as subject matter expert and primary point of escalation for Catering issues at assigned stations
• Ensure a productive working relationship with vendor and key stakeholders

Change Management

• Oversee local execution of new menu concepts and service enhancements
• Partner with CSC and operations leadership teams to champion change management and communication plans for initiatives
• Provide on-site support and monitor adoption and success of new initiatives such as technology enhancements, changes to operations performance metrics, etc.

Financial Controls

• Ensure integrity of catering vendor inventory management process
• Identify and champion cost-savings initiatives
• Provide oversight and intelligence over key cost drivers or extraordinary cost drivers 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!

What’s needed to succeed (Minimum Qualifications):

• Bachelors degree in Business, Operations, Engineering or Related Field
• Minimum 2-4 years’ experience in Airport Operations, Inflight, Vendor Management or similar functions
• Vendor management
• Project management
• Ability to work flexible schedule to cover operationally critical days of week and shifts
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office suite
• Must 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 manner
• Ability 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 environment
• 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

What will help you propel from the pack (Preferred Qualifications):

• Lean manufacturing experience
• Safety Management systems
• Project Management
• Project management
• LEAN Six Sigma
• HACCP, PCQI or equivalent food safety certificates
• 2+ years’ experience in airline catering, travel industry or hospitality leadership experience
• 4-6+ years’ experience in Airport Operation, Inflight, Vendor Management or similar functions

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