Senior Manager Catering Operations

Senior Manager Catering Operations

The Senior Manager of Catering Operations reports to the Vice President Inflight Experience and is responsible for the performance and operation of the airline's domestic and international catering system. The role holds primary oversight of the Inflight Catering Operations team, the day-to-day catering operation, as well as the delivery of the catering Business Partner and financial strategy for catering/provisioning. The Senior Manager must demonstrate proven leadership skills with the ability to lead the Catering Operation team with focus on safety and innovation for sustainable on time accurate performance. The position requires the knowledge and ability to develop highly effective relationships supporting a geographically diverse team environment with Catering Business Partners, aircraft manufacturers, galley manufacturers, equipment Business Partners, Technical Operations, Airport Operations, Inflight Service, and regulatory agencies. The Senior Manager is responsible for overseeing asset inventory levels and allocation of material resources to safeguard JetBlue's bottom-line while executing to achieve an industry-recognized onboard Customer experience is a key responsibility.

Essential Responsibilities

• Sets and publishes system-wide standards and business processes for safe operations in all aspects of Catering Operations
• Creates Catering Operations performance metrics and alignment of performance results with corporate Customer Experience goals
• Administers standards for Catering Operations performance including independent auditing program in all catering locations
• Evaluates and implements ongoing process improvement and automation opportunities of Catering operations disciplines that scale and grow with business need
• Directs strategic ordering of rotable and expendable galley equipment and maintains associated budget
• Leads aircraft stowage and galley designs including galley equipment (ovens, coffee makers, carts, standard units, etc.)
• Directs aircraft galley volume and Crewmember workspace requirements for line fits as well as retrofits
• Creates visibility and open environment forums and opportunities for Inflight Crewmembers as primary stakeholders of catering operations functions
• Partner with IT, Inflight, Airports, Customer Support, JBU, Process Effectiveness, and other divisions to ensure operational execution and continuity across disciplines focusing on enhancing customer experience and maximizing the processes and financial efficiencies in the Catering Operations division
• Partner with Product to oversee the onboard Core product service elements, standards, and experience strategy and execution
• Transition and build the Catering Operations team to manage daily catering operations, maximize catering Business Partner effectiveness, operational consistency, and sourcing and financial optimization in the catering/provisioning units
• Develop a long-term Catering Ops strategy that drives healthy Business Partner relationships and accountability, prepares the catering operation for long haul and Mint growth, and maximizes partner contract service levels and accountability
• Grow a large Inflight Catering Ops team both professionally and personally to build their careers and to maximize cost and operational return on investment
• Partner with Product to develop, manage, and continually enhance the onboard ancillary revenue program
• Other duties, as assigned

Minimum Experience and Qualifications

• High School diploma or General Education Diploma
• Six (6) years Leadership experience in customer service, operations, and/or hospitality
• Knowledge of commercial, product, and brand strategies, including onboard service design, food service, and customer-facing technology solutions
• Available for moderate overnight travel (up to 20%)
• Able to work flexible hours and be available for an emergency response on short notice
• Pass a pre-employment drug test
• Must be legally eligible to work in the country in which the position is located
• Authorization to work in the US is required. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship

Preferred Experiences and Qualifications

• Experience managing a budget
• Experience managing daily operations within catering and/or provisioning services
• Turning around an underperforming base and/or project
• Practical experience with aircraft interior development, specifically galley and Crewmember workspace standards and requirements
• Practical experience with aircraft galley equipment development, e.g., carts, standard units, drawers, service equipment, etc.
• Managing charter operations, food onboard programs and service design, Business Partner management and onboard revenue generation
• Successfully complete JetBlue Airways Inflight Training Program, including Initial Training and Annual Continuous Education Programs

Crewmember Expectations

• Regular attendance and punctuality
• Well-groomed and able to maintain a professional appearance
• When working or traveling on JetBlue flights, all capable crewmembers are asked to assist with light cleaning of the aircraft
• Must fulfill safety accountabilities as prescribed by JetBlue's Safety Management System
• Promote JetBlue's #1 value of safety as a Safety Ambassador, supporting JetBlue's Safety Management System (SMS) components, Safety Policy and behavioral standards
• Identify safety concerns, issues, incidents or hazards that should be reported and report them whenever possible and by any means necessary including JetBlue's confidential reporting systems (Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) or Safety Action Report(SAR))
• Responsible for adhering to all applicable laws, regulations (FAA, OSHA, DOT, etc.) and Company policies, procedures and risk controls
• Uphold JetBlue's safety performance metric goals and understand how they relate to their duties and responsibilities
• The use of ChatGPT or any other automated tool during the interview process will disqualify a candidate from being considered for the position.

Equipment

• Computer and other office equipment

Work Environment

• Normal office environment

Physical Effort

• Generally not required, or up to 10 pounds occasionally, 0 pounds frequently. (Sedentary)

Compensation

• The base pay range for this position is between $111,400.00 and $156,600.00 per year. Base pay is one component of JetBlue's total compensation package, which may also include performance bonuses, restricted stock units, as well as access to healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan and company match, crewmember stock purchase plan, short-term and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, free space available travel on JetBlue, and more.

JetBlue Airways is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis.