Managing Director, NA at gategroup

We’re looking for motivated, engaged people to help make everyone’s journeys better.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the VP, Operations, manages and directs the operation of multiple airline catering units or “flight kitchens” with gross revenues of $60+ million and a direct and indirect headcount of 700+ employees. Responsible for providing full leadership and operational accountability for the performance and P&L achievement of each Unit. Further accountability includes ensuring compliance with all Health & Safety, Security and Customs responsibilities, as well as people development. This Manager Director will be responsible for supporting the Delta Customer in LAX, SEA, LGA locations.

Annual Hiring Range:

• $215,000 - $225,000 Per Year

Benefits:

• Paid time off
• 401k, with company match
• Company sponsored life insurance
• Medical, dental, vision plans
• Voluntary short-term/long-term disability insurance
• Voluntary life, accident, and hospital plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Commuter benefits
• Employee Discounts
• Weekly pay for union employees
• Free hot healthy meals for unit operations roles

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

• Establishes and maintains annual budgets, profit objectives and responsibility for the financial and operational performance of each Unit through effective management of each leadership team and collaboration with Finance.
• Maintains an up-to-date knowledge of the specific Key Performance Objectives (KPI’s) and other operational performance goals of each Unit, adjusting annually as Global objectives evolve. Initiates corrective action plans to ensure individual and team efforts are adjusted as needed to stay on track in efforts to achieve profit and performance objectives.
• Ensures customer specifications are clearly understood and that all products and services are being prepared and/or performed to the customer’s satisfaction, as reported through regular surveys. Collaborates with Commercial team to develop and maintain good customer relations through periodic meetings at individual airports and corporate offices.
• Ensures Unit Management teams are complying with all corporate Quality and Safety training and tracking programs to ensure food safety, accident and injuries goals are met.
• Establishes and directs a regional labor control plan designed to meet future staffing needs of each Unit, with emphasis on professional development of internal candidates for promotion through ensuring widespread participation in performance management programs.
• Directs the establishment of, and ensures the execution of, routine and preventive maintenance programs for all kitchen equipment (cooling, heating, refrigeration) to minimize cost and increase the planned life of these assets.
• Directs and coordinates regional planning for construction of new and/or expanded facilities to includes capital planning, capacity studies, feasibility analyses, and facility layout and design.
• Develops short and long-range strategic plans, both financial and non-financial, for each Unit.
• Ensures compliance with all local, state, and federal laws governing the conduct of business and ensures understanding and compliance with all corporate policies, procedures and collective bargaining agreements.
• Achieves operation/organizational goals by establishing standards and procedures; measuring results against plans and KPI’s; evaluating and improving methods; course correcting as necessary. Utilizes corporate assets including but not limited to Lean/Opex, Human Resources, Labor Relations, IT, SAP and CIM representatives to support goal achievement.

Core Competencies and Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in business administration or a related field is required, or equivalent experience.
• Work Experience: 10+ years management experience in in-flight catering or food manufacturing environment required. With at least 5 years General Manager leadership experience, preferably in a multi-customer, multi-unit environment.
• Demonstrated experience with managing financials with budget responsibility for a single operating unit required, multiple operating units preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles and/or six sigma.

Technical Skills:

• Ability to effectively manage multiple operations while maintaining compliance in a heavily regulated environment e.g. FDA, HACCP and security.
• AOA badge and customs seal.
• Up to 60% travel is required.

Core Competencies Required:

• Must have strong and effective leadership skills.
• Must be comfortable with all levels of employees and have the ability to drive positive program change.
• Must be a team builder with the ability to lead and motivate a diverse management and hourly staff.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, planning and scheduling capabilities managing multiple account requirements.

We anticipate that this job will close on: 10/28/2024.

About gategroup

gategroup is the global leader in airline catering, retail-on-board and hospitality products and services. gategroup provides passengers with superior culinary and retail experiences, leveraging innovation and advanced technology solutions. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, gategroup delivers operational excellence through the most extensive catering network in the aviation industry, serving passengers from over 200 operating units in over 60 countries/territories across all continents.

We work in an exciting industry – fast-paced and ever-changing. Industry trends and customer expectations are constantly evolving and it is critical that we are agile, innovative and ready for change - and our people are our driving force. We offer attractive opportunities to be part of this fast-paced and truly international working environment.