Catering Operations Manager

Being part of Air Canada is to become part of an iconic Canadian symbol, recently ranked the best Airline in North America. Let your career take flight by joining our diverse and vibrant team at the leading edge of passenger aviation.

Plan and implement control systems/processes to optimize efficiency of the catering and commissary operations functions incl. budgetary control.  Develop and implement required local cost planning & control systems, including inventory management.  Responsible for the design of systems and processes to achieve targets for meal overages and shortages at stations within the territory.  Design, implement and maintain quality audit and control processes to ensure optimum value for the money.  Responsible and accountable for Caterers on time performance within the designated territory.  Responsible for all aspects of food, equipment and employee safety within scope of job.

Responsibilities:

Quality

• Responsible for product quality and response to Customers reaction.
• Responsible for the maintenance and ongoing administration of quality audit programs to ensure optimum product quality, provisioning integrity and value for the money (i.e. Medina Audits).
• Responsible and accountable for catering and commissary product quality and for provisioning integrity on all flights operating in the designated territory, including products or services from third party suppliers.
• Participate in the development of flight catering standards/specifications.
• Implement and monitor Commissary & Catering specifications established by HQ.
• Provide feedback on product and service standards to ensure cost effectiveness and appropriateness of service levels.

Provisioning integrity

• Audit Caterers' compliance and performance against "zero defects" provisioning integrity.
• Monitor and assess, promote and/or initiate corrective action for product or service deficiencies recorded within OBR (On Board Reporting).

Operations

• Maintain close contact with the appointed caterer through start up and beyond providing varying levels of support as required.
• Maintain close association with frontline product and caterer performance by ensuring adequate time airside at flight arrivals and departures.
• Responsible to investigate and assess root cause of any delays allocated to IFG delays.  Provide pro-active solutions to caterers to prevent recurrences.  Responsible to challenge IFG delays incorrectly assigned.
• Ensure that caterers within assigned areas segregate AC's material and equipment to be stored safely and that good housekeeping practices are evident and maintained.
• Monitor and ensure any damaged equipment is quarantined and returned to the appointed service point for repair.
• Work closely with Caterers and 3rd party suppliers to ensure AC NewCat protocols are followed and budget is under control.

The Internal Customer

• Work closely with the rest of AC Catering team (Planning/Scheduling/Galley/Supply Chain, etc.)
• Responsible for effective interface and communication with IFS Field Management and Cabin Personnel.
• Work closely with SOC/STOC and local airports' management teams.
• Develop and maintain effective relationship with AC Station Managers and/or appointed airport agencies as is necessary to support the Corporate commercial/operational objectives of this division.
• Responsible for effective working relationships with contracted Caterers to ensure the clear understanding and necessary communication of all AC Commissary & Catering/In-Flight Product standards.
• Work closely with health and safety to ensure equipment safety issues are agreed on and corrected.

Safety/Regulatory compliance

• Responsible to ensure Caterer's compliance to all AC SOPs, safety and quality standards (incl. food).
• Ensure/audit Caterers compliance to AC audit and quality assurance standards.
• SMS indoctrination training.
• Follow IRAM (Intuitive Risk Assessment Model) for change or introduction of equipment, processes and procedures, and when conducting all investigations (Integrated-AMS Manual, PUB 1, Appendix C).
• Follow document retention guidelines (Integrated-AMS Manual, PUB 1, Chapter 4)
• Refer to Integrated-AMS Manual, PUB 1, Chap 5 for SMS Management Responsibilities

The role requires both international and domestic travel as needed for business purposes; candidates must hold a valid passport (or equivalent travel documentation) permitting such travel.

• University degree ideal but not required.
• Sound knowledge of commercial airline business.
• A definite multi-tasker that manages various operational issues and priorities at the same time.
• Capable of working under pressure and meeting deadlines whether independently or within a team.
• Self-motivated, proactive with drive to deliver results.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills a must.
• Fundamental knowledge of HAACP and International Food Handling Standards.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills required with complete fluency in English.
• Cultural awareness is required to build business and working relationships in various geographic locations within AC network.
• Requires in-depth expertise and knowledge of the field of work, incl. equipment, technology and procedures.
• Superior knowledge of airport operations and all Catering systems.
• Demonstrate punctuality and dependability to support overall team success in a fast-paced environment.

Conditions of Employment:

Candidates must be eligible to work in the country of interest, at the time any offer of employment is made and seeking any required work permits/visas or other authorizations which may be required is the sole responsibility of the candidates applying for this position.

Linguistic Requirements

Based on equal qualifications, preference will be given to bilingual candidates.

Diversity and Inclusion

Air Canada is strongly committed to Diversity and Inclusion and aims to create a healthy, accessible and rewarding work environment which highlights employees' unique contributions to our company's success.

As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all to help us build a diverse workforce which reflects the diversity of our customers, and communities, in which we live and serve.

Air Canada thanks all candidates for their interest; however only those selected to continue in the process will be contacted.