Inflight Operations Lead

Hello. We’re Virgin Australia. And we’re back (in a big way).

We’re the airline that’s always done things a little different. Our way. The Virgin way. For us, flying is so much more than simply taking off and landing (although we understand that is quite important). It’s about going the extra mile, in the air and on the ground, to create authentic experiences that put our guests firmly at the heart of everything we do. 

About the role:

Reporting to the Head of Inflight Services, the Inflight Operations Lead will be responsible for these key principles.

• Managing the provision and safe delivery of the complex inflight catering and product operations, managing consistent quality and value within agreed budgetary constraints
• Keeping the catering operation as simple as possible and refrain from bringing in complexity
• Performance management of external suppliers against agreed SLAs (daily, monthly quarterly)

In addition to this you will.

• Manage On-Time Performance [OTP] pro-actively and reactively through training and challenging results with suppliers by reporting, trending and presenting statistics internally and externally.
• Daily management of all crew and guest feedback to ensure short- and long-term changes are implemented to optimise performance of both product and supplier
• Monitor, review, report and take corrective action on all operational performance issues received from the crew, customers and other internal customers. Making recommendations as required and enforcing SLA’s when required.
• Investigate and report on incidents that have involved a catering supplier and an aircraft or other connected field, where safety has been put at risk and financial loss will have incurred.
• Responsibility for the 24/7 Catering Operation, making key decisions during irregular operations, ad-hoc operational demands
• Work in partnership with external suppliers to develop fit for purpose operational changes to benefit the airline and guest
• Managing the implementation of new menu cycle/product launches to ensure a seamless introduction with minimal (if any) impact to the operation of the airline
• Managing adherence to the annual Food Safety, Quality, Security and Equipment auditing programmes
• Regularly hold quality measurement checks including programmed live product evaluations with additional checks when the operation requires
• Conduct airside and facility based audits and inspections regularly across national and international ports
• Commercially prioritise and continual evaluate processes, identifying and anticipating both tactically and strategically for future business expansion and/or change

Who we’re looking for:

• Solid aviation experience ideally in catering or operations (but will consider other backgrounds)
• Strong problem solving skills and the ability to think differently and find solutions that work commercially and operationally
• Dynamic person with both analytical skills and strong people skills
• Account/supplier management experience with fast paced, constantly changing complex stakeholder groups
• Experience working through the operational requirements of a business 
• Data and trend analysis

What you’ll get from us:

We’re committed to looking after you, with some of the best benefits and conditions in the industry – including (but not limited to);

• Heavily discounted air travel for you and your loved ones (including $1000 worth of travel credits per year).
• Flexible working arrangements (including work hours and work from home).
• Discounts on travel insurance, car hire, accommodation and experiences worldwide.
• Discounted Virgin Australia Lounge membership.
• Hospitality, retail, technology, beauty services and wellness discounts.
• Wellness support, including the betterme digital wellbeing platform.
• A comprehensive Employee Assistance Program, which offers confidential coaching and support from qualified professionals for all aspects of life – physical, mental, social and financial.
• Dress for Your Day – enjoy the freedom to wear whatever is appropriate for the type of work you do and the day you have ahead of you.

Equality rules

We’re all individuals. We love that. That’s why we encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, people with disability, those from diverse cultural backgrounds, our friends in the LGBTQI+ community, and anyone else who wants to join our family.

Ready to apply?

We’re ready to hear from you. Apply now.