Operations Manager

Gate Gourmet, a gategroup company, is the world's largest independent provider of catering and provisioning services for the airline industry. For the past 70 years, we have served over 250 carriers in more than 30 countries. Gate Gourmet combines culinary expertise with the highest standards of food safety and production to deliver delicious, healthy, and affordable meals to over 270 million travelers around the globe.

As the Senior Operations Leader, you are accountable for all operational functions including transport, catering, warehouse and facility maintenance.  This includes the management for the day of operations financials/budgets performance, customer service delivery, operational performance, the continuous improvement agenda and KPIs, people leadership, employee relations and risk and compliance activities.

Your key responsibilities include:

• Leadership and management across all aspects of business operations that includes but not limited to: transportation, equipment processing and wash, make and pack, quality assurance and other related departments to ensure production standards and customer service requirements are met.
• Leading the Operations team across short term to medium term strategic planning cycles including an efficient labour plan to meet customer demand.
• Management and optimisation of financial performance against budget for each function.
• Drive to meet business objectives and KPIs related to: labour costs, waste, quality assurance, process efficiencies and our customers.
• Lead lean/continuous and process improvement initiatives to achieve OPEX targets/standards.
• Ensure that all HACCP/food quality, Australian Aviation Authority, Airport Authority Standards, Quality Assurance, Airline Specifications, H&S, Security etc. are maintained as per relevant standards.  
• Staff leadership and mentoring including involvement in annual HR activities e.g.  Performance Appraisal and Planning. 
• Support all aspects of operational audits e.g. airline/customer audits, quality audits etc
• Manage aspects of the facility, equipment, fleet readiness and maintenance.

We are interested in speaking with individuals who possess the following:

• Successful track record in an operational role as a leader within an aviation/in-flight catering, manufacturing or logistics environment.  
• Proven experience in effectively partnering and working within a matrixed organisation.
• Experience driving compliance in a heavily regulated environment.
• Leadership and stakeholder management experience within a customer focused organisation with a unionised workforce.
• Demonstrated experience with managing financials with budget, P&Ls etc.
• Demonstrated knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and/or six sigma and continuous improvement methodologies preferred.
• Use of a range of IT systems, planning technologies and solutions. 

Education & Certifications required:

• Degree qualified preferred in Business, Logistics and Supply Chain Management or similar.  
• Lean or Six Sigma Certifications is highly regarded. 
• Ability to gain airside work clearance in Australia. 

Apply now by submitting your CV and Cover Letter. (Only applicants that have full and unrestricted working right for Australia will be contacted).