Shape the future of airline catering operations.
We are looking for an accomplished operations leader to join Emirates Flight Catering as Assistant Vice President – Operations Support Services, playing a pivotal role in transforming how our airside and flight preparation operations are delivered.
This is a senior leadership opportunity for someone who combines deep operational expertise with a transformation mindset — a leader who can challenge traditional ways of working, harness digitalisation and automation, and turn data and technology into measurable operational improvements.
The opportunity
Reporting to the Vice President – Operations, you will lead the strategy and transformation agenda for Operations Support Services, working across the business to enhance efficiency, safety, service delivery and customer experience.
You will be responsible for:
• Setting and executing the Support Services strategy across airside operations and flight preparation
• Leading major digitalisation, automation and operational excellence initiatives
• Transforming galley load planning, equipment inventory and catering order distribution processes
• Using data and advanced analytics to drive operational and strategic decision-making
• Strengthening safety, compliance and risk management through technology and improved processes
• Driving greater efficiency and accuracy across operational administration, communication and billing processes
• Building digital capability and supporting leadership development across the operation
• Leading organisational change and embedding new ways of working across complex operational environments
• Building strong relationships with airline customers, internal stakeholders and external partners
• Leading and developing a high-performing senior team while creating a culture of innovation, accountability and continuous improvement
What we're looking for
You will be an experienced senior operations leader with a strong understanding of the complexity, pace and precision required within airline catering operations.
Ideally, you will bring:
• A Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering or a related discipline
• 10+ years' experience in operations management, including leadership experience within airline catering operations
• A proven track record of delivering large-scale operational transformation and digital integration programmes
• Strong strategic planning, project management and operational excellence capability
• Experience using technology, automation and data to improve operational performance
• Strong knowledge of safety, compliance and quality requirements within airline catering or a comparable operational environment
• Commercial and financial acumen, including budgeting and resource optimization
• The ability to influence, engage and collaborate with senior stakeholders and airline customers
• Strong people leadership and change management capability
Lean Six Sigma and/or PMP certification would be advantageous.
Why this role?
This is more than a traditional operational leadership position.
It is an opportunity to rethink, digitize and transform critical operations at scale — bringing together people, process, technology and data to build smarter, safer and more efficient ways of working.
If you are a forward-thinking operations leader who understands airline catering and has the ambition and experience to lead meaningful transformation, we would like to hear from you.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline
- 10+ years of operations management experience, including leadership within airline catering operations
- Experience delivering large-scale operational transformation and digital integration programs
- Strong strategic planning, project management, and operational excellence capabilities
- Experience using technology, automation, and data to improve operational performance
- Knowledge of safety, compliance, and quality requirements in airline catering or a comparable operational environment
- Commercial and financial acumen, including budgeting and resource optimization
- Ability to influence and collaborate with senior stakeholders and airline customers
- Strong people leadership and change management capability
- Lean Six Sigma and/or PMP certification
What We Do
Emirates Flight Catering is one of the world’s largest catering operations, serving hospitality groups, organisations, and more than 100 airline customers. It provides airline, events, and VIP catering, plus laundry, food production, and airport-lounge food-and-beverage services. Its large-scale facilities produce meals using advanced food-processing and handling systems, while diversification includes retail products, e-commerce, and Emirati catering at Dubai International Airport.
