We recruit the best talent and invest in their ongoing development, through training and mentoring. We provide opportunities to work across our national network. dnata catering U.S. is looking for a Director of Operations PM SHIFT( w/ flexibility to cover day shift as needed) to join our El Segundo, CA team supporting the LAX airport.

Key Responsibilities as a Director of Operations for n dnata Catering, your primary objective is to oversee and manage all operational aspects of the company to ensure efficiency, quality, and profitability. You will be responsible for developing and implementing operational strategies, policies, and procedures to optimize performance and meet customer demands. Your role will involve coordinating with various departments, including Operations (sanitation, transportations departments), Procurement, Culinary, and Quality Control, to ensure seamless operations and timely delivery of catering services to airline clients. Additionally, you will be responsible for managing budgets, forecasting, and resource allocation to maximize productivity and minimize costs. As the Director of Operations, you will also play a key role in maintaining and enhancing relationships with airline partners, ensuring their satisfaction and loyalty. Your strong leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills will be essential in driving the success and growth of dnata Catering.

What We Offer

• Salary Range: $110,000.00 - $150,000.00 annually
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Full-time employees are eligible for 401(k) and healthcare benefits including Medical, Dental & Vision
• Complimentary Daily Meals: Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner during your shift

Why Join dnata Catering?

• Purpose-Driven Work: Be part of a mission to deliver on the promises our customers make, guided by our values of safety, respect, teamwork, and innovation.
• Career Growth & Recognition: Accelerate your career with structured development programs, mentorship, and our Najm recognition platform that celebrates performance and service excellence.
• Inclusive Culture: Thrive in a collaborative, people-first environment where your voice matters, your contributions are valued, and your future is supported

Accepting applications until: 12/2/2025

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee the overall operation of the unit including Operations (food, sanitation, transportations departments), Quality, and Purchasing.
• Ensure appropriate operating processes are in place to meet or exceed requirements.
• Continuously improve quality levels in the unit, including monitoring plans and other audits to ensure all company, customer, and USDA requirements are exceeded or met.
• Oversee ongoing implementation of HACCP, SSOP, GMP, and all regulatory requirements.
• Develop and lead a cohesive team committed to high-performance levels and continuous improvement.
• Ensure that the Units work methods are in line with the company standards and customer contracts.
• Assist and control continuous optimization of processes.
• Plan / Implement and control the cost budget in responsibility; initiate and steer corrective actions in case of deviations.
• Develop and execute planning of robust processes and documented SOPs.
• Participate and Support Company sponsored initiatives such as VIP Flights, Internal system development, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), Lean Manufacturing, Workplace Safety.
• Assess, manage, and minimize risks related to labor laws, OSHA, dnata Food Safety policies and other external regulations.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health, environmental, and quality guidelines.
• Guide, motivate, and develop subordinate employees within the Human Resources Policy.

COMMUNICATION

• Collaborate with TSA, management, security agencies, and airlines regarding all security breaches in the facility, fleet and or airline equipment.

SECURITY MEASURES AND CONTROL

• Ensure implementation of security measures, such as managing entry, searches, video security, in collaboration with TSA security protocols.

INCIDENT RESPONSE

• Ensure threats, knives and breaches are handled in a timely manner and investigated properly to determine root cause and corrective action.

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

• Other duties as assigned by management.

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree Preferred; Associate degree (A. A.) from two-year College or technical school; or high school diploma or equivalent with 10 years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Successful track record in leading airline catering unit, with extensive experience managing International Airline Accounts preferred.
• Experience in managing an operating plan.
• Must have strong leadership, project management, and process improvement skills.
• Must be multiple-task oriented and comfortable with a high level of performance requirements.
• Manufacturing experience and/or Food Processing industry a plus
• A minimum of 3-4 years broad-based Operations Management
• Working knowledge of HACCP and FDA compliance
• Financial management and Leadership skills
• Effective employee relations skills
• Proficient with Microsoft Office suite
• Ability to solve quality-related problems.
• Ability to deal with a variety of compliance situations and continuous improvement.
• follow all safety requirements; strives to maintain a safe work environment.

Intellectual/Social demands:

While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is continuously asked to multi-task under time limits.  Position requires constant attention to precise details and accuracy of specified standards including following simple to complex (more than 3 steps) instructions, and concentration which frequently extends beyond 30 minutes at a time. This position also requires constant attendance and punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time. Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan. Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly.

Physical demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 30 pounds. Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Use equipment and materials properly.

Work environment:

The essential functions of this position are performed indoors. The noise level in the work environment can range from minimal to loud.

dnata’s Competencies Required to be Successful in the Job:

There are two aspects to working as effectively as we can: our people and our results. Our eight competencies are designed to help you focus on these aspects:

dnata Catering’s Core Values

At dnata Catering, our people and operations are guided by six global values that shape how we work every day:
• Safety – We put the well-being of our people and operations first, encouraging everyone to speak up for safety.
• Performance-Driven – We set ambitious goals and consistently strive to exceed them.
• Respect – We care for our people, our environment, and our brand, treating everyone with dignity.
• Service Excellence – We deliver reliable, high-quality service in every interaction.
• Delighting Customers – We create extraordinary experiences that go beyond expectations.
• Imagination – We embrace innovation and adapt to meet the needs of tomorrow.

What This Means for You
Joining dnata Catering means being part of a people-first culture that values respect, quality, and innovation. Our teams work together to deliver outstanding culinary experiences, solve problems proactively, and continuously improve to serve our airline customers worldwide.

We believe that diversity and inclusion are fundamental to creating a strong workplace and community. At dnata, we’re proud that our workforce is as diverse as the customers we serve. And we’re committed to nurturing your talent with mentoring, volunteer and professional development opportunities. We welcome everyone. Our employee resource groups are one of the many ways we champion diversity and inclusion at dnata.

Notice Regarding Background Checks in California
Pursuant to the California Investigative Consumer Reporting Agencies Act (Cal. Civ. Code §1786 et seq.), dnata Catering may obtain an investigative consumer report (background check) on applicants or employees for employment purposes. Such a report may include information about your character, general reputation, personal characteristics, or mode of living.

You have the right, upon written request, to receive a copy of any report obtained and a summary of your rights under California law. You also have the right to inspect or obtain a copy of your file maintained by the consumer reporting agency that prepares such reports, as provided under Cal. Civ. Code §1786.22.