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 Head of Procurement to join our Corporate team located in White Plains, NY

POSITION SUMMARY: The Head of Procurement at dnata Catering & Retail (dC&R) is responsible for managing over 50% of the P&L - leading the procurement strategy and operations for our in-flight catering services, ensuring alignment with the dnata Way, LAM standards, and global procurement practices. This role is essential in driving efficient sourcing, negotiating cost-effective vendor agreements, upholding high-quality standards across all food and non-food procurement activities, managing the procurement of property CAPEX (fleet, facilities, and equipment) and working closely with our culinary, commercial, food safety, and operations colleagues to deliver exceptional customer value and profitability.

• Plan, direct and coordinate annual program of procurement activities to manage the supply of products and services. Build and support strategy for cost effective arrangements, ensuring commitment to good procurement ethics and compliance. Execute and maintain the Procurement agenda to support the realization of the overall business strategy. Direct, control and lead procurement projects, and growth or acquisition activity.
• Oversee all Property (Asset and Lease based) decision making as it relates to the business. Provide advice on structure, terms and conditions of all equipment, commercial warehouse, facilities and capital purchases for the business.
• Support the Corporate Pricing function within the business, affecting the overall cost of our supply chain and ongoing operations. Ensure that the Pricing team maintain and act on market ready intelligence, whilst spearheading growth and value of our services, products and brands to our customers.

You will lead a team of procurement professionals, build strong internal and external relationships, manage budgets, and work with the operation to optimize inventory, all while supporting organizational and industry-wide compliance and continuous improvement efforts. This position requires strategic leadership, extensive knowledge of food and beverage procurement, and a focus on enhancing processes through global systems to align with best in class standards.

dnata is one of the world’s largest air services providers. Established in 1959, the company ensures the aviation industry operates smoothly and efficiently in 127 airports. Offering ground handling, cargo, travel, and flight catering services in 35 countries across six continents, dnata is a trusted partner for over 300 airline customers around the world. Each day, the company handles over 1,900 flights, moves over 8,500 tons of cargo, books over 16,000 hotel stays, and uplifts over 320,000 meals.

Accepting applications until: Feb. 1, 2024

• Lead the procurement team to ensure compliance with the dnata Way governance and standards across all areas of spend.
• Invite, assess, negotiate and award/recommend supplier tenders, bids, quotations, and proposals across the source to contract process.
• Develop and implement annual budgets as well as a three-year comprehensive sourcing and category management strategy in consultation with the business to deliver value, drive optimization, continuous improvement, and cost savings, through targeted projects and supplier negotiations.
• Partner closely with internal stakeholders to develop, engage and lead supplier relationships that drive the greatest value proposition in total cost effectiveness, supplier quality, enhanced service levels, risk management, sustainability, supplier diversity, and innovation.
• Lead procurement strategies and budgets for all categories but not limited to; direct consumables, indirect services including utilities, labor hire, IT, contract service providers, facility equipment such as dish-room machines, facilities maintenance, fleet purchase, and fleet service maintenance.
• Maintain oversight of budget, spend and investment for all Property assets (Facilities, Fleet, Equipment) and any future projects.
• Work closely with Finance to forecast any significant decisions or deviations.
• Review and research best practices relating to the commercial real estate industry ensuring the business is aware of risks, opportunities and external market forces.
• Develop strategies that steer the business towards green energy options, environmental initiatives and sustainable procurement practices.
• Monitor and review supplier performance with respect to price, service and quality, ensuring periodic review of trading terms for any improvements and/or better alternatives in the market.
• Study and monitor local and global trends of supply shortage to alert and mitigate possible obstacles without sacrificing service, quality or availability.
• Support all customer pricing decisions – aligning between Pricing, Procurement, Operations, Culinary, Menu Development and Billing/Revenue teams.
• Understand impacts on margins due to fluctuating commodities and maintain Food Inflation and Consumer Price Inflation requirements and documentation in line with customer agreements.
• Formulate local purchasing policies, standard operating procedures & guidelines in line with Group standards and communicate these throughout the business.
• Proactively seek and identify opportunities for efficiencies and synergies, collaborating with other Emirates Group entities wherever possible and benchmarking performance.
• Implement advances in technology, market developments and other relevant changes in the supply market across dC&R’s procurement sphere.
• Build, manage, and mentor a high-performing procurement team, guiding them toward achieving organizational and quality objectives.
• Establish and support Procurement’s internal profile as a function that delivers excellence in commercial insight, communication and change management.
• Produce regular reporting to demonstrate functional performance and forecasts in line with dC&R US and Group key performance indicators.

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Other duties as assigned.

This salary range and is influenced by the level of experience. When calculating the base pay, we take into account various factors such as location, qualifications, training, and experience as part of the overall compensation package. $112,000.00 - $200,000.00

EDUCATION:

• Minimum of a B.A./B.S. degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least 8 years of experience in food & beverage procurement, purchasing, and sourcing, with a minimum of 5 years in a senior role within a similar environment.
• ISM/ CIPS/ APICS or similar qualifications preferred.

• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Deep understanding of procurement, purchasing, and inventory management procedures, with a focus on global procurement standards.
• Knowledge of airline specifications, menu breakdowns, FDA, USDA, and HACCP requirements.
• Proficiency in spreadsheets, menu costing, analysis, and operational oversight.
• Leadership capabilities with the financial competency to devise, execute and manage own budget
• Previous experience in the ready-to-eat foods or in-flight catering industry is preferred.
• Demonstrated capacity to influence stakeholders and facilitate change, including challenging the status quo and a willingness to think outside the box and deliver innovative solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to build strategic supply alliances and apply a continuous improvement view that results in enhanced profitability.
• Energetic leader and trusted commercial advisor, with an absolute commitment to good procurement ethics and compliance.
• Good working knowledge of ERP and procurement systems.
• Flexibility for periodic travel; position based at the White Plains HQ.
• Ability to travel domestically up to 50%, with some international travel as required.

Intellectual/Socal 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:

Demonstrated Values to be Successful in the Position:

Employees at dnata are expected to live our Values of Safety and Security, performance-driven, Service Excellence, Delighting Customers, Imagination, and respect. To demonstrate these Values, we expect to observe the following from everyone:

• We put safety and security first in all our actions.
• We will set challenging goals and meet them.
• We deliver to a consistently high quality.
• We take ownership and responsibility of a situation until it is resolved.
• We are not afraid of failure and learn through our mistakes.
• We respect each other regardless of background.

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.