General Manager

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 General Managerto join our El Segudno team supporting the LAX Airport

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic General Manager to lead, drive, motivate, and inspire our LAX El Segundo facility,  dnata Catering North America. As the General Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the operations of our aviation catering unit, ensuring the smooth and efficient functioning of the facility. Your primary goal will be to maintain successful profit and loss financials while continuously improving quality levels and meeting regulatory requirements.

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: 8/5/2025

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee the overall operation of the facility, including operations, quality, and purchasing, to meet or exceed requirements.
• Maintain successful profit and loss financials and ensure the attainment of budget commitments.
• Identify areas of opportunity and execute cost savings plans to achieve budget targets.
• Continuously improve quality levels by monitoring plans and audits to exceed company, customer, and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure compliance with all dnata Food Safety Standards, i.e., HACCP, SSOP, GMP, and all regulatory audits.
• Ensure all food safety audits are completed timely per dnata’s standards.
• Develop and lead a cohesive team committed to high-performance levels and continuous improvement.
• Ensure proper staff allocation to maximize efficiency in all departments.
• Monitor production departments to maintain exceptional quality standards and maximum efficiency.
• Oversee all quality aspects of the operations process to ensure adherence to relevant requirements.
• Build and maintain excellent working relationships with department heads and represent the facility in all external communications.
• Ensure the effective development, implementation, and evaluation of policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with all airlines, airports, ports, and other applicable rules/regulations.
• Participate in establishing policies and procedures.
• Track and report key functional metrics to reduce expenses and improve effectiveness.
• Partner with stakeholders to ensure clear requirements documentation.
• Perform cost and scenario analysis, and benchmarking.
• Monitor and forecast upcoming levels of demand.
• Assess, manage, and minimize risks related to labor laws, OSHA, dnata Food Safety policies and other external regulations.
• Create an annual business plan and participate in monthly and annual budgeting.
• Monitor and improve the unit's economic and operating performance, taking corrective actions if necessary.
• Ensure work methods align with company standards and customer contracts.
• Optimize processes and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• 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.

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.

$130K - $165K

EDUCATION: bachelor’s degree required; Associate degree (A. A.) from two-year College or technical school; with 7 years Inflight Catering experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• inflight catering experience is required.
• Successful track record in leading an airline catering unit, preferably with extensive experience managing international airline accounts.
• Experience in the budgeting process and managing an operating plan.
• Manufacturing experience and/or food processing industry knowledge is a plus.
• Working knowledge of HACCP and FDA compliance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.
• Strong leadership, project management, and process improvement skills.
• Time management skills and ability to meet performance requirements.
• Minimum of 3-4 years of broad-based Operations Management experience.
• Financial management and leadership skills.
• Effective employee relations skills.
• Ability to solve quality-related problems and drive continuous improvement.
• Strong focus on safety and compliance.
• Flexible and adaptable to a fast-paced environment.
• Passion for high-end cuisine and exceptional service.
• Meticulous attention to detail and data-driven mindset.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

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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:

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.