Continuous Improvement Specialist @ Dnata

Operations & Logistics (1)

Overview

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 Continuous Improvement (CI) Specialist to join our Brisbane, CA team.

Key Responsibilities As a Continuous Improvement Specialist at dnata Catering, you will drive operational excellence and enhance efficiencies within our aviation catering operations. With a keen eye for process improvement and a passion for driving positive change, you will play a pivotal role in identifying areas of improvement and implementing strategies to optimize productivity, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, you will lead and facilitate continuous improvement initiatives, utilizing lean methodologies, data analysis, and best practices. Your expertise in process mapping, root cause analysis, and performance metrics will be critical in identifying bottlenecks and implementing innovative solutions. Additionally, you will be responsible for developing and implementing training programs to enhance employee skills and knowledge, fostering a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization. By monitoring performance metrics, analyzing data, and providing actionable insights, you will enable dnata Catering to make informed decisions and drive sustainable improvements. Your ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders at all levels, including front-line employees and senior management, will be vital in building strong relationships and driving a culture of continuous improvement. As a Continuous Improvement Specialist , you will contribute to the success of dnata Catering by implementing strategies that streamline operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and position the company as a leader in the aviation catering industry.

• Salary Range: $69,000-$105,000 annually•Comprehensive Benefits Package: Full-time employees are eligible for 401(k) and healthcare benefits including Free Medical, Dental & Vision• Complimentary Daily Meals: Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner during your shiftWhy 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: 2.28.2026

You Will

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsible for analyzing material and information flow for the operations unit to identify opportunities for improvement in productivity, material consumption, other operation expenses, quality, safety, and space utilization.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities: Plans and guides Unit management in productivity, material, waste, safety, and quality improvement initiatives; analyzes material and information flows; explore opportunities in productivity, material consumption, other operation expenses, and space utilization; quantifies the effects of improved processes, workflows and fore mentioned opportunities.
Support and drives continuous process improvements utilizing Lean Manufacturing principles to maximize departmental efficiencies, minimize waste and improve safety.
Communicate with unit management and leadership team on implementation of changes.
Secure relevance and availability of Production System Road maps and blueprints
Perform diagnostics on significant cost drivers, including material, labor, and OpenX.
Make documented proposals for improvements and syndicates with unit management on the implementation of changes; responsible for supporting management and associates in the overall change process.
Actively practices change management and actively participates in the Unit’s performance management system and dialogue; presents progress and plans to company executives; liaises with corporate and area Continuous Improvement resources Propose and keeps up with company Best Practices and benchmark initiatives.
Coach other Continuous Improvement staff and leads training and presentation sessions.
Train and builds capability in all levels of the plant regarding Lean Manufacturing
Work on all related training materials and works with other team members to identify improvements, additions, corrections, or clarifications to the training material provided.
Work with Lean Manufacturing tools and techniques, such as 8 Waste (Muda), Just in Time (takt-flow-pull), Value Stream Mapping, Kanban system, Problem Solving, FIFO, and 5s workplace organization, including layout changes when necessary.

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Other duties as assigned by management.

You Have

EDUCATION: A bachelor's degree preferred or a High School diploma with 10 years’ experience within the airline industry or lean manufacturing.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience working in a high volume, manufacturing, food production, restaurant, or catering environment preferred.
Experience with leading projects, people across organizations, maintaining mandatory standards to ensure the safety of products and processes, and improving product quality required.
Experience analyzing operations and their cost drivers, analyzing material and information flows, and analyzing productivity, material consumption, and operation expenses required.
Experience with Lean Manufacturing techniques, including "Just in Time" (takt-flow-pull), 5S and workplace organization, and value stream mapping and Kanban system preferred.
Strong organizational, analytical, and leadership skills required.
Must be innovative in making changes to the operation as needed to improve the work environment.
SERV Safe Certification preferred or the ability to obtain SERV Safe Certification
Full-time Travel: 75%
Competencies Required to be Successful in the Job: Thinking – Information Search and analysis & problem resolution skillsEngaging – Understanding othersTeam Leadership and Developing People Inspiring – Influencing and building relationships, Motivating, and Inspiring, Achieving – Delivering business results under pressureChampioning Performance Improvement and Customer Focus Demonstrated Values to be Successful in the Position

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:

Delivering:

Does what they say they will. And they balance the needs of our customers' needs with our business's needs.

Drive

Always gets the job done. And still put the needs of our business first.

Open to opportunity:

Adapts when plans change. Is open to new ideas. Makes suggestions that will help shape our culture.

Business thinking:

Understand our business. Uses this understanding in their day-to-day work and plans for the future.

Collaborate:

Look for solutions that work for themselves, their team, and the whole organization.

Engaging others:

Acts in a way that gets others on board – and when things don’t go to plan, they deal with conflict in the right way.

Provide direction:

Share plans with others. Tracks how each project is progressing. Gives constructive feedback during, and after, each project.

Developing talent:

Self-aware. Always learning. Always developing. And always helping others to develop, too.

dnata Catering’s Core ValuesAt 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 YouJoining 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.

Diversity Matters

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 CaliforniaPursuant 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.

Continuous Improvement Specialist

Dnata

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