Description

JOB FUNCTION:

Catering Manager  is primarily responsible for the delivery of outstanding and consistent catering services through the leadership and guidance of the catering division in cooperation with the other areas of In-Flight Services and other relevant departments. Development of the short-term and long term strategy of the division is required to meet Air Astana core objectives.  Accountable for contractual agreements with the catering units around the network in accordance with national and international regulations on safe food handling and service. Constantly strive to innovations, highest standards of customer satisfaction.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Developing and driving short and long-term strategy for on-board catering to ensure achievement of company objectives.  It should include market analysis, researching catering trends and promoting competitive catering services, geographical position, strategic and financial meaning – in accordance with customers servicing standards and aims of Airline.
• Organization and control the work of catering division for supporting health safety, hygiene standards (HACCP), catering quality and contracts in accordance with required production and safety standards.
• Accountable for managing the total quality of supplier performance ensuring KPI’s/SLA’s are established, communicated and implemented; and to ensure the corporate brand image of Air Astana is represented consistently on every flight.
• Implement appropriate sourcing strategies to control the costs and to assure an adequate source of supply, negotiate and manage all contracts and agreements for all catering supplies and oversee the maintenance and updating of all contract files and pricing documentation.
• Drive the development and implementation of technology platforms for automatization to ensure the processes are easy and controlled properly. 
• In partnership with Quality and Standards drive crew education in terms of catering, to give them better understanding of our offering to ensure they are fully equipped to be able to provide excellent customer service.
• Drive regular revision of the on-board offering to ensure it is in-line with customer requirements/latest trends.
• Development of menu design in line with strategy and cost.
• Ensure the robust and cost effective catering equipment policy is in place to cover all airline operations.
• Promote and implement clear and fair personnel practices to encourage a harmonious and safe working environment with a good work ethic stimulating high morale.
• Develop and supervise catering division projects as required.
• Lead initiatives where synergies are created to ensure consistent application and standards are met with collaboration across partner departments.
• Responsible for ensuring adequate manpower at all times through a robust recruitment and training process.
• Drive staff development, identify the talents and recommend training programs for their further development.
• As necessary and when required, assist FlyArystan with the planning of their buy on board menu content and equipment needs.

REQIIREMENTS:

• Excellent command of both spoken and written English language, (all communication with outstations must be in English).
• At least 5 yrs experience within the airline industry in catering.
• Knowledge of food / beverage requirements / provisions, within the airline industry.
• Knowledge of core airline processes, including on-board operations and service flows.
• Understanding of procurement processes
• Experience in defining the volume of the budget and experience in making the budget and working within its frameworks.
• Organizational, planning and time management skills.
• Negotiation skills.
• Strong presentation skills.
• Experience - managing a team.