Operations Manager

Want to elevate your career to a Higher Altitude?

Join Australia's premier inflight catering partner. We have an exciting opportunity for an Operations Manager to join our amazing Cairns Airport team.

At dnata catering & retail the sky truly is the limit

AVIATION SUPPORT BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2025
AUSTRALASIAs AIRLINE CATERER OF THE YEAR 2025

More about this role:

To put it simply, you will be the central point of contact for day to day operational matters between our company and the Airlines, and the conduit for all communication between the operations team and clients.

This role will support the Unit Manager and the business to achieve our goals of meeting the daily production schedule of our airline customers and assisting with running the overall operations efficiently and safely, to rigorous standards.

In the Unit Manager’s absence, the Operations Manager will assume leadership and all decision making functions for BAU.

In a nutshell, your main responsibilities are:

- Establishing and maintaining excellent working relationships with our internal and external customers.
- Relay information for any changes to orders from aircraft to internal departments
- Represent the company at internal and external functions, ensuring that the company and its products and services are presented in a strong and positive light.
- Participating in and ensure that audit and quality controls are conducted regularly.
- Providing expert advice to client airlines in all facets of customer service including logistical and customs information.
- Improving customer service quality results by obtaining feedback from our clients
- Establishing communication service standards and implement company productivity, quality and customer service standards.
- Pro-actively address performance issues by identifying areas of non-performance as well as root cause, and provide support to prevent future occurrences, including any training required to individuals.
- Contributing towards operational cost management through education and training especially in areas of flight make up, aircraft loading and inventory management.
- Implement strategies for planning and forecasting, through effective use of business tools, systems and resources.
- Assist with forecasting manpower and accurately rostering for the Operations
- Build rapport and provide leadership and guidance to all staff whilst on shift
- Assist the Unit Manager manage the daily operations of the business, including but not limited to the Production Kitchen, Stores and Purchasing, as well as our Customer Delivery team of Drivers.

What do you need to be successful in securing this role?

- Positive Winning Attitude.
- Knowledge or experience in a Client or Account Mgt role (preferred not essential)
- Food Safety and HACCP qualifications desirable.
- Available to work a rotating roster which may include weekends and public holidays from time to time.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Solutions-Focused and strong problem-solving skills.
- Ability to handle challenging situations with tact and diplomacy.
- Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse group of stakeholders.
- Sound knowledge of the airline catering industry (preferred not essential)
- Possess a current clean MR or HR Drivers License (preferred not essential)
- Available for occasional out of hours work to meet flight schedule demands.
- Competent in documentation and records management.
- Ability to obtain an ASIC pass and an Airside Driver’s Authority.
- As you will be working in the Aviation Services industry, you will be required to obtain a clear National Police Check.

What’s in it for you?

- Competitive salary.
- 5 weeks annual leave.
- Free onsite parking, daily staff meals, and uniforms.
- Career development and progression.
- Be part of a close knit and dedicated team that are committed to excellence.
- Discounted Health Insurance, Tailored Novated Lease option and Wellbeing resources including free online exercise classes, and access to discounts at over 700 hundred of retailers (such as Woolworths, Caltex and JB-HiFi).

About Us

We are Australia’s largest and most admired inflight catering and retail partner. Specialising in inflight catering and retail, food manufacturing, and airport lounge management, our group of diverse brands enables us to deliver extensive service capabilities.

Chosen by many of the world’s top airlines, we operate 16 facilities across 10 cities and employ over 4,000 people who help us to produce over 64 million meals, and service more than 250,000 flights, each year.

Parent company dnata – part of the Emirates Group – is one of the world’s largest air services providers. Offering ground handling, cargo, travel, and inflight catering and retail services, dnata ensures the aviation industry operates smoothly and efficiently.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates.

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