Australia’s largest inflight catering company, dnata catering is chosen by many of the world’s airlines for our fresh, award-winning meals and outstanding service.

With a geographically diverse footprint, we employ over 2,000 people across 11 cities, produce over 25 million meals each year, and service over 250 thousand flights.

Our parent company dnata, a part of the Emirates Group and one of the world’s largest air services providers, was established in 1959. Working to ensure the aviation industry operates smoothly and efficiently, dnata operates a global network providing catering, cargo, ground handling and travel services from 129 airports, across 84 countries.

Collectively employing 4,000 people in Australia, and 39,000 people globally, dnata is a trusted partner of over 400 customers around the world.

Handling more than 1,700 flights, carrying over 7,700 tonnes of cargo, assisting more than 235,000 passengers, booking over 19,000 hotel stays, and uplifting more than 320,000 meals each day, it is easy to see why many of the world’s airlines choose dnata as their air services provider.

With global catering operations that span 65 locations across 13 countries, dnata partners with 190 airlines to deliver their inflight catering and retail solutions.

Our vision is to be the world’s most admired air services provider. We deliver the promises our customers make.

We have an exciting opportunity available for a Corporate Chef Menu Planning to join our Culinary team. This role is responsible to assist in the design, development, presentation and implementation of menu specifications in line with the Airline Customer requirements.

Reporting to the General Manger of Culinary, this role will involve extensive travel.

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Develop, implement and assist successful menu development strategy in conjunction with key internal stakeholders that are aligned to Alpha’s overall strategy
• Participate in the strategic and operational business planning and execution of initiatives within the division
• Assist in management of key aspects of menu development for Airline Customers respective to menu policies, specifications, accountabilities, budget, food safety and regulatory compliance, performance management and continuous process improvements
• Develop menus and food concepts that deliver against key objectives, create competitive advantage and ensure high levels of customer satisfaction
• Ensure Airline Customer menus are delivered to specification at lowest total cost of ownership
• Manage successful outcomes from menu workshops and menu presentations through agreed specifications and commitments with Unit Managers, which include quality and financial targets that are fully documented to ensure ongoing performance management
• Responsible for accuracy of documented menu recipes and methods that ensures successful translation of specifications from menu presentations, and ongoing performance delivery against internal/external customer expectations
• Ensure menu development strategies are compliant to all HALAL, HACCP, QSAI / Food Safety, WHS, Quarantine and Customs regulations, measured through auditing and independent microbiological testing
• Seek out, quantify, and develop opportunities for process improvement. Effectively leverage and optimise cross-functional resources and teams
• Create and maintain a strong culture where Catering Units are informed, involved and engaged and have a good understanding of the Airline Customer menu requirements
• Manage relationships based on clear KPI’s supported by an effective review mechanism that drives ongoing process and operational improvement

Selection Criteria:

• Tertiary qualification in a business related area preferable
• Availability to travel both nationally and internationally when required
• Professional accreditation or qualification in culinary cuisine
• Significant experience in a food service organisation accompanied by a strong culinary repertoire
• Significant experience in managing a diverse group of stakeholders and suppliers in a high volume, high value environment
• Displays business and industry acumen
• Commitment to delivering a high level of customer service

An attractive and rewarding competitive salary is available to attract the highest calibre of person.

If you are interested in this role, we would like to hear from you!

We thank all applicants in advance as only successful applicants will be contacted for an interview.