Director of Culinary

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 Director of Culinary to join our Corporate team located in White Plains, NY.

POSITION SUMMARY We are seeking a visionary Director of Culinary to join dnata Catering (inflight catering) and become the driving force behind our industry-leading menu and product design, food quality delivery, and chef recruitment and training efforts. As the face of dnata Catering & Retail in the culinary world, you will lead our talented team to create exceptional dining experiences and deliver unparalleled customer satisfaction.

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.

• Lead and inspire our culinary team, overseeing their development and training to ensure excellence in food production, safe handling, and financial goals.
• Set the bar high for our culinary staff, ensuring quality and consistency that surpasses customer expectations and results in total satisfaction.
• Showcase your expertise by managing and directing customer presentations, ensuring the kitchen staff follows food and VIP profiles.
• Bring innovation to the table with cutting-edge cooking techniques and recipes that not only drive demand but also lower food costs.
• Provide the necessary tools and resources for smooth operations, from equipment needs to training materials and recipes, ensuring timely communication.
• Skillfully manage food and labor costs relative to sales, expertly budgeting and forecasting for upcoming business periods.
• Establish and enforce rigorous food safety procedures, guaranteeing a clean and organized kitchen and storage areas.
• Collaborate closely with the team to develop menus that not only meet but exceed customer expectations.
• Implement efficient systems and procedures to ensure top-notch quality and customer satisfaction.
• Foster a harmonious synergy between the front of house, back of house, and inflight teams, managing costs while continuously surpassing customer expectations.
  
  
  

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. 97k - 170k

EDUCATION Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts or Hotel/Restaurant Management, or a minimum of 10 years of industry experience in progressively complex culinary/restaurant positions.

REQUIREMENTS

• A proven track record of success in an executive culinary role, with over 15 years of experience as a Group Executive Chef, Group Food and Beverage expert, or Group Culinary Director.
• Extensive experience in the global international market, particularly in high-end hotels, resorts, or large upmarket catering groups.
• Hold a recognized catering qualification, demonstrating your commitment to excellence.
• Masterful influencer and negotiator, capable of adapting your personal style to connect with diverse audiences.
• A change agent who challenges the status quo and delivers innovative solutions, constantly pushing boundaries.
• Exceptional relationship builder with a knack for establishing strong connections with customers and internal culinary teams.
• A dynamic and energetic leader, trusted as a culinary advisor, and dedicated to delivering high-quality menu development and cost-effective production.
• Familiarity with the food manufacturing arena, including QA, supply planning, and production.
• Strong leadership skills, coupled with financial acumen to devise, execute, and manage budgets effectively.
  
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS

• High standards of professional conduct with excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong results orientation and attention to detail.
• Excellent people management skills with experience leading and managing a large multinational team.
• Proven ability to achieve compliance with food safety and quality systems.
• Ability to plan, multitask, and work under strict time constraints.
• Proactive mindset focused on waste elimination and team effectiveness.
• Ability to engage and align others towards common goals.
• Demonstrated track record of meeting budget targets and successful menu development.
• Proficiency in using the Microsoft Office Suite.
  
  
  

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.

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.