General Manager - Airline Catering

About us

LSG Sky Chefs is one of the world’s largest airline catering and hospitality providers, known for its outstanding reputation and dynamic approach in the industry. Voted “Airline Caterer of the Year in North America” for 2023 and 2024, we are committed to excellence and innovation, driven by the dedication and expertise of our talented employees. Our team members are the heart and soul of our success, consistently delivering exceptional culinary experiences and outstanding service to our clients and their passengers across North and Latin America.

Role Purpose Statement

The General Manager is responsible for ensuring the overall competitiveness and operational excellence of the Customer Service Center (CSC). This leadership role involves strategic planning, steering, and coordination across multiple functions, including Procurement, Manufacturing, Logistics, Human Resources, Finance, Quality, and Customer Service. The General Manager will drive the achievement of organizational targets and objectives by optimizing processes, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and maintaining a strong customer focus.

Main Accountabilities

Business Strategy, Policies, and Tools

• Strategic Contribution: Play a pivotal role in shaping and defining the CSC and regional strategy, ensuring alignment with overarching corporate goals.
• Strategy Execution: Lead the development and execution of the CSC strategy, ensuring it is effectively implemented and aligned with business objectives.
• Policy Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to regional and corporate policies, fostering a culture of compliance and integrity across the CSC.

Managing Business Operations

• Annual Planning: Oversee the creation and execution of the CSC's annual business plan and budgeting process, ensuring alignment with regional objectives and strategic goals.
• Product and Service Planning: Lead the development and implementation of short- and mid-term plans for products and services in close coordination with Sales & Services and other relevant departments, taking timely corrective action when deviations occur.
• Performance Oversight: Monitor and manage the CSC’s economic and operational performance, ensuring that all activities align with the company’s framework and meet market demands. Take proactive measures to achieve budget targets and initiate corrective actions as needed.
• Resource Optimization: Ensure the optimal allocation and utilization of human, technical, financial, and material resources to maximize efficiency and productivity.
• Standards and Compliance: Guarantee that the CSC’s work methods adhere to company standards and customer contracts, while also initiating capital expenditure requests to support growth and innovation.
• Process Optimization: Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance processes, ensuring that the CSC remains competitive and efficient.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure full compliance with safety, health, environmental, and quality guidelines as mandated by corporate policies, local regulations, and customer requirements.
• Effective Communication: Foster clear communication and close collaboration with all relevant internal and external stakeholders to ensure seamless operations.
• Procurement Management: Where applicable, oversee the procurement of all necessary materials and services, ensuring compliance with company standards and achieving cost-effectiveness.

Leadership and Team Development

• Organizational Management: Ensure that the CSC is properly organized, staffed, and led, creating a work environment that promotes excellence and accountability.
• Employee Development: Guide, motivate, and develop employees in line with the company’s Human Resources policies, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth.
• Coaching and Development: Participate actively in coaching and development initiatives, including the Global Performance System (GPS) process, to enhance team effectiveness and potential.
• Cultural Stewardship: Embody and promote the company’s values and management principles within the department, ensuring that these values are reflected in all activities and decisions.
• Budget Management: Plan, implement, and control the cost budget within the area of responsibility, taking decisive action to address deviations and optimize financial performance.
• Support Corporate Initiatives: Actively participate in and support company-sponsored initiatives, such as Global Quality Standards (GQS), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), Lean Manufacturing, and Employee Safety, to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree required; equivalent experience in relevant fields will also be considered.
• Extensive Management Experience: A minimum of ten years of proven experience in management and operations, with a strong track record of leadership in complex environments.
• Industry Expertise: Significant experience in manufacturing is strongly preferred, with a particular emphasis on food manufacturing being highly advantageous.
• Lean Manufacturing Proficiency: Demonstrated working knowledge and application of lean manufacturing principles to drive efficiency and process improvements.
• Exceptional Communication Skills: Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly and effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Team Building and Leadership: Proven ability to build, develop, and maintain strong cross-functional teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment. Experience in managing employee and union relations effectively.
• Multi-Departmental Management: Successful experience in overseeing and managing multiple departments, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and seamless operational execution.
• Achievement-Oriented: A history of consistently stretching to exceed corporate expectations, delivering exceptional results in line with company objectives.
• Professional Presentation and Interpersonal Skills: Polished and professional presentation skills, coupled with strong interpersonal abilities to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.

LSG Sky Chefs is an EEO and Affirmative Action Employer of Women/Minorities/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.