Operations Assistant - Job Opportunity at Emirates Flight Catering

Dubai, AE
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: June 12, 2025
On-site
AED 84,000 - AED 120,000 per year (approximately USD 23,000 - USD 33,000). This estimate reflects Dubai's aviation catering market rates for mid-level operations roles requiring 3+ years experience, considering the comprehensive skill requirements, multi-departmental responsibilities, and Emirates Flight Catering's position as a premium employer in the region.

Key Responsibilities

Orchestrate cross-departmental coordination by aligning production schedules and implementing safety protocols to achieve critical production targets and operational KPIs that directly impact Emirates Flight Catering's service delivery
Lead collaborative initiatives across Food Safety, Quality, Hygiene, Operations Specifications, ERP, Sourcing Solutions, Engineering, and NPD departments to ensure successful product launches that enhance the company's competitive market position
Maintain comprehensive HACCP production documentation and implement waste reduction strategies that contribute to operational cost savings and regulatory compliance excellence
Ensure strict adherence to QHSE and food safety standards through systematic enforcement of FIFO protocols, work order verification, and PPE compliance to maintain Emirates' industry-leading safety reputation
Optimize ERP data management systems to deliver enhanced inventory control and procurement efficiency that supports the company's large-scale catering operations
Generate strategic ERP system reports that provide executive management with actionable operational insights for data-driven decision making
Drive ERP system improvements and troubleshooting initiatives to minimize operational downtime and maximize productivity across the catering facility
Spearhead process optimization within ERP systems to achieve measurable time and cost savings that enhance overall operational efficiency
Manage recipe database updates and coordinate with finance teams for accurate cost modeling that supports strategic pricing decisions
Execute real-time supplier delivery management and material ordering based on Master Production Schedule to ensure optimal supply chain performance
Direct master production schedule updates and meal prioritization strategies to ensure seamless production operations and accurate performance reporting
Coordinate complex production workflows between high-care and low-care teams to eliminate bottlenecks and meet critical production deadlines
Analyze demand trends and sales data to support strategic material planning and capacity optimization that meets customer expectations
Conduct capacity analysis for equipment and materials to prevent production shortages and optimize resource utilization efficiency
Design and manage commercial product labeling systems while navigating complex approval processes to ensure regulatory compliance and brand consistency
Maintain comprehensive specification documentation and assembly routing systems to support accurate production planning and quality control
Support senior chef presentations through professional meal plating and visual documentation that enhances product marketing capabilities
Ensure specification system alignment across multiple platforms to improve data accuracy and internal compliance standards
Execute meal preparation and Ready-to-Heat product development for sensory evaluation while maintaining strict traceability and quality protocols
Maintain gold-standard meal inventory for consistent quality benchmarking and product evaluation processes
Manage meal specification updates and coordinate specification team communications to support precise product development initiatives
Organize comprehensive sensory evaluation records according to standardized processes to ensure data integrity for future product development
Provide strategic administrative and logistical support to NPD teams during critical menu creation and product development phases
Oversee comprehensive employee record management and invoice processing systems to enhance operational efficiency and compliance
Develop and maintain strategic reports and analyses that support executive decision-making and long-term planning initiatives
Maintain secure documentation and database systems in full compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements
Deliver comprehensive administrative support including schedule management and operational coordination to maximize departmental efficiency
Serve as critical backup support to ensure operational continuity during peak periods and staff absences
Direct production resource allocation including labeling and finished product scheduling to enhance operational efficiency and team productivity
Support Master Production Schedule execution by identifying and resolving operational discrepancies to ensure consistent goal achievement
Maintain stringent quality standards through systematic meal presentation monitoring and implementation of corrective actions
Participate in strategic engineering meetings to communicate updates and track action items for timely issue resolution
Conduct comprehensive risk assessments and coordinate with engineering teams to identify hazards and implement safety enhancements
Execute equipment maintenance and fault diagnosis procedures to minimize downtime through proactive engineering coordination
Ensure precision in component assembly according to Bill of Materials specifications to guarantee product quality and compliance

Requirements

Education

A high school diploma or equivalent. Additional education or certification in administration or hospitality is preferred.

Experience

Minimum 3 years of experience in hospitality or food related industry

Required Skills

Proficient in Microsoft Office Strong verbal and written communication skills Skilled at maintaining professional relationships, working as part of a team, and providing support to colleagues and supervisors Ability to manage multiple tasks and responsibilities efficiently Ability to cross-verify information Excellent time management skills, with ability to prioritize workload Demonstrates personal accountability by taking full ownership of actions
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The airline catering industry is experiencing significant digitalization with increased adoption of ERP systems and data analytics platforms to optimize operations, reduce waste, and improve cost efficiency. This trend is driving demand for operations professionals who can bridge the gap between traditional food production and modern technology systems. Food safety and quality compliance requirements are becoming increasingly stringent across the Middle East aviation sector, particularly in Dubai's position as a global aviation hub. Companies are investing heavily in HACCP-compliant professionals who can maintain international standards while supporting rapid operational scaling. The aviation catering sector is witnessing substantial growth in the Middle East region, with Emirates and other carriers expanding their meal service offerings and premium dining experiences, creating increased demand for operations support roles that can handle complex multi-departmental coordination and new product development initiatives.

Role Significance

The role typically involves coordination across 8-12 different departments and functional teams, with direct support responsibilities for production teams ranging from 15-30 staff members. The position requires matrix management skills to influence outcomes across departments without direct reporting relationships.
This is a mid-level operational role with significant cross-functional influence and responsibility. The position serves as a critical bridge between multiple departments and requires independent decision-making capabilities across ERP systems, production planning, quality control, and new product development. The role demonstrates clear progression from entry-level administrative positions and carries substantial operational accountability.

Key Projects

Implementation and optimization of ERP system upgrades and process improvements that enhance operational efficiency across the entire catering facility New product development initiatives and menu launches that require cross-departmental coordination, quality testing, and specification management Production capacity planning and optimization projects that align with Emirates' flight schedule demands and seasonal variations Quality management system improvements and HACCP compliance initiatives that maintain international food safety standards Supply chain optimization projects involving supplier relationship management, inventory control, and cost reduction initiatives

Success Factors

Demonstrated ability to work effectively across multiple departments and functional areas while maintaining professional relationships and achieving shared objectives in a complex organizational environment Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with proven experience in data analysis, trend identification, and process improvement implementation that delivers measurable operational benefits Comprehensive understanding of food safety protocols, quality management systems, and regulatory compliance requirements specific to the aviation catering industry Advanced proficiency in ERP systems and data management platforms, with the ability to generate actionable insights from complex operational data and support strategic decision-making processes Exceptional organizational and project management skills with demonstrated capability to handle multiple concurrent priorities while maintaining attention to detail and meeting critical deadlines Cultural adaptability and communication skills necessary to work effectively in Dubai's diverse international business environment while supporting Emirates' global service standards

Market Demand

High demand driven by Dubai's position as a major aviation hub, increasing airline passenger volumes, and the ongoing expansion of premium airline catering services requiring sophisticated operational support.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

ERP system proficiency is absolutely essential as this role serves as a key interface between operational activities and technology platforms, requiring the ability to generate reports, analyze data, and optimize system performance to support strategic decision-making and operational efficiency Cross-functional communication and relationship management skills are critical for success given the extensive coordination required across eight different departments, each with unique priorities, timelines, and operational requirements Food safety and HACCP knowledge is fundamental to maintaining compliance with international aviation catering standards and protecting the company's reputation and operational license in a highly regulated industry Multi-tasking and prioritization abilities are crucial given the diverse responsibilities spanning production support, administrative functions, quality control, and new product development, all requiring simultaneous attention and management Analytical and problem-solving capabilities are essential for identifying operational inefficiencies, resolving production discrepancies, and implementing process improvements that deliver measurable cost savings and performance enhancements

Beneficial Skills

Project management certification or experience would enhance the ability to lead cross-departmental initiatives and system implementation projects that are increasingly common in the evolving aviation catering industry Supply chain or logistics background would provide valuable context for understanding the complex procurement and inventory management challenges specific to international aviation operations Culinary or food science knowledge would enhance effectiveness in new product development activities and improve communication with chef teams and food safety specialists Six Sigma or Lean manufacturing training would support the continuous improvement initiatives and waste reduction programs that are priorities in cost-competitive aviation catering operations Bilingual capabilities in Arabic and English would enhance effectiveness in Dubai's diverse business environment and support communication with local suppliers and regulatory authorities

Unique Aspects

This role offers exceptional breadth of experience across multiple operational disciplines including ERP systems, production planning, quality control, new product development, and cross-departmental coordination, providing comprehensive business operations exposure that is rare in single-function positions
The position provides direct involvement in new product development and sensory evaluation processes for airline meals, offering unique insight into the intersection of culinary arts, food science, and large-scale production operations
Working within Emirates Flight Catering's facility provides exposure to international aviation industry standards and practices, with opportunity to support meal service for multiple global airlines and understand diverse cultural food preferences and requirements
The role involves sophisticated ERP system management and data analysis responsibilities that bridge traditional food production with modern technology platforms, developing highly transferable skills in business systems and operational analytics
The position offers exposure to complex supply chain management and production planning challenges unique to the aviation industry, including flight schedule coordination, international sourcing requirements, and regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions

Career Growth

Career progression typically occurs within 18-36 months given the comprehensive skill development opportunities and Emirates Flight Catering's growth trajectory. High performers may advance more rapidly due to the company's expansion and the transferable nature of the multi-departmental experience gained.

Potential Next Roles

Operations Supervisor or Team Leader roles within Emirates Flight Catering, with direct management responsibility for production teams and operational areas ERP Systems Analyst or Business Systems Coordinator positions focusing on technology implementation and process optimization across larger operational frameworks Quality Assurance Manager or Food Safety Coordinator roles that leverage the comprehensive compliance and regulatory experience gained in this position Production Planning Manager or Supply Chain Coordinator positions that build upon the planning and coordination experience to handle larger-scale operational responsibilities New Product Development Specialist or Menu Planning Coordinator roles that capitalize on the NPD experience and culinary industry knowledge

Company Overview

Emirates Flight Catering

Emirates Flight Catering is a leading aviation catering company and subsidiary of the Emirates Group, operating as one of the world's largest airline catering facilities. The company serves Emirates airline and numerous other international carriers from its state-of-the-art facility in Dubai, producing millions of meals annually while maintaining the highest standards of quality and food safety. As part of the Emirates Group ecosystem, the company benefits from significant investment in technology, infrastructure, and operational excellence initiatives.

Emirates Flight Catering holds a dominant position in the Middle East aviation catering market and ranks among the top global players in the industry. The company's association with Emirates airline provides substantial operational scale and financial stability, while its Dubai location positions it at the center of one of the world's busiest aviation hubs. The organization is recognized for its operational excellence, technological innovation, and commitment to premium service standards.
Based in Dubai International Airport, Emirates Flight Catering serves as a strategic hub for aviation catering services across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia regions. The facility's location provides access to diverse international markets and positions employees at the center of global aviation operations, offering exceptional exposure to international business practices and cultural diversity.
The work environment at Emirates Flight Catering emphasizes operational excellence, cultural diversity, and professional development. As part of the Emirates Group, the company maintains high standards for employee development, safety protocols, and service quality. The multicultural workforce and international business focus create opportunities for cross-cultural collaboration and global perspective development, while the 24/7 operational nature of the business requires flexibility and adaptability from team members.
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