Etihad Airways is seeking an experienced Catering Systems Manager for Abu Dhabi to own and oversee the strategic roadmap, functionality, and optimization of catering management systems across the network. Act as functional authority for catering systems, define standards and governance, ensure seamless integration of processes, and support operational efficiency, compliance, and strategic objectives in aviation food service operations.
About Etihad Airways — UAE’s National Airline
Global Presence: Connecting people across continents from Abu Dhabi hub with extensive network operations
Strategic Vision: Journey 2030 ambition to double fleet, expand network, and grow people for aviation excellence
Operations Leadership: Managing sophisticated catering and food service operations for premium airline
Technology Innovation: Implementing advanced systems for operational efficiency and customer excellence
World-Class Standards: Committed to extraordinary customer experiences and operational excellence
Catering Operations & Systems Excellence
Systems Focus: Strategic oversight of core catering management systems (CMS) and integrated applications
Digital Transformation: Implementing innovation roadmap to enhance catering operations across network
Operational Efficiency: Optimizing food and beverage delivery, cost management, and supplier performance
Technology Integration: Managing automation, data collection, and advanced systems for competitive advantage
Position Overview
The Catering Systems Manager role at Etihad Airways involves owning the strategic roadmap and optimization of catering management systems across the airline network. You will translate evolving business needs into system capability requirements, oversee digital transformation initiatives, lead continuous improvement programs, manage system integration projects, and ensure data integrity and security. This critical position supports operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and strategic objectives across all catering operations.
As Catering Systems Manager, you’ll act as functional authority for catering systems, define standards and governance principles, incorporate new technologies, optimize process automation, and provide technical leadership to support catering and network teams. Your expertise directly impacts food service quality, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction across Etihad Airways’ aviation operations.
Why This Role Matters: As Catering Systems Manager at Etihad Airways, you oversee sophisticated catering technology supporting premium airline operations, drive digital transformation in food service management, optimize systems serving thousands of daily flights, implement automation and data analytics for operational efficiency, manage strategic technology roadmap aligned with Journey 2030 vision, and advance career with global aviation leader.
Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities
Strategic Systems Oversight & Optimization
- Oversee catering operations digital and innovation roadmap including catering management system (CMS) optimization
- Ensure system uptime, data integrity, and security across catering operations network
- Translate evolving catering business needs into scalable system capability requirements
- Define standards, governance, and design principles for catering systems across operations
- Lead strategic technology initiatives supporting long-term sustainability and competitive advantage
Technology Integration & Innovation Management
- Incorporate new technologies and data collection sources into catering operations partnerships
- Implement system updates, patches, and enhancements in collaboration with IT vendors
- Manage automation and proof-of-concept (POC) initiatives to enhance system capabilities
- Manage integration of new catering management systems including UAT, planning, and deployment
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives optimizing system utilization and process efficiency
Data Governance & System Integrity Management
- Ensure reliability and performance of catering management system and automated functionalities
- Manage data integrity, waste management automation, and supplier integrations
- Manage change control and approvals for menu/pricing specifications in data warehouse systems
- Source, clean, and share evolving data sources supporting supplier management and cost analysis
- Develop self-audit programs ensuring robust process controls and compliance frameworks
Team Leadership & Operational Support
- Oversee technical and functional support team for catering and network operations
- Troubleshoot system issues ensuring timely resolution minimizing operational disruptions
- Operationalize systems with new caterer setup, daily menu management, and process configuration
- Develop and deliver training programs for staff and suppliers on system modules
- Provide mentorship and technical guidance to catering operations teams
Process Optimization & Performance Analytics
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on process optimization and automation
- Manage sourcing of data sources supporting best practice supplier management
- Provide dynamic status reporting, benchmarking, and trend analysis for supplier performance
- Support cost management through forecasting, gap analysis, and NPS analysis
- Align system capabilities with industry best practices and EY’s strategic direction
Qualifications & Requirements
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree level qualification in relevant subject
- Business and Computer Science preferred fields of study
- Equivalent professional certifications considered
Professional Experience Requirements
- Minimum 7+ years relevant experience in managing IT systems
- Preferred experience in catering systems or food service technology management
- Proven track record managing complex technology implementations and integrations
- Experience with system optimization, automation, and continuous improvement initiatives
Essential Skills & Competencies
- Expert knowledge of catering management systems and food service operations technology
- Strong analytical and project management capabilities for technology roadmap development
- Proficiency in data governance, system integration, and IT operations management
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management with cross-functional teams
- Ability to translate business requirements into technical system solutions
- Leadership and change management skills for technology transformation initiatives
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Information Technology, Business Administration, or related field
- Project Management Professional (PMP) or ITIL certification
- Experience in airline or aviation food service operations
- Knowledge of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems
- Background in supply chain technology or food industry management systems
About Etihad Airways — Shaping Global Aviation
line—it’s shaping the future of global aviation. From its hub in Abu Dhabi, Etihad connects people across continents and cultures while driving the transformative “Journey 2030” ambition. The airline is committed to doubling its fleet, expanding its global network, and growing its people for a new era of aviation excellence. With thousands of employees worldwide, Etihad delivers extraordinary experiences and operational excellence on every flight.
Career Excellence at Etihad Airways: Build technology career with global aviation leader offering professional development opportunities, exposure to sophisticated systems and operations, work on strategic technology initiatives, and meaningful roles impacting millions of passengers annually across Etihad’s international network.
Who Should Apply?
- Systems Managers: With 7+ years IT systems management and technology leadership experience
- Catering Technology Professionals: From food service industry with systems management background
- Operations Managers: With technology systems and process optimization expertise
- IT Project Managers: From hospitality or airline industry with catering operations knowledge
- Digital Transformation Leaders: Focused on operational efficiency and technology integration
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