Operation Manager

gategroup•Newark, NJ

1d•$85 - $95•Onsite

About The Position

We’re looking for motivated, engaged people to help make everyone’s journeys better. Job Summary A Manager on Duty (MOD) will be based in designated units to constantly monitor food, equipment and beverage preparation activity. At shift start, review the updated Master Production Schedule (MPS) with the MOD ending his/her shift for specific status on key issues. Checks in with each floor supervisor and manager on status of meeting required milestones in preparation, packing, quality control, dock inspections, truck loading, deliveries, etc. Adjusts supplies, staffing, and any resource or area requiring intervention to meet the MPS. MOD will be available to all floor supervisors, managers, and airline customers on a dedicated cell phone that is passed from each MOD shift leader to the next. A Manager on Duty (MOD) will be based in designated units to constantly monitor food, equipment and beverage preparation activity. At shift start, review the updated Master Production Schedule (MPS) with the MOD ending his/her shift for specific status on key issues. Checks in with each floor supervisor and manager on status of meeting required milestones in preparation, packing, quality control, dock inspections, truck loading, deliveries, etc. Adjusts supplies, staffing, and any resource or area requiring intervention to meet the MPS. MOD will be available to all floor supervisors, managers, and airline customers on a dedicated cell phone that is passed from each MOD shift leader to the next. Main Duties and Responsibilities The MOD does not directly manage people and is not involved in labor planning, the job is entirely focused on the MPS and the status of each kitchen unit in meeting that schedule. Circulates throughout the kitchen, making regular contact with each floor supervisor and manager for a status on activities as compared to the milestone timelines in the MPS. When resource needs are identified, collaborates with floor supervisors and managers on redeploying staff, arranging for delivery of ingredients or preparation materials from the Storeroom, quality inspections of prepared carts prior to truck loading, clearing the dock for safe loading/unloading of trucks, etc. Informs floor supervisors and managers when there is a change to the MPS and collaborates with them to redeploy resources as needed. Provides just in time training to anyone needing guidance or assistance. Maintains an updated knowledge of all customer requirements in order to check products, packaging and any other feature the customer requires. Maintains open communication with the customer's airport operations teams and provides regular operational status updates. Completes all company required training. Complies with all company policies, procedures and processes. Performs special projects and other duties as may be assigned by management. Education High school or GED is required Associate degree or bachelor’s degree preferred Work Experience At least five (5) years of progressively responsible professional or supervisory experience in production planning, supply chain and/or logistics experience in a high-volume food production, restaurant, or catering environment is required, preferably in commercial airline catering kitchens. Experience managing projects, programs and/or people working is required, and preferably in a union environment. Technical Skills Computer skills are required to access and analyze production and performance data, track the Master Production Schedule, and to enter information and produce reports. Thorough knowledge of HACCP, FDA, USDA and other hygiene and safety requirements. ServSafe Certified or ability to obtain it is required. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required, bi-lingual is highly desirable. Strong leadership skills and the ability to give positive and negative feedback to employees in the mission of managing multiple processes to tight timelines and drive positive change. Strong organizational, innovative, and analytical skills required, as well as the ability to make changes to ongoing operations as needed to improve the work environment and unit performance. Language / Communication Skills: Must have excellent written and oral communication skills Must be able to communicate effectively with all levels of management and employees Must be able to communicate effectively with internal and external customers. Must have the ability to give negative and positive feedback to employees on a daily basis Multi-lingual is a plus Work Environment / Requirements of the Job: Regularly, stands, bends, lifts, and moves intermittently during shifts of 10+ hours. In a normal production facility there may be physical discomfort due to temperature and noise. Must be able to lift, push, pull and move product, equipment, supplies, etc., in excess of twenty-five (25) pounds. A rotating schedule of over 55 hours per week is typical. Able to work in deadline driven environment gategroup Competencies Required to be Successful in the Job: Thinking – Information Search and analysis & problem resolution skills Engaging – Understanding others, Team Leadership and Developing People Inspiring – Influencing and building relationships, Motivating and Inspiring, Communicating effectively Achieving – Delivering business results under pressure, Championing Performance Improvement and Customer Focus Demonstrated Values to be Successful in the Position Employees at gategroup are expected to live our Values of Excellence, Integrity, Passion and Accountability. To demonstrate these Values, we expect to observe the following from everyone: We treat each other with respect and we act with integrity We communicate and keep each other informed We put our heads together to problem solve and deliver excellence as a team We have passion for our work and we pay attention to the little details We foster an environment of accountability, take responsibility for our actions and learn from our mistakes We do what we say we will do, when we say we are going to do it We care about our coworkers, always taking an opportunity to make someone’s day better The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. gategroup is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability status or other category under applicable law. For further information regarding Equal Employment Opportunity, copy and paste the following URL into your web browser: http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf We anticipate that this job will close on: 02/09/2026 For California Residents, please click here to view our California privacy notice. If you want to be part of a team that helps make travel and culinary memories, join us! gategroup is the global leader in airline catering, retail-on-board and hospitality products and services. gategroup provides passengers with superior culinary and retail experiences, leveraging innovation and advanced technology solutions. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, gategroup delivers operational excellence through the most extensive catering network in the aviation industry, serving passengers from over 200 operating units in over 60 countries/territories across all continents. We work in an exciting industry – fast-paced and ever-changing. Industry trends and customer expectations are constantly evolving and it is critical that we are agile, innovative and ready for change - and our people are our driving force. We offer attractive opportunities to be part of this fast-paced and truly international working environment. For further information, please visit www.gategroup.com.

Requirements

High school or GED is required
At least five (5) years of progressively responsible professional or supervisory experience in production planning, supply chain and/or logistics experience in a high-volume food production, restaurant, or catering environment is required, preferably in commercial airline catering kitchens.
Experience managing projects, programs and/or people working is required, and preferably in a union environment.
Computer skills are required to access and analyze production and performance data, track the Master Production Schedule, and to enter information and produce reports.
Thorough knowledge of HACCP, FDA, USDA and other hygiene and safety requirements.
ServSafe Certified or ability to obtain it is required.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required, bi-lingual is highly desirable.
Strong leadership skills and the ability to give positive and negative feedback to employees in the mission of managing multiple processes to tight timelines and drive positive change.
Strong organizational, innovative, and analytical skills required, as well as the ability to make changes to ongoing operations as needed to improve the work environment and unit performance.
Must have excellent written and oral communication skills
Must be able to communicate effectively with all levels of management and employees
Must be able to communicate effectively with internal and external customers.
Must have the ability to give negative and positive feedback to employees on a daily basis
Regularly, stands, bends, lifts, and moves intermittently during shifts of 10+ hours.
Must be able to lift, push, pull and move product, equipment, supplies, etc., in excess of twenty-five (25) pounds.
A rotating schedule of over 55 hours per week is typical.
Able to work in deadline driven environment

Nice To Haves

Associate degree or bachelor’s degree preferred
bi-lingual is highly desirable.
Multi-lingual is a plus

Responsibilities

The MOD does not directly manage people and is not involved in labor planning, the job is entirely focused on the MPS and the status of each kitchen unit in meeting that schedule.
Circulates throughout the kitchen, making regular contact with each floor supervisor and manager for a status on activities as compared to the milestone timelines in the MPS.
When resource needs are identified, collaborates with floor supervisors and managers on redeploying staff, arranging for delivery of ingredients or preparation materials from the Storeroom, quality inspections of prepared carts prior to truck loading, clearing the dock for safe loading/unloading of trucks, etc.
Informs floor supervisors and managers when there is a change to the MPS and collaborates with them to redeploy resources as needed.
Provides just in time training to anyone needing guidance or assistance.
Maintains an updated knowledge of all customer requirements in order to check products, packaging and any other feature the customer requires.
Maintains open communication with the customer's airport operations teams and provides regular operational status updates.
Completes all company required training.
Complies with all company policies, procedures and processes.
Performs special projects and other duties as may be assigned by management.