
Director, Catering Operations & Aircraft Appearance
- Calgary, AB
- Permanent
- Temps-plein
- Execute and implement WestJet's inflight catering and onboard product strategies to drive crew acceptance, guest satisfaction and maximize ancillary revenue.
- Oversee the end-to-end management of a multi-million dollar catering and aircraft appearance operating budget.
- Drives annual onboard sales revenue by optimizing product capacity, vendor performance and reliable execution.
- Work cross-functionally with commercial, marketing, and Guest Experience product teams to develop compelling, cost-effective food and beverage offerings.
- Ensure all catering operations meet or exceed safety, hygiene, and regulatory compliance standards (CFIA, HACCP, Transport Canada).
- Execute WestJet's aircraft appearance program, ensuring consistent, high-quality presentation across the fleet.
- Develop and enforce aircraft cleaning standards, including turn, deep, and overnight cleans.
- Partner with Airports, Maintenance, Ground Operations, and third-party vendors to align operational schedules and performance expectations.
- Introduce sustainable and innovative appearance solutions that enhance guest perception and operational efficiency.
- Lead a high-performing team with a focus on culture, accountability, and innovation.
- Oversee vendor selection, contract management, performance reviews, and continuous improvement programs.
- Build and maintain collaborative relationships across key functions including Procurement, Safety, Operations, Commercial, and Guest Experience.
- Provide Guest Experience with product/service feedback and recommendations.
- Drive operational excellence initiatives, ensuring that all accountable delay codes are effectively managed and mitigated. Continuous improvement initiatives featured at forefront of the team's objectives.
- Evaluate the current organizational structure, vendor performance, and operational processes to develop actionable recommendations to elevate the current state of operations, increasing ancillary revenue and guest satisfaction.
- Establish and build strong relationships with key industry stakeholders, as well as internal partners to drive collaborative success.
- Ensure the successful execution of catering operations and aircraft appearance programs within the allocated operating budget, maintaining high standards of quality and cost-efficiency.
- Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in one of the following: Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or Hospitality Management.
- 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in inflight catering, airline operations, or hospitality, including revenue-generating roles.
- Lean Six Sigma Certification (Green/Black Belt)
- Deep knowledge of aviation food safety, onboard sales strategies, and aircraft appearance best practices is an asset.
- Strong strategic leadership and team management skills to drive culture, accountability, and innovation
- Strong financial acumen, vendor management expertise, and data-driven decision-making capabilities.
- Ability to work cross-functionally and build strong partnerships across Commercial, Marketing, Operations, Procurement, and Safety teams
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaboration and vendor management.
- Proven track record of successfully implementing large scale initiatives involving significant change management
- An individual of highest personal and professional integrity as demonstrated through strong personal values as well as consistent words and actions.
- Bilingual (English/French) is an asset
- A fun and friendly culture with colleagues who work together to win
- Travel privileges for you and your family, effective from your start date
- Savings and Benefit programs that are flexible to meet your specific needs