Catering Manager - Premium Class Lounges

Job Purpose

Join our Catering team, where you will be part of an exciting business area that plays a vital role in delivering the Emirates ‘Fly Better’ experience. This team is responsible for a wide range of food and non-food functions, including catering, equipment, and amenities for inflight dining and special events.

If you are passionate about culinary excellence, logistics, and delivering world-class service, we invite you to apply and contribute to the success of Emirates Group. As a key part of our Service Delivery operations, our catering team makes crucial decisions that enhance the customer experience and elevate our growing global brand.

About The Role

As a Catering Manager – Premium Class Lounges, you will be responsible for shaping the design and strategy of Emirates’ lounge menus worldwide. You will oversee the entire culinary process, from research and planning to delivery, auditing, and forecasting, while serving as the key liaison between Emirates Airport Services, global catering partners, and internal stakeholders. The role also involves fostering strong supplier relationships and representing Emirates on all lounge food-related matters. A critical part of your responsibilities will be ensuring food quality, safety, and Halal compliance in line with Emirates’ standards.

In This Role You Will Be

• Represent Emirates by managing and overseeing global lounge catering operations and partnerships, ensuring cost efficiency, operational compliance, quality, hygiene, sustainability, and customer satisfaction.
• Collaborate with internal teams and suppliers to develop menus that align with the Emirates brand and value standards. Oversee cost analysis, support pricing negotiations, and ensure the sourcing of high-quality, cost-effective ingredients.
• Manage lounge catering contracts across the network, ensuring supplier performance meets contractual Service Level Agreements (SLA) and Emirates quality standards through effective monitoring and performance reviews.
• Lead menu presentations with Culinary Design and Food Safety teams, ensuring food quality, presentation, and portioning meet Emirates standards.
• Maintain accurate catering specifications and system data, driving supplier performance improvements in cost, service, and sustainability.
• Ensure full compliance with Emirates food safety, Halal, and operational protocols. Conduct audits, enforce corrective actions, and apply penalties when SLA are not met.
  
  

Qualification

This Job Might Be For You If You Have

• Degree or Honours (12+3 or equivalent).
• 8+ years in In-Flight Service and Catering. Additional experience in a culinary development role is also preferred.
  
  

Youll Have An Edge If You Possess

• Proven background as a chef with experience in banqueting and restaurant-style menu development.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, product development, innovation, and distribution.
• Good understanding of global food trends, premium service standards, and cultural culinary differences.
• Experience in managing contracts and maintaining supplier relationships.
• Familiar with airline catering regulations, logistics, third-party vendor management, and lounge operations.
• Able to adapt and innovate in a fast-paced, global hospitality environment.
• Strong communication skills in English, both spoken and written.
• Regional and international experience is preferred.
  
  

At Emirates, were committed to helping our people grow and thrive. If youre ready for a rewarding and challenging career, apply today and be a part of our world class team!

Salary & benefits

Join us in a management role and enjoy an attractive tax-free salary. On top of our generous travel benefits, including discounted flights and hotel stays around the world, this managerial role also has an excellent leave and healthcare package. That’s on top of transport benefits, life insurance and more. Find out what it’s like to live and work in our fast-paced, cosmopolitan home city in the Dubai Lifestyle section of our website www.emirates.com/careers.

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