Job Description

At Newrest Inflight UK Ltd, you will play a critical role in shaping the inflight customer experience while influencing financial decisions that drive bottom-line results. This unique position is ideal for a dynamic leader who thrives at the intersection of operations and finance.


We are seeking a highly analytical and operationally experienced professional to lead and optimise our airline catering operations while driving financial planning, performance analysis, and cost control. This dual-role position will bridge inflight service excellence with robust financial oversight, supporting data-driven decisions to enhance profitability, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead end-to-end catering strategy, including menu development, vendor management, contract negotiations, and onboard service innovation. Oversee day-to-day catering logistics, ensuring compliance with food safety, regulatory standards, and airline SOPs. Collaborate with procurement and commercial teams to identify cost-saving opportunities and drive service improvements. Analyse passenger feedback, waste metrics, and service quality KPIs to inform catering adjustments and enhancements. Manage vendor relationships, monitor performance, and drive continuous improvement through SLAs and KPIs. Develop and maintain catering budgets, forecasts, and variance analyses in coordination with the finance department. Conduct in-depth cost modelling, scenario analysis, and financial impact assessments of catering and inflight service initiatives. Partner with accounting and operations to ensure accurate expense tracking, reporting, and reconciliations. Support monthly and quarterly reporting cycles with insights into cost drivers, efficiency opportunities, and revenue impacts. Lead financial evaluation of vendor proposals, CAPEX/OPEX projects, and strategic investments in inflight service delivery. Ability to communicate effectively with both financial and non-financial stakeholders. Understanding and interpretation of contractual terms. Communication of contractual terms to stakeholders and ensure adherence to contract. Lead RFP and ad hoc proposals Leading on contract negotiations to reduce contract value leakage, improve commercial outcomes, and mitigate risk by ensuring contract and regulatory compliance Routinely monitoring contract performance to ensure contractual obligations are fulfilled and key contract milestones are met Updating commercial terms where appropriate, including in routine, standardized contracts like service orders, addendums, and MSAs Obtaining approval for non-standard terms in accordance with agreed approval matrices Developing, delivering, and maintaining effective commercial methods, processes, and operational procedures to ensure contracts are managed in line with internal and external compliance standards.

Knowledge:

Bachelor's degree in Finance, CIMA or ACCA Qualified Desirable Experience in a similar environment with large corporate customers and suppliers Strong understanding of FMCG would be desirable Advanced financial modelling, budgeting, and analytical skills using Excel and financial planning systems Excellent negotiation, communication, and cross-functional collaboration abilities Proven track record in cost reduction, process optimization, and customer experience enhancement Translator between finance and the business Strong interpersonal and presentation skills Deliver actionable insight and challenge to all stakeholders Become a trusted partner to the business Strong focus on 'problem solving' and ownership to drive results. Advanced knowledge of Excel and Powerpoint Proven track record in building and maintaining strong customer relationships.

Key Competencies:

Strategic thinking Financial acumen Operational excellence Vendor & stakeholder management Data-driven & Decision-making Attention to detail Leadership & Team development Organised self-starter, with drive and ambition who thrives under pressure, and is capable of confidently working alongside the most senior stakeholders across the wider business * Attention to detail, commitment to accuracy & adherence to deadlines.