Supply Chain Specialist

 

Primary Objectives

dnata Catering & Retail is contracted with an airline client to act as the Retail Management Partner for all commercial and operational aspects of the airline’s in-flight retail program.

The role of the Supply Chain Specialist is responsible for collaborating with the airline client to develop and deliver a range of in-flight retail food, beverages, and merchandise. The resulting ‘buy on board’ menu is designed to optimize supply chain efficiency, enhance customer satisfaction, and drive sustainable commercial performance.

The Supply Chain Specialist is responsible for managing the safe and efficient delivery of the airline client’s in-flight inventory management and supporting the Inflight Retail Senior Manager and team to continuously enhance operational excellence, profit performance, and customer satisfaction.

Specific Accountabilities

Management

  • Strategically source in-flight retail food, beverages, and merchandise.
  • Prepare product presentations detailing expected margin/revenue improvements and benefits.
  • Deliver supplier performance management and develop strong supplier relationships.
  • Manage the project delivery of each new menu range, ensuring agreed deliverables and timelines are met.
  • Monitor and report on dnata Catering & Retail’s supplier KPIs and other supplier-related requirements.
  • Coordinate accurate monthly stocktakes for galley equipment, in-flight service items, and bonded goods.
  • Complete monthly stocktake data analysis reports, reviewing stock on hand, par levels, usage trends, discrepancies, and anomalies.
  • Conduct onsite audits at caterer and warehouse locations to ensure stock control and inventory management processes are upheld, resolving operational issues where identified.
  • Maintain monthly KPI reporting at key points in the supply chain: caterers, third-party storage, and stores packing operations.
  • Monitor equipment and supply adequacy, ensuring quality maintenance and secure storage of merchandise at all points in the supply chain.
  • Maintain a supplier base and processes to optimize product and supply assurance, adhering to contracted service levels for the ‘right product, right place, right time.’

General

  • Ensure the Retail Management Partner team continuously improves contracted service levels for the airline client.
  • Produce clear and concise management reports (weekly, monthly, quarterly, annual) to demonstrate that service levels are being met.
  • Contracted service levels include, but are not limited to:
    • Retail Management Commercial Performance
    • Contract Management & Reporting
    • Crew Reporting (OSCARS)
    • Quality Assurance
    • Regulatory Compliance
    • Operational Service Levels & KPIs
    • Ramp Safety Service Levels
    • Food Safety Service Levels
    • Aviation Safety (AVSEC) Service Levels
  • Act as a role model for dnata Catering & Retail values by providing safe, reliable, and high-quality air services while maintaining a culture of imagination and respect.
  • Maintain a complete understanding and adherence to dnata Catering & Retail policies and procedures.
  • Carry out additional duties as reasonably requested by Senior Management

Key Performance Indicators

  1. Compliance with Company Standards and Regulatory Standards.
  2. Meeting agreed timelines.
  3. Completion of planned audits and scheduled inspections.
  4. Regular training reviews and personal development planning.
  5. Ensuring document control across the airline client, dnata Catering & Retail, and suppliers is up to date.

 

Qualifications and Experience

  • Minimum 2 years of supply chain experience or similar.
  • Demonstrated success in a similar commercial and operational role.
  • High-level supplier relationship management skills.
  • Strong management and communication skills.
  • Business-focused with ‘Project Manager’ competencies.
  • Tertiary degree in Supply Chain/Procurement area – Desired.
  • Professional accreditation or qualification in Basic Food Safety.
  • Awareness of HACCP and OH&S.
  • Experience working with diverse stakeholders and suppliers in a high-volume, high-value environment.
  • Competent in documentation and records management.
  • Ability to develop and deliver training programs.
  • Ability to work flexibly, independently, and travel internationally.