Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager

Job No.: 000393 dnata Full-time • On-Site Flexible Hours Required Experience: Mid Level Location: Inwood, NY 11096

Expires: Dec 31, 2025

We recruit the best talent and invest in their ongoing development, through training and mentoring. We provide opportunities to work across our national network. dnata catering U.S. is looking for a Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager to join our Inwood, NY team supporting the JFK unit.

Key Responsibilities As a Continuous Improvement Manager at dnata Catering, you will drive operational excellence and enhance efficiencies within our aviation catering operations. With a keen eye for process improvement and a passion for driving positive change, you will play a pivotal role in identifying areas of improvement and implementing strategies to optimize productivity, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, you will lead and facilitate continuous improvement initiatives, utilizing lean methodologies, data analysis, and best practices. Your expertise in process mapping, root cause analysis, and performance metrics will be critical in identifying bottlenecks and implementing innovative solutions. Additionally, you will be responsible for developing and implementing training programs to enhance employee skills and knowledge, fostering a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization. By monitoring performance metrics, analyzing data, and providing actionable insights, you will enable dnata Catering to make informed decisions and drive sustainable improvements. Your ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders at all levels, including front-line employees and senior management, will be vital in building strong relationships and driving a culture of continuous improvement. As a Continuous Improvement Manager, you will contribute to the success of dnata Catering by implementing strategies that streamline operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and position the company as a leader in the aviation catering industry.

Compensation:

$82,000 - $120,000 Per Year

Benefits Offered:

401K Matching
Dental Insurance
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Health Insurance
Meal Benefits
Vision Insurance

Qualifications & Requirements:

EDUCATION: A bachelor's degree preferred or a High School diploma with 10 years’ experience within the airline industry or lean manufacturing.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience working in a high volume, manufacturing, food production, restaurant, or catering environment preferred.
Experience with leading projects, people across organizations, maintaining mandatory standards to ensure the safety of products and processes, and improving product quality required.
Lean Six Sigma certification preferred.
Experience analyzing operations and their cost drivers, analyzing material and information flows, and analyzing productivity, material consumption, and operation expenses required.
Experience with Lean Manufacturing techniques, including "Just in Time" (takt-flow-pull), 5S and workplace organization, and value stream mapping and Kanban system preferred.
Strong organizational, analytical, and leadership skills required.
Must be innovative in making changes to the operation as needed to improve the work environment.
SERV Safe Certification preferred or the ability to obtain SERV Safe Certification
Travel: as needed during projects.

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,
Achieving – Delivering business results under pressure
Championing Performance Improvement and Customer Focus Demonstrated Values to be Successful in the Position

Intellectual/Social demands:

While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is continuously asked to multi-task under time limits. Position requires constant attention to precise details and accuracy of specified standards including following simple to complex (more than 3 steps) instructions, and concentration which frequently extends beyond 30 minutes at a time. This position also requires constant attendance and punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time. Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan. Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly.

Physical demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 30 pounds. Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Use equipment and materials properly.

Work environment:

The essential functions of this position are performed indoors. The noise level in the work environment can range from minimal to loud.

Job Responsibilities:

Responsible for analyzing material and information flow for the operations unit to identify opportunities for improvement in productivity, material consumption, other operation expenses, quality, safety, and space utilization.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities: Plans and guides Unit management in productivity, material, waste, safety, and quality improvement initiatives; analyzes material and information flows; explore opportunities in productivity, material consumption, other operation expenses, and space utilization; quantifies the effects of improved processes, workflows and fore mentioned opportunities.
Support and drives continuous process improvements utilizing Lean Manufacturing principles to maximize departmental efficiencies, minimize waste and improve safety.
Communicate with unit management and leadership team on implementation of changes.
Secure relevance and availability of Production System Road maps and blueprints
Perform diagnostics on significant cost drivers, including material, and labor.
Make documented proposals for improvements and syndicates with unit management on the implementation of changes; responsible for supporting management and associates in the overall change process.
Actively practices change management and actively participates in the Unit’s performance management system and dialogue; presents progress and plans to company executives; liaises with corporate and area Continuous Improvement resources
Propose and keeps up with company Best Practices and benchmark initiatives.
Coach other Continuous Improvement staff and leads training and presentation sessions.
Train and builds capability in all levels of the plant regarding Lean Manufacturing
Work on all related training materials and works with other team members to identify improvements, additions, corrections, or clarifications to the training material provided.
Work with Lean Manufacturing tools and techniques, such as 8 Waste (Muda), Just in Time (takt-flow-pull), Value Stream Mapping, Kanban system, Problem Solving, FIFO, and 5s workplace organization, including layout changes when necessary.
Other duties as assigned by management.

Additional Information:

Salary Range: $82,000 - $120,000 annually
Comprehensive Benefits Package: Full-time employees are eligible for 401(k) and healthcare benefits including Medical, Dental & Vision
Complimentary Daily Meals: Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner during your shift

Why Join dnata Catering?

• Purpose-Driven Work: Be part of a mission to deliver on the promises our customers make, guided by our values of safety, respect, teamwork, and innovation.
• Career Growth & Recognition: Accelerate your career with structured development programs, mentorship, and our Najm recognition platform that celebrates performance and service excellence.
• Inclusive Culture: Thrive in a collaborative, people-first environment where your voice matters, your contributions are valued, and your future is supported.

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Contact Information:

dnata

Human Resources

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