Job Purposednata is more than a global air and travel services provider. We connect people with possibilities and opportunities across 130+ airports in 34 countries through ground handling, cargo, travel, and catering & retail services. Our purpose is clear: to deliver on the promises our customers
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Unit Manager, dnata Catering & Retail (Ireland)
Job Description:
Job Purpose

dnata is more than a global air and travel services provider. We connect people with possibilities and opportunities across 130+ airports in 34 countries through ground handling, cargo, travel, and catering & retail services. Our purpose is clear: to deliver on the promises our customers make. We are powered by a bold vision to be the world’s most admired air and travel services provider, which guides our strategy, culture, and every role across our teams. Our core values fuel everything we do: we are safe, we play to win, we respect everyone and work together as a team, and we are future thinking. At dnata, we foster diversity, nurture ambition, and celebrate achievement. If youre inspired by purpose and motivated to be part of a global team shaping the future of aviation and travel, we’d love to have you onboard.


Since 2018, dnata Ireland has delivered 40,000 high-quality inflight meals daily from its 6,300 m² facility at Dublin Airport Logistics Park. In 2025, this long-standing partnership with Aer Lingus was further strengthened through the expansion of dnata’s full-service expertise to enhance the airline’s inflight retail programme.

As a Unit Manager, you will manage the dnata Catering operations business unit in Dublin, aligning operational activities with dnata’s strategic plans and goals. You will ensure HACCP, health and safety remain top priorities, drive continuous improvements in service delivery and operational efficiency, maintain high levels of employee engagement and satisfaction, and exercise strong budgetary control to achieve business objectives.

In this role, you will

  • Implements and ensures compliance with departmental policies, procedures, legislative requirements, safety standards, and environmental responsibilities.
  • Prepares and manages the departmental budget, monitoring financial performance, controlling expenditure, and optimizing resources in line with demand and forecasts.
  • Develops and executes operational and contingency plans to support efficient service delivery and achievement of dnata’s operational objectives and SLAs.
  • Leads workforce planning, performance management, succession planning, and staff development, including the effective use of insourced and outsourced labour.
  • Acts as the Accountable Manager for Security and ensures robust safety leadership through regular briefings, risk intervention, and follow-up on corrective actions.
  • Provides strong leadership to Operations and Line Managers, manages assigned projects, delivers periodic internal and customer reports, and maximises network performance for key and local airline customers.
Qualification

To be considered for the role, you must meet the below requirements

  • Bachelors degree and 8+ years’ experience in Aviation Catering & Airline Services/Food Manufacturing & Processing/FMCG/Contract Catering & Institutional Food Services/Hospitality.
  • In-depth knowledge of operational management, ideally within the food industry, with experience in change management and continuous improvement.
  • Solid understanding of health and safety regulations and the implementation of safe working practices; Intermediate Food Hygiene Certificate desirable.
  • Proven people management skills, including performance management, employee relations, and absence management.
  • Experience in budgeting and forecasting, with strong computer literacy and the ability to analyse and interpret complex data.


You’ll have an edge if you have

  • Strong leadership capability


At Emirates Group, we’re committed to providing our employees with opportunities to grow and develop in their careers. So if you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding opportunity, apply today and join our team!


Recruitment Process and Timeline

Emirates Group, is an international organisation with employees from over 170 nationalities, we encourage applications from across the globe. Your application journey begins by applying via the Emirates Group Careers website. Please ensure your CV is up to date for our talent acquisition team to review your profile. If you meet the criteria of the role, you will then be invited to complete a HireVue video interview, to share more about your experience and your career aspirations. If you are shortlisted, you will then be invited to interview with our hiring managers. If you are successful, your recruiter will reach out to you with an offer and then our Onboarding team will ensure a smooth transition to your new role at Emirates Group.

Salary & benefits

Join our growing team and enjoy a competitive remuneration package. Find out more about working with us in our website www.emirates.com/careers

Company Details
Emirates Airlines
P.O. Box 686
Dubai, Dubayy United Arab Emirates, International . International
www.emirates.com
104 Open Jobs Available
With a fleet of more than 230 aircraft, we currently fly to over 140 destinations in more than 80 countries around the world, and our network is expanding constantly. Over 1,500 Emirates flights depart Dubai each week on their way to destinations on six...

Benefits:
TBD

Supported Manufacturers:
Airbus, Boeing

Supported Models:
A380, 777
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Job Info
Location
Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
Type
Permanent
Company Details
Emirates Airlines
P.O. Box 686
Dubai, Dubayy United Arab Emirates, International . International
www.emirates.com
104 Open Jobs Available
With a fleet of more than 230 aircraft, we currently fly to over 140 destinations in more than 80 countries around the world, and our network is expanding constantly. Over 1,500 Emirates flights depart Dubai each week on their way to destinations on six...

Benefits:
TBD

Supported Manufacturers:
Airbus, Boeing

Supported Models:
A380, 777

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