Manager Onboard Service Equipment

Synopsis

Manage the full lifecycle of Etihad’s onboard service and dining equipment—tableware, cutlery, glassware, linens, crew tools, inserts, and service carts—while co-ordinating with Catering Operations (for carts/handling) and Technical/Engineering (for galley installations). Guarantee that every item is safe, lightweight, cost-effective, operationally efficient, and brand-aligned.

Accountabilities

• Equipment Strategy & Standards – Define fleet-wide specifications, refresh cycles, and weight targets for service & dining items; agree cart and galley interface standards with Catering Ops and Fleet/Tech teams.
• Design & Prototyping – Convert service and culinary concepts into prototypes; schedule trials and certification with fleet/tech & Safety, ensuring galley fit and food-contact compliance.
• Project Delivery – Lead cross-functional teams—Catering Ops, Engineering, Supply Chain, Cabin Crew Training—through sourcing, testing, approvals, and phased roll-outs.
• Supplier & Contract Management – Support tenders, negotiate SLAs, and monitor supplier quality audits; drive corrective actions.
• Cost, Weight & Sustainability – Build business cases and track savings; champion recyclable materials and waste-reduction initiatives.
• Operational Support – Resolve in-service issues, monitor spares planning, and co-maintain master data for service & dining equipment in catering and technical systems.
  
  

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s in Engineering, Industrial Design, Supply Chain, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 5 + yrs airline catering-equipment or aircraft-interiors experience, including ≥ 3 yrs project delivery.
• Proven skills in product specification, supplier management, cost/weight optimisation, and dining-equipment standards; PMP/PRINCE2 a plus.
• Strong knowledge of aviation safety, hygiene, and quality-assurance regulations; comfortable liaising with both Catering and Engineering functions.
  
  

Accountabilities:

• Compliance & Quality – Ensure all items meet aviation safety, hygiene, food-contact, and flammability standards; keep certification records current.
• Reporting – Review stakeholders monthly dashboards on spend, weight, reliability, and stock levels for leadership review.
  
  

About Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, was formed in 2003 and quickly went on to become one of the world’s leading airlines. From its home in Abu Dhabi, Etihad flies to passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America. Together with Etihad’s codeshare partners, Etihad’s network offers access to hundreds of international destinations. In recent years, Etihad has received numerous awards for its superior service and products, cargo offering, loyalty programme and more. All this ties into Etihad’s ambitious Journey 2030 strategy. The airline plans to double its fleet size and triple the number of customers over the next six years as it sets out to be the airline everyone wants to fly!

To learn more, visit etihad.com

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