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The Menu Design team is responsible for shaping the food and beverage experience across United's onboard operation and lounge portfolio. From the earliest stages of menu development through implementation and launch, the team ensures every offering balances customer expectations, culinary quality, operational execution, and business performance.
This individual will oversee assigned areas within the Food & Beverage portfolio, including but not limited to onboard complimentary programs (Polaris, Domestic First Class, United Premium Plus, Premium Transcontinental, Economy, Special Meals, Crew Meals, and Beverages), onboard retail offerings, United Clubs, and Polaris Lounges. This manager will also oversee the passenger meal schedule and optimization.
The Manager will be responsible for working cross-functionally among internal and external stakeholder groups to develop, implement, and monitor menu development. The manager and their direct report will also serve as the strategy owners and subject matter experts on meal scheduling rules, exceptions and optimization within the Catering Systems.
Success depends on building strong partnerships across the organization. The Manager will work closely with Culinary, Procurement, Catering Operations, Digital Technology, Finance, Marketing, Creative Services, suppliers, and catering partners to ensure programs are developed, communicated, and implemented successfully. Balancing competing priorities, managing timelines, and keeping multiple initiatives moving simultaneously are essential to the role as well
This role is equal parts planner, collaborator, and problem-solver. It requires someone who enjoys bringing structure to complex projects, can see around corners, and understands that great menu experiences are built long before the meal is ever served. The right person will help ensure our products launch on time, our teams stay aligned, and our menu strategy continues to evolve with the needs of both our customers and our operation.
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Manage the planning, design, and implementation process for menu offerings within United’s Food & Beverage portfolio. Partner with Internal Stakeholders (Digital Technology, Inflight, Onboard Experience, Procurement, Insights & Analytics) and External Stakeholders (Third-Party Vendors, Distribution Centers, Culinary Experts) to ensure successful end-to-end design, delivery and implementation of menu initiatives, inclusive of supporting the development of measurement plans for all tests and process efficiencies for ongoing projects.
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Oversee meal scheduling optimization and service level strategy including capacity publications, custom reports, and rule management within the catering technology system.
- Act as internal subject matter expert for service changes/enhancements of onboard menus including opportunities to represent corporate catering with the frontline to educate and/or gather feedback from flight attendants on new menu concepts to ensure successful integration with onboard service delivery.
- Oversee technology and back-end systems including but not limited to AirVision and Food Service Message (FSM) updates.
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Responsible for supporting leadership updates and executive-level presentations to keep sponsors/key stakeholders informed of progress, and for leading internal education sessions to keep Catering Operations (corporate and field) aligned on all onboard menu initiatives.
- Act as primary contact for key vendors; support accurate tracking and reporting of initiative milestones and spend against budget.
Note: This is a Chicago-based hybrid role, with in-office requirements 50% of the time. This position will also travel up to 10% of the time (domestic & international).
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Bachelors degree in Business, Hospitality, Catering/Culinary or related field
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3+ years of relevant experience
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Strategic planning and decision making
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Highly organized and communicative
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Ability to work with cross functional groups
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Strong relationship building skills
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Ability to motivate, drive vision and provide leadership required
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The ability to lead stakeholders through complex planning and implementation of initiative
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Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship
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Successful completion of interview required to meet job qualification
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Reliable, punctual attendance is an essential function of the position
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MBA/Masters degree
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3+ years of operational experience
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Experience leading teams and driving complex change
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Knowledge of airline catering (business and operations)
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Experience working with menu management systems, specification databases and enterprise planning tools
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Familiarity with airline systems such as AirVision or equivalent menu specification platforms
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Ability to interpret customer feedback, operation metrics, and performance trends
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Working knowledge of culinary techniques, recipe development, ingredient functionality and menu composition
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Familiarity with food production methods
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Working knowledge of food safety principles, HACCP, and allergen management
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Demonstrates an understanding of the capabilities and limitations of generative AI tools and effectively leverages them to support research, analysis, content creation, and problem-solving. Apply critical thinking to validate AI-generated outputs while adhering to organizational policies for responsible AI use, data privacy, and security.
United Airlines is an equal opportunity employer. United Airlines recruits, employs, trains, compensates and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical ability, age, veteran status and other protected status as required by applicable law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions. Please contact [email protected] to request accommodation.
The base pay range for this role is $102,220.00 to $133,194.00.
The base salary range/hourly rate listed is dependent on job-related, factors such as experience, education, and skills. This position is also eligible for bonus and/or long-term incentive compensation awards.
You may be eligible for the following competitive benefits: medical, dental, vision, life, accident & disability, parental leave, employee assistance program, commuter, paid holidays, paid time off, 401(k) and flight privileges.
United Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law. We provide reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation, contact
[email protected]