Category Specialist - dnata

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 Corporate Category Specialist to join our Corporate team located in White Plains, NY

POSITION SUMMARY As a Corporate Category Specialist for dnata Catering, your role is responsible for building strong alliances with key suppliers, negotiating best value, and always delivering improved outcomes for the business – while maintaining the integrity of service.  You will analyze the costs over a defined set of set of categories, investigating, recommending, and negotiating cost savings.  Communication is a core skill for this role, as you will liaise with internal stakeholders, suppliers and other parties to make sure Procurement strategies and organizational goals align. You will be responsible for conducting market research to identify suppliers that offer a wide range of fresh and diverse food options, while also considering cost-effectiveness and adherence to industry regulations and standards. Your expertise in negotiating contracts and establishing relationships with vendors will be essential in securing competitive pricing, favorable terms, and reliable delivery schedules.

dnata is one of the world’s largest air services providers. Established in 1959, the company ensures the aviation industry operates smoothly and efficiently in 127 airports. Offering ground handling, cargo, travel, and flight catering services in 35 countries across six continents, dnata is a trusted partner for over 300 airline customers around the world. Each day, the company handles over 1,900 flights, moves over 8,500 tons of cargo, books over 16,000 hotel stays, and uplifts over 320,000 meals.

Accepting applications until: July 11, 2024

• Supplier relationship management - Source new and manage existing strategic supply.
• Development of commodity expertise with a deep understanding of market dynamics, helping identify both risk opportunity and any potential cost savings opportunities.
• Weekly and monthly reviews on key metrics that impact on the financial performance of the category.
• Analyze data or insights to determine industry trends.
• Devise long-term development strategies for product categories.
• Drive supply chain synergies in a defined set of categories.
• Conduct independent internal audit programs, which review the costs in areas of food utility purchases of the business to detect potential cost savings.
• Business case and sourcing strategy development - recommendation on cost saving areas identified and assist in implementation.
• Manage formal tender and/or competitive sourcing events.
• Manage end-to-end cost saving initiatives from Procure-to-Pay.
• Regularly review all categories, identify opportunity through market incites and leverage best practice procurement process.
• Identify opportunities to bring new and/or improved products and services to the designated category.
• Solve supply chain issues as they arise.
• Ensure all formal written agreements/contracts are presented to the VP of Procurement for review and are compliant with company standards.
• Ensure understanding of supplier contracts and agreements in areas of food and non-food category purchases.
• Regularly audit supplier pricing and supply versus agreements to ensure complete and accurate invoicing.
• Analyze price expectations in line with market commodity trends.
• Have complete understanding of and adhere to dnata catering policies and procedures.
• Carry out additional duties as may be reasonably requested by Senior Management.

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

• Other duties as assigned by management.

This salary range and is influenced by the level of experience. When calculating the base pay, we take into account various factors such as location, qualifications, training, and experience as part of the overall compensation package. $62,400 - $88,000.

EDUCATION:Minimum of an associate degree with 5 years of experience or a bachelor’s degree with 2 years’ experience.

• Must have Food & Beverage buying experience.
• Exceptional Food and Beverage knowledge.
• 20% Travel required.

• Demonstrated success in a similar role and provide evidential cost savings within the category.
• Preferred experience working in inflight-catering or food manufacturing industry.
• Spend analytics reporting experience, preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in competitive tender processes.
• Experience in supplier relationship management - contract and supplier performance.
• Excellent time management with the ability to prioritize high workload.
• Effective communication and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated understanding of category management principles and cost driving factors.
• Ability to build rapport with staff members across the company hierarchy.
• Strong business and industry acumen.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft office with advanced Excel skills.
• Confident approach and ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Preferred knowledge in Kosher OU and/or Halal standards.

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.

dnata’s Competencies Required to be Successful in the Job:

There are two aspects to working as effectively as we can: our people and our results. Our eight competencies are designed to help you focus on these aspects:

Demonstrated Values to be Successful in the Position:

Employees at dnata are expected to live our Values of Safety and Security, performance-driven, Service Excellence, Delighting Customers, Imagination, and respect. To demonstrate these Values, we expect to observe the following from everyone:

• We put safety and security first in all our actions.
• We will set challenging goals and meet them.
• We deliver to a consistently high quality.
• We take ownership and responsibility of a situation until it is resolved.
• We are not afraid of failure and learn through our mistakes.
• We respect each other regardless of background.

We believe that diversity and inclusion are fundamental to creating a strong workplace and community. At dnata, we’re proud that our workforce is as diverse as the customers we serve. And we’re committed to nurturing your talent with mentoring, volunteer, and professional development opportunities. We welcome everyone. Our employee resource groups are one of the many ways we champion diversity and inclusion at dnata.