Head of Catering Compliance & Performance (PDD)

About the Role The Head of Catering Compliance & Performance will lead the transformation of Qatar Airways’ catering compliance framework and performance management systems across both food and non-food categories. This role is pivotal in ensuring the consistent delivery of world-class standards, aligning supplier performance with Qatar Airways’ brand promise and customer experience goals.

You will drive the design and implementation of performance metrics, KPIs, and governance structures to enhance supplier accountability, operational excellence, and sustainability. Collaborating closely with internal teams—including Cabin Crew, Procurement, and Operations—you will lead initiatives that elevate product quality, safety, and customer satisfaction, while ensuring compliance with all global and local regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Transform Compliance Systems: Lead the transformation of catering processes and systems through innovative, scalable solutions to ensure consistent delivery of high-quality food and non-food services.
  
  
• Supplier Performance Management: Define KPIs and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with global suppliers and partners to drive excellence and alignment with Qatar Airways’ standards.
  
  
• Compliance Strategy: Establish and oversee the catering compliance framework, including policies, procedures, and risk mitigation protocols in line with regulatory and internal governance.
  
  
• Continuous Improvement: Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop and implement long-term performance improvement strategies that enhance customer satisfaction and NPS.
  
  
• Regulatory Liaison: Act as the primary contact with regulatory bodies, ensuring compliance with evolving regulations such as single-use plastic restrictions, international waste management, and food safety standards.
  
  
• Performance Leadership: Utilize data-driven insights, audits, and performance dashboards to monitor supplier output, identify areas for improvement, and ensure financial sustainability.
  
  
• Sustainability & Innovation: Drive recyclable programs and sustainability initiatives through partnerships with industry peers and relevant authorities.
  
  
• Audit & Risk Management: Implement and monitor supplier audits for both food and non-food categories to ensure alignment with Qatar Airways’ quality and ethical standards.
  
  
• Training & Safety Oversight: Oversee regular training, audits, and compliance checks to uphold the highest hygiene, food safety, and health standards.
  
  
• Digital Performance Tools: Maintain and enhance real-time performance dashboards, leveraging technology for effective tracking, reporting, and decision-making.
  
  
• Quality Assurance: Define quality standards and Acceptable Quality Limits (AQLs) for all SKUs, ensuring legal compliance and consistent product quality.
  
  

Qualifications & Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts, Food Science, or a related discipline.
  
  
• Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in airline catering, hospitality, or large-scale food service operations, including leadership of compliance and performance teams.
  
  
• Expertise:
  
  
• Proven track record in quality assurance, supplier governance, and compliance management.
  
  
• Strong understanding of global food safety and hygiene regulations.
  
  
• Demonstrated ability to develop and monitor KPIs and process improvement initiatives.
  
  
• Strong project management background with experience in sustainability and continuous improvement programs.
  
  
• Skills:
  
  
• Excellent leadership and communication skills, capable of engaging and influencing diverse stakeholders.
  
  
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
  
  
• Strategic mindset with a focus on innovation and operational excellence.
  
  
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced, international environment.
  
  

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.