Within their Support Services Division they are seeking a Director of Catering who will be responsible for all aspects of our clients catering operations in Afghanistan. The position is based in Dubai but will involve frequent travel to Afghanistan.
Reporting into the Director for Support Services, the successful candidate will assist the Director in meeting the business requirements and challenges of the division including P&L responsibility.
You will provide effective leadership within departments to improve performance by developing and implementing performance standards and you will develop, implement and ensure compliance of our clients Operations Manual in respect of its catering operations in Afghanistan.
Specifically you will be responsible for the development and compliance of each departments annual operations plan. You will review operational gaps and opportunities and plan for and manage change.
You will liaise with Catering General Managers to ensure operational efficiency in catering operations and will be responsible for operational support to other departments.
You will develop, implement and ensure compliance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
You will be responsible for the preparation of the annual marketing plan in conjunction with Catering General Managers and will ensure customer satisfaction levels are surveyed, analyzed and provide recommendations for improvement.
In conjunction with the Director, you will prepare/review and submit all commercial bids and proposals.
You will measure the effectiveness of staff training and development programs as proposed by the General Managers and will identify and develop business unit HR strategies with the General Managers and the HR department and will liaise with the HR Department to evaluate the effectiveness of the business unit recruitment process.
In terms of financial responsibilities you will analyze P&L and gauge business value (ROI). In conjunction with the Financial Controller, you will be responsible for the preparation and achievement of each departments monthly/quarterly/annual budgets.
You will analyze capital requirements of the business and prepare targets in conjunction with the Financial Controller and will provide monthly recommendations for financial improvements to the Director.
Finally you will drive the formal communication process in each department and will actively coach department managers to achieve their goals.
Knowledge and Skills:
You should be an energetic and accomplished English speaking multi - site Catering Manager and have substantial multi-site catering management experience.
You should be highly self motivated with the ability to communicate and motivate a varied team.
Experience of working in a multi - site role in contracted catering services, in a military environment or for a leading international facilities management provider would be ideal, as would experience of working in post conflict areas, remote sites or in other arduous environments.
You will have an excellent understanding of commercial catering operations including purchasing through to administration and specifically a high degree of knowledge on food hygiene including HACCP, food handling and food presentation concepts and knowledge of popular catering and bakery products.
Your practical experience should ideally be supported by a Diploma/Degree in catering / foodservice management or equivalent from a recognized post secondary educational institution.
You will possess excellent knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning and resource allocation, strong and confident leadership skills and strong negotiation skills.
You should possess excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and ideally one other language and be able to adapt to rapid changes in a positive manner and work to tight deadlines.
Superb communication skills and instant credibility are essential as you will be inter-facing with a number of people from different backgrounds, nationalities and religions.
You will be resourceful with a flexible outlook, have the ability to multi-task in order to handle competing priorities and be able to fit in to an international dynamic and multi-cultural environment.
Finally you should possess a Drivers Licence and be IT / PC literate.
This is an outstanding challenge for an accomplished catering professional looking for something different.
The basic salary is paid in US Dollars and is tax free for an Ex-Patriate employee. In addition there is an annual profit share bonus payable after 12 month's service which is also paid in US dollars and tax free for an Ex-Patriate employee.
You will receive 25 days holiday plus public holidays and medical / health insurance is provided.
In addition Ex-Patriate employees will receive 1 paid return economy flight per year. Mobilization and De-Mobilization flights are also paid for by our client.
