Manager Materials

Job Description:

About us

LSG Sky Chefs is one of the world’s largest airline catering and hospitality providers, recognized globally for innovation, quality, and operational excellence. Proudly named “Airline Caterer of the Year – North America” in both 2023 and 2024, we serve leading airline customers across North and Latin America with a commitment to outstanding culinary experiences and superior service.

Our success is powered by our people. We foster a dynamic, fast-paced, and collaborative environment where talent thrives, ideas are valued, and operational excellence is a shared goal.

Role Purpose Statement

The Manager Materials is responsible for end-to-end materials management at the assigned Customer Service Center (CSC). This role ensures the effective planning, procurement, receipt, storage, inventory control, and issuance of all food, beverage, and equipment items in support of airline catering operations. The position plays a critical role in cost control, inventory accuracy, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement while leading and developing a high-performing materials team.

Main Accountabilities

Materials & Inventory Management

Lead and oversee all aspects of materials and inventory management to ensure financial targets, operational efficiency, and customer service requirements are consistently met
Manage company-owned and customer-owned inventory from receipt through issuance to production
Establish, monitor, and optimize par levels and order quantities based on airline specifications, menus, forecasted demand, and vendor lead times
Control food and materials cost variances by continuously analyzing actual versus billed costs and initiating corrective actions
Track product usage, yields, and waste to drive cost efficiency and inventory accuracy
Coordinate and actively participate in physical inventories, cycle counts, reconciliation, and inventory reporting
Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory and food safety standards, including USDA, FDA, OSHA, and internal quality requirements
Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, Finance, and Procurement to support production and customer deliverables

Leadership & People Management

Organize, staff, and direct the materials function to ensure consistent operational coverage and performance
Lead, coach, and develop team members in alignment with Human Resources policies and company leadership principles
Foster employee engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement through effective communication and coaching
Participate in the Global Performance System (GPS), talent development initiatives, and succession planning activities
Model company values and leadership behaviors while promoting a culture of safety, quality, and operational excellence

Financial & Operational Excellence

Plan, manage, and control the departmental budget; analyze variances and implement corrective actions as needed
Support and participate in company-wide initiatives including Global Quality Standards (GQS), HACCP, Lean Manufacturing, and Employee Safety programs
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize inventory processes, reduce waste, and improve service levels

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree required, or equivalent combination of education and experience
- 3–5 years of experience in purchasing, inventory management, warehouse operations, or supply chain management
- 1–3 years of supervisory or people leadership experience strongly preferred
- Experience in a regulated food production, manufacturing, or airline catering environment preferred
Technical & Professional Skills
- Working knowledge of demand planning, vendor management, and supply chain principles
- Foundational understanding of Lean Manufacturing concepts and continuous improvement methodologies
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
- Experience with SAP MM or similar ERP systems strongly preferred
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data-driven decision-making skills
Leadership & Interpersonal Skills
- Proven ability to lead change, improve work processes, and influence outcomes in a fast-paced, complex environment
- Demonstrated capability to set a clear vision, translate strategy into actionable goals, and execute with discipline
- Effective communicator with the ability to interact professionally with employees, customers, and vendors at all levels
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines

Job Ident #: 7746

Company Details

LSG Sky Chefs, Inc.

1355 Airport Blvd
San Jose, California 95110 USA
www.lsgskychefs.com

LSG Sky Chefs is best known as one of the world’s largest airline and rail catering and hospitality companies.

While a recognized name in train and airline catering, LSG Sky Chefs also supports airlines and rail operators with a wide selection...

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Job Info

Location

East Point, Georgia, United States

Type

Permanent

Company Details

LSG Sky Chefs, Inc.

1355 Airport Blvd
San Jose, California 95110 USA
www.lsgskychefs.com