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Director, Catering Operations & Aircraft Appearance

WestJet3 days ago
Calgary, AB
Senior Level

Top Benefits

Competitive total rewards package
Fun and friendly culture with colleagues who work together to win
Travel privileges for you and your family, effective from your start date

About the role

Why WestJet:

Every WestJet journey has the potential to enrich lives; a career with us is no exception.

WestJet arrived on the Canadian airline scene in 1996 and changed the industry for the better. We made air travel more affordable for Canadians and now we're going global.

Join us, this is where your career story takes off.

Overview of role:

WestJet is seeking a Director, Catering Operations and Aircraft Appearance to shape our Inflight service delivery by ensuring flawless execution of catering logistics and consistently maintaining high-quality aircraft appearance.

Reporting into the Vice President, Inflight, the Director is accountable for the onboard execution and implementation of WestJet’s inflight food and beverage offerings and Buy on Board menu, onboard sales performance, and aircraft appearance programs. Based in Calgary, this role plays a vital part in delivering guest experience, driving ancillary revenue, and ensuring safe and cost-effective operational performance.

Key Deliverables and Responsibilities:

Inflight Catering & Onboard Sales

  • Execute and implement WestJet’s inflight catering and onboard product strategies to drive crew acceptance, guest satisfaction and maximize ancillary revenue.

  • Oversee the end-to-end management of a multi-million dollar catering and aircraft appearance operating budget.

  • Drives annual onboard sales revenue by optimizing product capacity, vendor performance and reliable execution.

  • Work cross-functionally with commercial, marketing, and Guest Experience product teams to develop compelling, cost-effective food and beverage offerings.

  • Ensure all catering operations meet or exceed safety, hygiene, and regulatory compliance standards (CFIA, HACCP, Transport Canada).

Aircraft Appearance

  • Execute WestJet’s aircraft appearance program, ensuring consistent, high-quality presentation across the fleet.

  • Develop and enforce aircraft cleaning standards, including turn, deep, and overnight cleans.

  • Partner with Airports, Maintenance, Ground Operations, and third-party vendors to align operational schedules and performance expectations.

  • Introduce sustainable and innovative appearance solutions that enhance guest perception and operational efficiency.

Leadership & Strategy

  • Lead a high-performing team with a focus on culture, accountability, and innovation.

  • Oversee vendor selection, contract management, performance reviews, and continuous improvement programs.

  • Build and maintain collaborative relationships across key functions including Procurement, Safety, Operations, Commercial, and Guest Experience.

  • Provide Guest Experience with product/service feedback and recommendations.

  • Drive operational excellence initiatives, ensuring that all accountable delay codes are effectively managed and mitigated. Continuous improvement initiatives featured at forefront of the team's objectives.

First Year Deliverable(s):

  • Evaluate the current organizational structure, vendor performance, and operational processes to develop actionable recommendations to elevate the current state of operations, increasing ancillary revenue and guest satisfaction.

  • Establish and build strong relationships with key industry stakeholders, as well as internal partners to drive collaborative success.

  • Ensure the successful execution of catering operations and aircraft appearance programs within the allocated operating budget, maintaining high standards of quality and cost-efficiency.

Experience and Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in one of the following: Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or Hospitality Management.

  • 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in inflight catering, airline operations, or hospitality, including revenue-generating roles.

  • Lean Six Sigma Certification (Green/Black Belt)

  • Deep knowledge of aviation food safety, onboard sales strategies, and aircraft appearance best practices is an asset.

  • Strong strategic leadership and team management skills to drive culture, accountability, and innovation

  • Strong financial acumen, vendor management expertise, and data-driven decision-making capabilities.

  • Ability to work cross-functionally and build strong partnerships across Commercial, Marketing, Operations, Procurement, and Safety teams

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaboration and vendor management.

  • Proven track record of successfully implementing large scale initiatives involving significant change management

  • An individual of highest personal and professional integrity as demonstrated through strong personal values as well as consistent words and actions.

  • Bilingual (English/French) is an asset

The benefits of being a WestJetter:

WestJet provides all WestJetters with a competitive total rewards package. On top of that, we offer:

  • A fun and friendly culture with colleagues who work together to win

  • Travel privileges for you and your family, effective from your start date

  • Savings and Benefit programs that are flexible to meet your specific needs

Think we are a fit? Apply now!

About WestJet Group of Companies

WestJet took to the skies in 1996 with just over 200 employees and three aircraft operating service to five destinations. Since then, WestJet has pioneered low-cost travel in Canada, cutting airfares in half, and increasing the flying population in Canada by more than 50 per cent. Following integration with Sunwing in 2025, more than 14,000 WestJetters support nearly 200 aircraft and connect guests to more than 100 destinations across North America, Central America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia.

As a major Canadian employer that includes WestJet Airlines, Sunwing Vacations Group and WestJet Cargo, the WestJet Group is Canada’s leading low-cost airline and largest vacation provider, with a united purpose of providing affordable and accessible air and vacation travel to Canadians.

Our Safety Promise

At WestJet, the safety and security of our people and our guests is a core value and at the heart of what we do. As safety and security is a shared responsibility, it is expected that you will use safe work practices to ensure your well-being and the safety of others.

WestJet recognizes that the use of Alcohol and Drugs can adversely impact a safe work environment and the well-being of others including guests, suppliers and the public, as well as place WestJet's operations at risk. All roles that are identified as safety sensitive are required to pass a Pre-Employment Alcohol and Drug Test as per WestJet's Alcohol and Drug Policy.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

We embrace what makes us each unique, and what makes us uniquely WestJet – and that is our people. WestJet is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates our differences by way of diversity, equity, and inclusion. As an equal opportunity employer, we want to you bring your full self to work and feel appreciated for your contributions.

At WestJet, we welcome unique skills, experiences, and backgrounds - if you’re passionate and excited about this role, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every single qualification in the posting. We are committed to inclusivity, equity, and accessibility in the selection process. If you require an accommodation during the recruiting process, please let our Talent Acquisition team know.

We thank all applicants for their interest in WestJet; however, only those candidates who are selected will be contacted.

For more information about everything WestJet, please visit WestJet.com.

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About WestJet

Airlines and Aviation
5001-10,000

We took to the skies in 1996 with just over 200 employees and three aircraft operating service to five destinations. Today, The WestJet group of companies offers scheduled service to more than 100 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean, Asia and Europe with a team of over 14,000 people and nearly 200 aircraft. In addition to our flagship Boeing 737s, our fleet also includes Boeing 787 Dreamliners and the De Havilland Dash 8-400.

We have been recognized for three consecutive years as Best Airline in Canada (2017-19) and awarded among travellers' favourite Mid-Sized Airlines in North America (2019). In 2024 we were recognized as one of Canada’s best employers by Forbes magazine.

We are committed to enriching the communities we serve. By working alongside local organizations and our national charitable partners, we are actively engaged and investing in the initiatives that matter most to our guests and our people.

At WestJet, we have a proud legacy as a leading Canadian employer, and we are working to remain a top talent destination. Browse our Jobs section to see current opportunities, and check out our Life section to learn more about our growth plans, culture, leadership and more.