Job Description

Job Title:  Materials Manager-Airline Catering 
Job Location:  Austin-USA-78719 
Work Location Type:  On-Site 
Salary Range:  $64,000.00 - 80,000.00

About us

LSG Sky Chefs is one of the world’s largest airline catering and hospitality providers, known for its outstanding reputation and dynamic approach in the industry. Voted “Airline Caterer of the Year in North America” for 2023 and 2024, we are committed to excellence and innovation, driven by the dedication and expertise of our talented employees. Our team members are the heart and soul of our success, consistently delivering exceptional culinary experiences and outstanding service to our clients and their passengers across North and Latin America.

Position Overview

The Materials Manager will provide strategic leadership for all materials and operations within the kitchen, internally referred to as the Customer Service Center (CSC). This position is ideal for an individual who thrives in a fast‑paced environment and excels at enhancing processes, optimizing performance, and developing high‑performing teams. The role serves as the driving force behind the inventory, materials, and production metrics that ensure smooth and efficient operations.

The Materials Manager will focus on continuous improvement, increased accuracy, and operational efficiency while empowering the team to achieve exceptional results. As the organization’s subject‑matter expert, this leader will translate data into action, refine workflows, and cultivate strong partnerships with suppliers, production teams, and internal stakeholders. Their leadership will play a critical role in ensuring operational excellence, cost control, and superior service delivery each day.

• Work location : onsite @ the Sky Chefs facility located near Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
• Work schedule - schedule will be 5 consecutive working days followed by 2 consecutive days off. Must be flexible to work non-traditional hours including early mornings, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays as business dictates 

Main Accountabilities

• Oversee end‑to‑end inventory operations to ensure alignment with financial targets, customer requirements, and production needs.
• Manage all company‑ and customer‑owned materials from receipt through issuance to production.
• Monitor and control food cost variances by analyzing actual versus billed costs and implementing corrective actions.
• Establish par levels and determine order quantities based on airline specifications, menu cycles, vendor lead times, and operational forecasts.
• Lead and develop team members responsible for inventory control, ordering, receiving, storage, and requisition processes.
• Analyze product usage, yields, and waste trends to optimize ordering accuracy and reduce cost.
• Coordinate and support all physical inventory counts, cycle counts, and related reporting.
• Ensure full compliance with regulatory and industry standards, including USDA, FDA, OSHA, and company‑specific quality programs.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Organize, staff, and lead the department to ensure optimal performance, resource utilization, and workflow management.
• Coach, mentor, and develop team members in accordance with company HR policies and performance management processes.
• Support and facilitate the Global Performance System (GPS) and other professional development initiatives to strengthen team capability and engagement.
• Model and promote company values, leadership principles, and a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Develop, manage, and control departmental budgets; identify variances and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Champion and participate in company‑wide initiatives such as Global Quality Standards (GQS), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), Lean Manufacturing, and Employee Safety programs.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, or related discipline or equivalent experience
• 3+ years of hands-on experience with Inventory & Supply Chain Management, including inventory optimization, MRP and supply chain planning.
• Track record of leading change, transforming processes, and building strong teams in complex, fast-paced environments
• Demonstrated leadership ability to guide, motivate, and support warehouse, procurement, and inventory staff in achieving daily operational goals
• Strong budget management skills to support cost control and financial efficiency.
• Proficiency in ERP systems to manage purchasing, vendor data, materials flow, and inventory levels.
• Experience using data and analytics to forecast material usage, event volume, waste trends, and purchase cycles for better planning.
• Thorough knowledge of Demand Planning and Vendor Management
• Thorough knowledge of lean manufacturing and supply chain management

LSG Sky Chefs is an EEO and Affirmative Action Employer of Women/Minorities/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.

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