Senior Manager – Projects

Job Title: Senior Manager – Projects

Department: Business Development

Reports to: AVP – Commercial (Non-Airline)

We're looking for a strategic, results-driven project leader to oversee high-impact initiatives within our F&B Commercial division. As Senior Manager – Projects, you’ll take the lead on planning and delivering a diverse portfolio of major events and retail outlet concepts, from air shows to fine dining experiences, ensuring each project runs seamlessly on time and within budget. If you thrive in fast-paced, collaborative environments and have a passion for excellence in execution, this is your opportunity to help shape world-class experiences at Emirates Flight Catering. This role plays a vital part in turning our F&B Commercial vision into reality. From ideation to execution, you’ll manage the delivery of iconic events and innovative dining outlets. You’ll also contribute to the commercial strategy by identifying new opportunities, driving operational excellence, and enhancing customer experiences across the board.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Lead Major Projects: Oversee planning and execution of large-scale events and premium F&B retail outlets, including the Air Show, Rugby 7’s, Sail GP, HDDC, and Ramadan Tent, ensuring all deliverables meet budget, regulatory, and quality standards.
2. Drive Operational Excellence: Manage cross-functional coordination, timelines, budgets, and risk mitigation to deliver smooth, high-impact project outcomes.
3. Report & Communicate Effectively: Consolidate updates and prepare high-quality presentations for senior leadership, keeping all stakeholders aligned and informed.
4. Bridge Stakeholders: Act as a central point of contact between project teams and leadership, addressing challenges and aligning resources to keep initiatives on track.
5. Track Commercial Performance: Provide detailed reports on revenue-generating activities, enabling data-driven decisions and strategic planning for F&B operations.
6. Identify Growth Opportunities: Recommend new concepts and enhancements that boost revenue, improve efficiency, and elevate service across outlets and events.
7. Champion Continuous Improvement: Analyse performance and stakeholder feedback to identify and implement best practices, cost-saving measures, and service enhancements.
8. Ensure Excellence & Compliance: Apply industry-leading standards in sustainability, project management, and regulatory compliance to all operations.
9. Foster Strong Partnerships: Maintain professional relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders, including local and international government bodies, for seamless project execution.

About the Environment:

This role sits at the heart of innovation within EKFC’s F&B Commercial division. You’ll be driving end-to-end execution of high-profile events and new outlet concepts in a dynamic environment where excellence is non-negotiable. From complex stakeholder landscapes to tight delivery timelines, this is a high-impact, high-visibility role that demands strategic thinking, agility, and the ability to lead with influence.

Education:

1. Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or a related field (required)
2. Master’s degree in Business or related discipline (preferred)
3. Relevant certifications (PMP, PRINCE2, Lean Six Sigma)

Experience:

1. 8+ years in project management, events, or F&B operations, with a strong record in delivering large-scale, complex initiatives
2. Proven experience in budget control, revenue generation, and cost optimization
3. Expertise in managing timelines, resources, and high-performing teams

Skills & Competencies:

1. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and MS Project
2. Strong working knowledge of project management tools (e.g., AutoCAD, ERP systems)
3. Exceptional stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration
4. Strong analytical and financial acumen
5. Excellent communication and problem-solving skills, with a focus on innovation and resilience under pressure
6. Data analysis capabilities for enhanced reporting and operational insights
7. A leadership style rooted in integrity, teamwork, and service excellence