Manager - Catering Financial Controls

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Key Responsibilities:

The Manager Catering Financial Controls is responsible for assisting in the negotiation and execution of contracts ensuring compliance with financial regulations and internal controls managing budgets and financial reporting and identifying areas for process improvement to optimize financial performance. This individual is directly involved with developing and implementing policies for contract management and financial controls supervising and coaching direct reports and collaborating for alignment with cross functional stakeholders who manage the global network of 25 catering vendors at 140 stations.

Financial Controls Management

• Oversee the financial performance of contracts including pricing maintenance payment processes budgeting and forecasting to ensure the proper financial controls are in place to achieve organizational goals.

• Effectively lead a team of analysts responsible for day-to-day pricing related work ad-hoc pricing submissions invoicing activities and other administrative tasks.

• Support the senior manager with the development and implementation of internal financial controls policies and procedures.

• Ensure the accuracy and completeness of financial records and conduct audits.

• Monitor and analyze key financial metrics to identify trends risks and opportunities for cost optimization.

• Provide financial guidance to cross-functional teams to help assist making better informed decisions that align with the companys financial goals.

Financial Data Analysis

• Prepare and present financial reports and insights to senior leadership to support strategic decision-making.

• Leverage technical and analytical skills to analyze and transform large data sets into intuitively friendly visual dashboards to support decision-making.

• Analyze financial data to identify areas for cost savings and process improvement.

• Analyze and determine the financial impact of scheduled food and beverage services and the impact of any proposed upgrades or downgrades.

Caterer Contract Management

• Build and maintain partnering professional relationships with caterers and other vendors to ensure compliance with service quality resolve billing issues and enforce contract terms as set forth in the contract.

• Support the senior manager and cross-functional teams during contract negotiations ensuring compliance with legal and financial requirements.

• Administer global caterer contracts provide support and strategic guidance to cross-functional teams specific to the responsibilities outlined in the catering vendor contracts and in the Catering Operational Business Manual (COBM).

• Collaborate with Procurement to coordinate the Request for Proposal (RFP) process including development of a project plan working with key stakeholders defining the scope of the project setting timelines drafting the RFP documents outlining the project requirements and deliverables reviewing and evaluating proposals negotiating contract terms to ultimately put forth a recommendation for award while obtaining the necessary approvals from senior management.

• Ensure that proper governance processes are followed when working with third-party vendors to mitigate risks and ensure all contracted vendor are upholding the service standards as set forth in their contract.

Team Coaching and Development

• Provide training and coaching on pricing submissions contract management and financial controls.

• Mentor team members to build financial acumen and operational excellence across the department.

• Establish strong lines of communication with all team members and function as a trusted support resource.

• Develop and implement policies and procedures related to contract management and financial controls within the team.

Note: This position provides a hybrid work arrangement with in-office requirements 50% of the time in Chicago IL. This role will travel up to 10% of the time.

Whats needed to succeed (Minimum Qualifications):

• Bachelors degree in Finance Economics Business Administration or a similar discipline
• 5 years of experience in Business Finance or related functional area
• Proven track record as a problem solver and leader
• Excellent analytical ability
• Strong negotiation skills and financial acumen
• Ability to effectively work with other levels of the organization and outside suppliers
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Process oriented and makes fact-based decisions
• Ability to maintain partnering vendor relationships as well as to manage their expectations
• Excellent skills in working in Microsoft Office Suite
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship
• Successful completion of interview required to meet job qualification
• Reliable punctual attendance is an essential function of the position

What will help you propel from the pack (Preferred Qualifications):

• Masters degree in Finance Economics Business Administration or a similar discipline in Hospitality Catering / Food Services or Airline Industry
• 5 years of experience in Business Finance or related functional area in Hospitality Catering / Food Services or Airline Industry
• Knowledge of airport operations
• Continuous Improvement experience
• Experience working with informational management systems (such as Oracle CAE Coupa SAP etc.)
• Knowledge of data analysis tools (such as Microsoft Power BI Tableau etc.)

United Airlines is an equal opportunity employer. United Airlines recruits employs trains compensates and promotes regardless of race religion color national origin gender identity sexual orientation physical ability age veteran status and other protected status as required by applicable law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process to perform crucial job functions. Please contact to request accommodation.