Director, International Sales and Service

We’re looking for motivated, engaged people to help make everyone’s journeys better.

Position is responsible for developing and maintaining a good, professional, cross-functional relationship within Gate Gourmet operations and corporate counterparts. The position establishes effective communication at all levels of customer and operational interaction. Responsible for overall account maintenance, growth, profitability.

Annual Hiring Range/Hourly Rate:

• $135,000 - $145,000 Per Year

Benefits

• Paid time off
• 401k, with company match
• Company sponsored life insurance
• Medical, dental, vision plans
• Voluntary short-term/long-term disability insurance
• Voluntary life, accident, and hospital plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Commuter benefits
• Employee Discounts
• Weekly pay for union employees
• Free hot healthy meals for unit operations roles

Main Duties and Responsibilities: 

Customer Relationship

• Establishes and maintains communications with all levels of Airline Management, including Strategic Sourcing, Operations, Finance and OnBoard Service Groups which impact customer relationships 
• Act as the primary liaison between airline customers and internal teams to ensure alignment on business objectives and operational requirements.
• Collaborate with airline customers to identify mutually beneficial business development initiatives, including cost-saving opportunities and operational efficiencies.
• Provide guidance on culinary trends, airline processes, and operational improvements that drive innovation and customer satisfaction.
• Oversee the successful launch of new stations and services as assigned.

Proposal and Business Development Management

• Manage both the customer and internal process for responding to customer proposals, ensuring coordination across financial, legal, operational, and culinary teams.
• Develop and present strategic proposals that align with customer needs while supporting Gate Gourmet’s business objectives.
• Work cross-functionally to evaluate feasibility, risks, and value creation opportunities in new business proposals.

Team Leadership

• Manage and develop a team of gategroup employees to support international airline clients, ensuring alignment with business objectives and high standards of service delivery.
• Participate in special projects and assignments as directed by the Chief Commercial Officer.

Performance and Contract Management

• Monitor customer performance and manage key performance indicators (KPIs) to track and optimize service delivery, recommending corrective actions to strengthen relationships.
• Ensure Gate Gourmet’s business objectives and customer commitments are met, fostering long-term partnerships.
• Support the Chief Commercial Officer in negotiating pricing structures and contract terms with airline customers.
• Lead negotiations for catering agreements and annual price adjustments with airline customers.

Qualifications 

Education: 

• Bachelor’s Degree (required) 
• Master’s Degree (preferred) 

Work Experience:  

• 7+ years of progressive sales and service or business development experience is required 

• 5 years of experience in airline catering or food service industry is preferred 

Technical Skills: (Certification, Licenses and Registration) 

• Must be able to obtain AOA access 
• Must have a valid driver’s license 

• Must have a valid passport 

Job Skills: 

• Proficient in all Microsoft Office Applications 
• Employee management and development

Language / Communication Skills: 

• Proven presentation and communication skills (oral and written) 

Job Dimensions 

• Geographic Responsibility: North America 
• Type of Employment: Full Time 
• Travel %: 50%+ travel (Willing to travel domestically and internationally as required.)
• Exemption Classification: Exempt 
• Internal Relationships: Operations, corporate counterparts 
• External Relationships: Customers, vendors 
• Work Environment / Requirements of the Job: Extended work hours, High degree of confidentiality, Working knowledge of kitchen operations, Domestic and International customer experience in and operational setting 
• Budget / Revenue Responsibility: (Local Currency) 

Demonstrated Values to be Successful in the Position