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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.

• 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

• 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 JobAccommodationsunited.com to request accommodation.