Director, Galley Carts

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

The Director, Galley Carts is responsible for developing, launching, and scaling Unilode’s global Galley Carts business, establishing it as a strategic extension of the company’s existing ULD management offering. 

The role is responsible for defining and executing the commercial, operational, and product strategy for Galley Cart ownership, leasing, pooling, maintenance and repair, and digital asset management solutions. Working across airlines, OEMs, airline catering providers, and internal stakeholders, the Director will create a differentiated market offering that drives revenue growth, operational efficiency, customer value, and long-term competitive advantage. 

As the business owner for the Galley Carts portfolio, the role combines strategic leadership, commercial development, operational integration, innovation, and stakeholder engagement to build a scalable and profitable global product line aligned with Unilode’s growth ambitions. 

Scope
Region: Global  
P&L Responsibility: Yes
Direct Reports: No, with growth, this can include people management 

Key Responsibilities  

Strategic Leadership & Product Development
Action Oriented, Business Insight, Drive Results, Ensure Accountability  

• Develop, own, and execute Unilode’s global Galley Carts strategy, including leasing, pooling, maintenance, repair, and lifecycle management solutions.
• Establish the long-term vision, operating model, governance framework, and growth roadmap for the Galley Carts business line.
• Evaluate market opportunities, industry trends, customer requirements, and competitive developments to shape future product strategy.
• Define business plans, investment priorities, financial targets, and success measures aligned with Unilode’s strategic objectives.
• Identify opportunities to expand the offering through innovation, technology, partnerships, and new service models.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement, commercial focus, and entrepreneurial thinking as the business grows.
• Ensure Galley Carts becomes an integrated and complementary part of Unilode’s wider asset management portfolio. 

Commercial Growth & Business Development
Customer Focus, Financial Acumen, Business Insight, Drive Results  

• Develop and execute commercial growth strategies to establish Unilode as a market leader in Galley Cart solutions.
• Partner closely with Business Development, Customer Success, and Commercial teams to identify and secure new customer opportunities.
• Build compelling value propositions that demonstrate operational, financial, and sustainability benefits for airline and catering customers.
• Develop strategic relationships with airline operators, airline catering providers, OEMs, and industry stakeholders.
• Support commercial negotiations, customer proposals, pricing strategies, and contract development activities.
• Identify opportunities to increase revenue, improve profitability, and expand market share across the portfolio.
• Monitor market dynamics and competitor activity to inform commercial decision-making and growth plans. 

Operational Integration & Business Performance
Collaborate, Drive Results, Financial Acumen, Ensure Accountability  

• Work with Procurement, Operations, Supply Chain, and MRO teams to establish efficient sourcing, maintenance, repair, and lifecycle management processes.
• Ensure Galley Cart operations are effectively integrated into Unilode’s existing infrastructure, systems, and service delivery model.
• Develop performance frameworks, KPIs, reporting structures, and operational governance processes to measure business performance.
• Monitor operational efficiency, asset utilisation, service quality, and customer satisfaction metrics.
• Drive optimisation initiatives that improve fleet performance, operational visibility, and customer outcomes.
• Ensure business decisions balance customer value, operational effectiveness, and commercial performance. 

Digital Innovation & Asset Visibility
Action Oriented, Business Insight, Collaborate, Drive Results  

• Partner with Digital, Product, and BAPE teams to develop digital asset management capabilities for the Galley Cart portfolio.
• Support the implementation of tracking technologies, digital tagging, analytics, and asset visibility solutions.
• Leverage data insights to improve utilisation, customer reporting, asset recovery, and operational performance.
• Identify opportunities to utilise emerging technologies, automation, AI, and predictive analytics to enhance service delivery and customer value.
• Ensure digital capabilities support scalability, operational efficiency, and competitive differentiation. 

Technical Expertise, Compliance & Industry Leadership
Courage, Ensure Accountability, Business Insight, Customer Focus  

• Act as Unilode’s subject matter expert for Galley Cart operations, maintenance, certification requirements, and industry best practices.
• Provide guidance and education across internal functions regarding Galley Cart specifications, operational requirements, and customer applications.
• Ensure all products, services, and operational processes comply with relevant aviation, safety, regulatory, and quality standards.
• Monitor regulatory developments and industry trends that may impact the Galley Cart business.
• Represent Unilode within industry forums, customer meetings, conferences, and strategic discussions relating to cabin equipment and asset management solutions. 

Stakeholder Engagement & Future Capability Development
Develops Talent, Collaborates, Courage, Customer Focus  

• Build and maintain strong relationships with OEMs, airlines, airline catering providers, suppliers, and strategic partners.
• Act as a visible ambassador for the Galley Carts business both internally and externally.
• Influence stakeholders across multiple functions to ensure alignment, support, and successful execution of strategic initiatives.
• Define future organisational requirements, capabilities, and resource needs as the business scales.
• Support the development of future operating structures, talent requirements, and succession planning activities.
• Foster a collaborative, innovative, and high-performance culture aligned with Unilode’s values and growth ambitions. 

Qualifications & Experience  

Essential  

• Significant experience within aviation, airline operations, aviation equipment management, OEM environments, or related industries
• Strong commercial, business development, or product management experience with responsibility for revenue growth and customer acquisition
• Demonstrated experience developing and scaling new products, services, or business lines
• Strong understanding of airline operational environments and customer requirements
• Proven experience developing strategic plans and translating vision into operational execution
• Strong stakeholder management capability across senior customer, supplier, and executive audiences
• Experience working within complex global organisations and cross-functional environments
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to evaluate investment opportunities, business performance, and growth strategies 

Preferred  

• Direct experience with Galley Carts, cabin equipment, catering logistics, or aircraft support equipment
• Experience within airline catering organisations or aviation supply chain environments
• Knowledge of leasing, pooling, asset management, or fleet management business models
• Experience leading global transformation, product development, or innovation initiatives
• MBA or relevant commercial, engineering, aviation, or business qualification 

Skills & Knowledge  

• Strategic planning and execution
• Commercial leadership and business development
• Financial analysis and business case development
• Product development and portfolio management
• Customer relationship management
• Negotiation and influencing capability
• Market analysis and competitive positioning
• Asset management and operational performance optimisation
• Digital transformation and innovation awareness
• Executive-level communication and presentation skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability
• Ability to operate effectively in entrepreneurial and growth-oriented environments 

Languages  

Required  

• English 

Desirable 

• Additional languages relevant to global airline operations 

Unilode Values  

• Be Humble and Curious by continuously exploring market opportunities, emerging technologies, customer needs, and industry developments that strengthen Unilode’s Galley Carts offering. 

• Inspire, Empower and Prosper by creating a new business line that delivers value for customers, supports organisational growth, and creates opportunities for future capability development. 

• Team Up to Be Better by working collaboratively across Commercial, Operations, Digital, Procurement, MRO, OEM, and customer communities to deliver industry-leading solutions. 

• Be Passionate About Our Customers by developing innovative, practical, and commercially valuable solutions that improve airline and catering operations. 

• Take Ownership and Get Stuff Done by leading the successful development, launch, and growth of the Galley Carts business with accountability and pace. 

• Be Eager to Win by identifying new opportunities, challenging conventional approaches, and delivering sustainable commercial growth. 

• Build a Better Future by promoting innovative, efficient, and sustainable asset management solutions aligned with Unilode’s long-term strategic and ESG objectives. 

Small Print  

This is a highly visible global leadership role responsible for building and scaling a new strategic business line within Unilode. The successful individual will operate across multiple functions, regions, customers, OEMs, and industry partners, requiring strong commercial judgement, stakeholder management, and the ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution. 

As the Galley Carts business evolves, the role will be expected to identify growth opportunities, establish scalable operating models, and drive innovation while ensuring alignment with Unilode’s broader commercial, operational, and customer objectives. This document outlines the general scope and expectations of the role and is not intended to represent an exhaustive list of responsibilities, which may evolve as the business grows and matures. 

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We celebrate diversity and welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.  

Notice of AI Use in Job Application Review

As part of our commitment in creating a fair, efficient, and consistent hiring process we may use artificial intelligence (AI) to help our recruiting teams organize, summarize, and analyze information provided by candidates, including resumes, application responses, and other materials submitted during the application process.AI may be used to identify patterns, highlight relevant skills, and experience, and assist in comparing a candidate’s qualifications with the requirement of a specific role. These tools are to improve efficiency and consistency while supporting more informed hiring decisions, which will ultimately be made by the hiring team.