dnata, part of the Emirates Group, is a global leader in air and travel services, delivering ground handling, cargo, catering & retail, and travel services across an extensive international network. In 2024–25, dnata generated approximately AUD 8.1 billion in revenue globally.
In Australia and Singapore, dnata Catering & Retail supports more than 40 airline customers across 11 airports and employs over 4,500 people, making it one of the region’s leading aviation services businesses. As we continue to scale, we are seeking an exceptional executive leader to drive the strategic backbone of our operations.
Role: EGM Business Services
Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer
Location: Australia (Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne)
Team scope: National, multi-functional
Type: Full-time, permanent
THE OPPORTUNITY
This is a rare executive appointment, a role with genuine enterprise-wide scope, reporting directly to the CEO, and sitting at the centre of how dnata turns strategy into execution. As EGM Business Services, you will lead and integrate a portfolio of critical functions: Procurement & Supply Chain, Facilities & Fleet, the Project Management Office, and Logistics. Together, these functions underpin every service we deliver to airlines and passengers across Australia.
You will partner closely with the CEO and broader Executive Team to translate commercial strategy into operational action, building enterprise capability, driving efficiency, and ensuring the organisation is as resilient and future-ready as it is high-performing today.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategy & Governance
- Lead the development and delivery of the strategic plan across all reporting functions, translating enterprise business priorities into actionable programs.
- Partner with the CEO and Executive Team to drive performance, accountability, and measurable outcomes across the organisation.
- Work with functional leads in dnata Global to develop alignment to the dnata way and group-wide strategic direction.
- Provide strategic oversight of national procurement and supply chain operations, ensuring compliance with procurement policies and ethical standards.
- Oversee risk identification and mitigation strategies relating to supply continuity and vendor performance.
- Drive analytics capability and insights-driven decision-making across the supply function.
- Provide strategic direction across construction projects, property strategy, facilities management, and fleet operations.
- Ensure regulatory compliance, asset reliability, and cost optimisation across all physical assets.
- Oversee national logistics planning, fleet utilisation, and distribution strategies that support production and customer requirements.
- Establish and oversee a centralised, high-performing PMO function that governs major capital and operational improvement projects.
- Lead enterprise transformation and change management initiatives, providing oversight of all significant programs from initiation through delivery.
- Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing teams across multiple functions, fostering a culture of trust, openness, and high performance.
- Motivate and inspire team members through clear performance expectations, active coaching, and consistent recognition.
- Role model dnata’s values: we are safe; we play to win; we respect each other and work as a team; and we are future-thinking.
Essential
- Significant senior leadership experience (10+ years) across related executive roles, with a proven track record leading multiple functions simultaneously.
- Deep understanding of procurement, supply chain, facilities management, and logistics at national scale.
- Strong commercial acumen and demonstrated ability to manage large budgets and drive cost efficiency.
- Experience setting up and maintaining project management discipline and PMO functions.
- Exceptional stakeholder engagement and influencing skills — with the credibility to operate effectively at all levels of a global organisation.
- Tertiary qualification required; postgraduate qualifications desirable.
- Experience in aviation, food manufacturing, logistics, or large-scale service environments.
- Demonstrated success leading enterprise-wide transformation programs in complex, multi-site organisations.
- Exposure to working within or alongside a global parent organisation with matrix reporting structures.
dnata is not a company that stands still. As part of the Emirates Group, we carry the scale, ambition, and resources of a global aviation leader — combined with the agility and culture of a business that genuinely puts its people first.
- Global scale, local impact — operating in 35+ countries, serving 300+ airlines, yet deeply embedded in the Australian aviation ecosystem.
- A newly structured executive team building for the future — this is an opportunity to shape how the business operates, not just manage what exists.
- A CEO and board who value strategic thinking and executive partnership — you will have a genuine seat at the table.
- Competitive executive remuneration package commensurate with scope and seniority.
- A culture that values safety, performance, collaboration, and continuous improvement — without compromise.
Dale Young - Partner
dyoung@sharpandcarter.com.au
0400 687 506
dnata is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
