Senior Business Specialist (Commercial – Catering) | Product Development & Design

Role Overview

In the Product Development and Design (PDD) division, we believe that world-class innovation must be matched by robust commercial intelligence. As the Senior Business Specialist – Commercial (Catering), you will be the financial architect behind our award-winning Inflight Catering and Culinary functions. Reporting to the Head of Commercial, you will ensure that every celebrity chef program, menu cycle, and catering tender is underpinned by rigorous financial modeling and investment appraisal. You will bridge the gap between creative design and fiscal responsibility, translating complex culinary initiatives into persuasive, data-backed business cases for C-suite approval.

Key Responsibilities

1. Financial Modeling & Investment Appraisal

Cost Engineering: Develop and refine sophisticated cost models to track metrics such as cost-per-passenger, cost-per-meal, and wastage rates across all cabin classes and global routes.
Investment Analysis: Lead the financial evaluation for strategic initiatives, including CAPEX/OPEX modeling, payback analysis, and ROI tracking for new product launches.
Long-Term Planning: Drive the 5–10 year product investment forecast and lead the annual budget cycles to ensure alignment with Qatar Airways’ long-term commercial goals.

2. Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Support

Commercial Negotiation: Partner with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to evaluate procurement bids, structure contracts, and manage commercial documentation for key catering partners.
Vendor Analysis: Conduct deep-dive pricing analysis and cost-optimization reviews for catering tenders and high-profile culinary collaborations.
Benchmarking: Maintain a comprehensive repository of competitor financial data and industry cost benchmarks to support agile, evidence-based decision-making.

3. Executive Reporting & Cross-Functional Synergy

C-Suite Advisory: Prepare high-level financial briefing materials and presentations for the Steering Committee, C-Suite, and Board reviews regarding major product investments.
Variance Governance: Perform regular variance analysis—comparing actual spend against budget—and present detailed risk/opportunity reports to culinary leadership.
Stakeholder Alignment: Act as the primary commercial link between PDD, Business Finance, Strategy, and the PMO to ensure all product assumptions are financially sound.

About You: Skills & Qualifications

Experience:
- 6+ years of professional experience in financial data analysis, ideally within aviation, travel, or premium hospitality.
- Proven track record in managing complex financial projects with significant C-level exposure.
Technical Mastery:
- Expert Excel Modeling: Advanced capability in building dynamic financial models and data simulations.
- Appraisal Frameworks: Deep understanding of TCO, ROI, IRR, and NPV metrics.
- Commercial Acumen: Familiarity with vendor pricing structures, contract commercial terms, and procurement evaluations.
Communication & Influence:
- Exceptional ability to translate “raw data” into a clear, concise, and persuasive narrative for senior stakeholders.
- Strong business acumen with the confidence to challenge assumptions and quantify operational impacts.
Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Data Analytics, Statistics, Business Intelligence, Finance, or a related field.

Why Join Qatar Airways PDD?

Our story is one of spectacular growth, moving from four aircraft to a global leader in twelve different businesses. In the Product Development and Design team, you will solve the most rewarding commercial challenges in the aviation industry. We offer an international community where your ambition knows no boundaries and where your financial insights will directly shape the future of 5-star inflight dining.

Are you ready to blend culinary innovation with commercial excellence? Apply now by uploading your CV and joining our progressive team in Doha.

Given the complexity of global catering logistics, how do you prioritize cost optimization without compromising our 5-star service standards?

More information

Job Location : Qatar-Doha
City : Doha
Company Name : Qatar Airways Group
Closing Date : 2026-04-30

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To apply for this job please visit careers.qatarairways.com.