Job Specifications
Opening for the position of Managing Director
The Airline Catering Association (ACA)
Place to be determined
About ACA
ACA (www.aca.catering) is an international non-profit association representing and connecting organisations active in inflight (AKA onboard) catering. Its mission is to promote dialogue, advance sustainability, strengthen industry standards and foster innovation across the catering sector, while acting as a trusted platform for members, partners, and institutions.
In so doing, the Association acts strictly as a non‑commercial, non‑competitive forum. To support this mission, the Association aims to represent, promote, and defend the common interests of its members and the airline catering industry as a whole, monitor relevant regulatory initiatives and inform members of developments affecting the sector.
Created in 2018 by five founding members, the association today boasts around 40 members from around the world, and a small and growing Secretariat currently composed of two part-time subject-matter experts. The Association has established solid working relationships with a host of other international organisations such as IATA, ACI, IFSA, ASF to name but a few. ACA has been granted recognition of the status of international organisation by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
For around eight years now, since its inception, ACA has supported its members through:
· Representation at European and international level
· Knowledge-sharing and professional exchange
· Strategic projects on sustainability, nutrition, and food systems
· Events, working groups, and collaborative initiatives
As part of a planned leadership transition, ACA is seeking a successor to its current Managing Director.
The Role
The Managing Director (MD) is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational management, and external representation of the Association. The MD reports to the Board, which is composed of seven Directors appointed by the General Assembly for a period of two years, renewable. S/he leads a small Secretariat of subject matter experts and drives the execution of the Association’s strategic agenda to generate value for its members. The MD is also accountable for the growth of the Association, both in terms of members (Full and Associate alike) and in terms of revenue.
The position is a unique opportunity to lead a respected association at the crossroads of aviation, food systems, sustainability, and inflight catering, while shaping its future direction. A structured handover with the current MD is planned to ensure continuity and a smooth transition.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Development
· Lead the definition, implementation, and regular review of ACA’s strategic vision in close cooperation with the Board and members
· Identify emerging trends, risks, and opportunities in inflight catering, air transport, food systems, sustainability, and public policy
· Translate member priorities into concrete programmes, services, and projects with clear added value
· Proactively propose new initiatives to strengthen ACA’s relevance, impact, and long-term positioning
Operational & Organisational Management
· Oversee the overall day-to-day management of ACA, ensuring efficient, transparent, and well-structured operations
· Ensure the delivery of ACA’s annual work programme, projects, and events in line with agreed objectives and timelines
· Manage financial planning, budgeting, and reporting, ensuring sound financial governance and sustainability
· Supervise external service providers, consultants, and partners supporting ACA’s activities
· Ensure compliance with legal, contractual, and governance requirements
· Develop and implement strategies to diversify revenue streams, including events, sponsorships, grants, and partnership programmes to strengthen long-term financial sustainability
Governance & Board Relations
· Act as the primary interface between the Board and the operational activities of the association
· Prepare Board meetings, General Assemblies, and strategic discussions, including agendas, reports, and follow-up actions
· Provide strategic advice and clear reporting to the Board to support informed decision-making
· Support good governance practices and ensure alignment between strategic direction and operational execution
Membership & Stakeholder Engagement
· Build, maintain, and strengthen long-term relationships with ACA’s members across different countries and organisational models
· Ensure high levels of member engagement, satisfaction, and retention
· Contribute to membership development by identifying and engaging potential new members
· Facilitate collaboration, exchange of best practices, and peer learning among members
· Design and deliver member value programmes to clear member need