Airline Lounges Sous Chef / Kitchen Manager

Sodexo is a global leader in providing integrated food services and facilities management, committed to enhancing the quality of life for its clients and employees. With a presence in numerous industries including corporate, healthcare, education, and sports & leisure, Sodexo delivers comprehensive solutions tailored to meet diverse client needs. Within Sodexo’s Airline Lounge segment, the company creates exceptional experiences for travelers through upscale culinary offerings and premium services at some of the world's busiest airports. Known for its commitment to excellence and innovation, Sodexo fosters a culture of diversity and inclusion, ensuring that every employee is valued and respected while contributing to community progress economically, socially, and environmentally.

The role of Sous Chef / Kitchen Manager at Sodexo presents a unique opportunity to join the prestigious team operating the Qantas OneWorld Lounge at Los Angeles International Airport. This position is ideal for a culinary professional with a passion for delivering high-quality, inventive food in a dynamic, high-volume environment. The successful candidate will participate actively in all kitchen operations that support an elevated travel experience, focusing on scratch cooking with an eclectic menu style that ranges from upscale to fine dining. Experience in hotel or restaurant kitchens with high-volume catering and event execution skills is highly desirable.

As a hands-on leader, the Sous Chef / Kitchen Manager will oversee purchasing, menu compliance, inventory management, food cost analysis, and production forecasting. The position demands rigorous adherence to Sodexo’s culinary standards to ensure recipe accuracy, food quality, and safety compliance, including sanitation and workplace safety. Motivating and developing culinary team members to embrace innovation and continuous improvement is a critical function of the role, as is familiarity with automated food inventory and management systems.

This position offers an excellent quality of life, with substantial growth opportunities and a benefits package that begins from the first day of employment. Employees enjoy three weeks of paid vacation initially, competitive compensation aligned with experience and qualifications, and access to medical, dental, and vision care benefits, along with wellness programs and a 401(k) plan with matching contributions. The airline lounge environment requires candidates to pass a TSA background check and obtain an airport badge, ensuring compliance with airport security protocols.

Overall, the Sous Chef / Kitchen Manager role at Sodexo is a perfect fit for culinary professionals motivated by challenges and innovation, who thrive in upscale food service settings and seek a rewarding career path in a globally recognized organization. Sodexo values its employees’ individuality, promotes a supportive and inclusive work environment, and provides opportunities for career growth and professional development.