Airline Lounges Sous Chef / KM

Sodexo's Airline Lounge Segment proudly operates the Alaska Airlines Lounge at Portland International Airport in Portland, OR. Sodexo is a global leader in providing food services, facilities management, and integrated solutions, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for the people they serve and positively impacting the communities where they operate worldwide. The company values diversity, inclusion, and fair treatment, fostering a workplace where every employee is respected, their ideas are valued, and they feel empowered to be themselves. Sodexo's comprehensive approach combines innovation with excellent service to deliver an exceptional experience to both their clients and customers.

This role is a superb opportunity for a seasoned Sous Chef / Kitchen Manager to join an elite team responsible for crafting an upscale culinary experience within a thoughtfully designed travel environment. The Alaska Airlines Lounge is an exclusive setting where travelers expect high-caliber service and dining, requiring a hands-on culinary leader with a strong background in upscale food production, high-volume catering, and events execution. This position is full-time and hourly, featuring excellent opportunities for growth along with a quality of life that includes benefits from day one and starting with three weeks of paid vacation.

The Sous Chef / Kitchen Manager will oversee all aspects of kitchen management, including purchasing, menu compliance, inventory, food cost analysis, and food production forecasting to ensure operations run smoothly and efficiently. A commitment to Sodexo’s culinary standards—encompassing recipe compliance and consistent food quality—is essential. The role also demands strong leadership and motivational skills to inspire team members to uphold culinary policies and procedures, ensuring the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety at all times. A working knowledge of automated food inventory, ordering, production, and management systems is vital for success in this role.

Candidates for this position must possess a strong passion for food and innovation and demonstrate a proven ability to stay current with new culinary trends. Experience at the Sous Chef or Kitchen Manager level is mandatory, along with expertise in safety and sanitation, including ServSafe certification. Excellent communication and leadership skills are needed to maintain high standards while developing and coaching team members effectively.

Additionally, the position requires the ability to pass a TSA background check and obtain an airport badge, highlighting the critical need for security and professionalism in an airport lounge environment. Sodexo offers a competitive and equitable compensation package, which is determined based on education, experience, skills, and training. Furthermore, employees benefit from a comprehensive suite of perks such as medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) plan with matching contributions, paid time off, company holidays, career growth opportunities, and tuition reimbursement.

In summary, this role offers a unique blend of culinary creativity, leadership, and operational expertise. It is ideal for professionals seeking to advance their culinary careers within a reputable company that exerts a positive influence on its community and values its workforce. Those who embrace the challenge of delivering exceptional food and service within a fast-paced, upscale airport lounge environment will find this to be a fulfilling and rewarding career opportunity with Sodexo.