Executive Chef

GateGroup is a leading provider in airline catering and food services, known for delivering high-quality meals and exceptional customer service to airline clients worldwide. As part of a global enterprise, GateGroup specializes in creating memorable culinary experiences essential to enhancing the passenger journey. The company operates through specialized units dedicated to the preparation and delivery of pre-designed meals tailored to the specific needs and standards of multiple customer accounts, including major airlines. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, GateGroup fosters an inclusive workplace culture that values integrity, passion, and accountability, ensuring employees are encouraged to grow professionally while contributing to the company's success.

The Executive Chef, Operations role at GateGroup is a pivotal leadership position responsible for overseeing the daily culinary operations across multiple customer accounts. Reporting to the General Manager of the unit, the Executive Chef leads a team of Chefs, Sous Chefs, and Cooks, ensuring that all meals meet established quality, safety, and regulatory standards. This role demands a culinary expert capable of managing high-volume food production environments while promoting innovation and efficiency in the kitchen. The position is full-time and offers an annual salary range of $150,000 to $160,000.

This role involves monitoring food preparation, enforcing portion control, and maintaining consistency in menu quality and presentation. The Executive Chef collaborates with the purchasing department and team leaders to select ingredients and manage inventory effectively, ensuring cost controls and adherence to budgetary constraints. They are also responsible for training and mentoring kitchen staff, fostering a positive work environment, and maintaining compliance with HACCP, FDA, and other safety regulations. Attendance at educational workshops, participation in professional societies, and staying abreast of state-of-the-art culinary practices are essential components of this position.

Further responsibilities include conducting audits and operational reviews to identify areas for improvement, implementing strategic culinary plans, and serving as a resource for operational managers. The Executive Chef plays an integral role in employee retention through effective leadership, coaching, and employee development, while also managing labor costs and productivity to support financial objectives.

Candidates for this role should possess a minimum of 10 years experience in culinary roles, including at least 4 years as an Executive Chef, preferably with experience in in-flight catering or high-volume food service environments. Formal culinary education such as an Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Culinary Arts or a related field is required or substantial equivalent experience. Competencies in menu design, food preparation techniques, and strong leadership skills are vital. The ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while managing a diverse team of culinary professionals is crucial for success. This position also offers excellent benefits including paid time off, 401(k) with company match, medical, dental, vision plans, employee assistance programs, commuter benefits, and employee discounts, including free hot healthy meals for unit operations roles.

GateGroup values excellence, integrity, passion, and accountability and fosters these qualities throughout its team to continuously improve the food service experience for airline customers. If you are a motivated culinary leader passionate about elevating airline catering services and ready to contribute to a dynamic team, this is an exceptional opportunity to grow your career with a global leader in the industry.