Executive Chef - Airline Catering

SkyChefs, established in 1942, has been a leader in airline catering, culinary innovation, and customer service excellence for over 80 years. As an essential partner to the nation’s top airlines and retailers, SkyChefs operates 43 sites across the United States, delivering millions of meals annually. Known for its dedication to operational excellence, quality, and cutting-edge culinary practices, SkyChefs is a pioneer in the airline foodservice industry. The company emphasizes a culture of teamwork, integrity, and continuous improvement, aiming to provide outstanding culinary experiences at every altitude. Employees at SkyChefs enjoy the opportunity to grow their careers by working in a dynamic, fast-paced, and collaborative environment.

The Executive Chef position at SkyChefs in Austin, Texas, is a unique opportunity to lead a large-scale culinary operation supporting airline catering near Austin Bergstrom International Airport. This role is focused on the management and oversight of a high-volume, production-driven kitchen that caters to around 85 commercial airline flights daily. Unlike a traditional restaurant executive chef role, this position demands precision, efficiency, and consistency at scale, emphasizing food safety, process optimization, and team leadership. The Executive Chef will oversee food production, ensure compliance with regulatory standards such as HACCP, and manage cost controls while championing quality and employee development. This role requires a flexible work schedule, including early mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays, to meet the operational demands of a 24/7, year-round service.

The successful candidate will have significant experience in commercial cooking with management capabilities, preferably with formal culinary education and specialized certifications. They must possess strong skills in operational budgeting, food cost control, training, and leadership. Effective communication and bilingual proficiency (English/Spanish) are highly desired to foster a diverse and inclusive work environment. The Executive Chef at SkyChefs will lead a team of approximately 180 staff members, ensuring the seamless execution of culinary services that meet customer expectations and uphold the company’s commitment to excellence. This role offers a competitive salary range from $72,000 to $90,000 and promises a rewarding career in a respected, industry-leading company that values professionalism and innovation.