Executive Chef, Operations

Gategroup is a global leader in providing airline catering and travel retail services, committed to delivering high-quality, innovative food solutions that enhance travelers' experiences worldwide. As a recognized industry leader, gategroup operates with a focus on excellence, integrity, passion, and accountability, values that underscore every aspect of their operations. With a strong reputation built on quality and professionalism, the company serves numerous airline clients, ensuring that meals and services meet stringent safety standards and customer expectations. Their global reach, combined with a dedication to local tastes and preferences, makes gategroup a dynamic and impactful presence in the airline catering and hospitality industry.

The Executive Chef, Operations role at gategroup is an essential management position responsible for overseeing the culinary operations within a specified unit, ensuring the consistent delivery of pre-designed meals across multiple customer accounts, primarily airline customers. Reporting directly to the General Manager of the unit, this role requires the Executive Chef to lead a team consisting of Chefs, Sous Chefs, and Cooks, managing food preparation processes and maintaining high standards in quality, food safety, and customer service. This position is full-time and offers a competitive salary range of $100,000 to $110,000 per year. It involves working in a fast-paced, high-volume environment, typically in a production kitchen facility with conditions including temperature variations, noise, and physical demands such as lifting heavy equipment and products.

As the culinary leader, the Executive Chef, Operations, is responsible for achieving culinary operational objectives by contributing to strategic planning, implementing production standards, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations such as HACCP and FDA guidelines. The role includes menu design assistance, cost management, productivity analysis, and employee training to maintain food quality and operational efficiency. The Executive Chef also ensures the proper use and maintenance of kitchen equipment, invents and implements process improvements, and facilitates employee coaching, disciplinary actions, and retention efforts.

This role requires a strong leadership presence with the ability to manage a large kitchen team, including 2 to 3 Sous Chefs and over 20 cooks, fostering a positive work environment and driving successful change management. The Executive Chef must also be adept at handling multiple priorities, providing both constructive and positive feedback, and ensuring that all meals meet airline specifications and food safety standards. The position demands excellent communication skills, technical expertise in culinary arts, experience in high-volume food production, and a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Candidates for this role should have a formal culinary education, such as an Associate or Bachelor Degree in Culinary Arts or a related field, or alternatively, significant relevant experience. A minimum of 10 years of experience as a Chef, including at least 4 years in an Executive Chef position, is required. Experience in in-flight catering or comparable high-volume food service settings is essential. The job also involves up to 10% travel and requires stamina for physically demanding shifts, often exceeding 55 hours per week.

Joining gategroup means being part of a team that values respect, collaboration, passion, and accountability, striving to deliver excellence in every culinary creation and customer interaction. This is a unique opportunity for motivated culinary professionals looking to advance their careers in a globally respected company that shapes memorable travel and dining experiences for millions of people annually.