Head Chef at SkyChefs Seattle, WA

Job Overview

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Compensation

Salary
Range $90,000.00 - $105,000.00
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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Employee Discounts
Career development opportunities
Life insurance

Job Description

SkyChefs, established in 1942, has been a pioneer in delivering culinary excellence to the aviation industry. As a leading provider of meals and services to top airlines and retailers across 43 locations in the United States, SkyChefs is recognized for its operational expertise, innovative approach, and commitment to quality. The company’s reputation is built on a foundation of culinary mastery, continuous innovation, and seamless service delivery that spans from kitchen operations to the runway. SkyChefs not only serves millions of meals annually but also fosters a culture where employees can grow, lead, and make a significant impact in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Joining SkyChefs means becoming part of America’s first and finest in aviation culinary services, where every role contributes to maintaining the highest standards in the industry.

The Head Chef role at SkyChefs in Seattle, USA, is a pivotal position contributing to the excellence of food production at the Customer Service Center (CSC). This role works in close collaboration with the Executive Chef to ensure that every dish produced is authentic, meets company standards, and satisfies customer expectations. The Head Chef acts as the operational leader in the absence of the Executive Chef, overseeing kitchen operations to maintain consistency and high-quality output. This position requires a comprehensive understanding of culinary practices, inventory control, menu development, and adherence to food safety regulations such as HACCP. The Head Chef supports daily food production in both hot and cold kitchens, manages resource estimates, monitors cost controls, and participates in training and development of kitchen staff.

Furthermore, the Head Chef at SkyChefs is responsible for maintaining hygienic and safety standards, ensuring quality control of goods received, and actively contributing to marketing and innovation efforts by researching emerging food trends. The role demands strong leadership qualities to guide, motivate, and develop employees while embodying the company’s values and management principles. The Head Chef is also charged with budget management, operational planning, and responding effectively to customer feedback and complaints. This role is ideal for a culinary professional with substantial experience in commercial cooking, solid organizational skills, and a passion for excellence in culinary operations. The salary range for this on-site position is competitive, ranging from $90,000 to $105,000 per year, reflecting the responsibility and expertise required.

Job Requirements

  • five years of experience in commercial cooking
  • apprenticeship or graduation from an accredited culinary school
  • strong knowledge of food and hygiene regulations
  • excellent communication and organizational skills
  • ability to manage and motivate kitchen staff
  • proficiency in Microsoft Office and related computer applications
  • understanding of budget control and cost management
  • familiarity with HACCP regulations and Lean Manufacturing principles

Job Qualifications

  • five years of experience in commercial cooking
  • apprenticeship or graduation from an accredited culinary school
  • additional certifications such as diet chef, industrial chef, design chef, or equivalent professional experience preferred
  • certification with the American Culinary Federation a plus
  • knowledge of food and hygiene regulations such as HACCP
  • good communication and organizational skills
  • service orientation
  • good knowledge of Microsoft Office and Windows-based computer applications

Job Duties

  • support all food production activities in the hot and cold kitchen
  • identify deviations in inventories and production and initiate countermeasures
  • support controls and adjust production plans
  • estimate consumption of food and equipment required for daily production
  • ensure compliance with recipe specifications and conduct quality sense-checks
  • participate in the development of food products and menus
  • ensure compliance with catering manuals
  • support cost control of budget, personnel, and material costs
  • participate in menu presentations
  • coordinate countermeasures for customer complaints
  • support and develop training strategies for kitchen staff
  • represent kitchen staff to external stakeholders
  • research and incorporate industry innovations and food trends
  • participate in marketing activities
  • ensure quality of goods received
  • maintain tidiness in food storage and follow first in-first out principle
  • guarantee adherence to hygiene, health, safety standards, and HACCP regulations
  • organize, staff, and direct area of responsibility
  • guide, motivate and develop subordinate employees
  • embody company values and management principles
  • implement and control cost budget and initiate corrective actions
  • participate in company initiatives such as Global Quality Standard, HACCP, Lean Manufacturing

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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