Japanese Specialty Cuisine Sous Chef

Houston, TX, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $75,000.00 - $80,000.00

Work Schedule

Flexible

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

401(k) retirement plan

Employee Discounts

Career development opportunities

diversity and inclusion programs

Job Description

LSG Sky Chefs is recognized as one of the world’s leading airline catering and hospitality providers, boasting a strong reputation for quality and innovation in the industry. With operations spanning North and Latin America, LSG Sky Chefs is dedicated to delivering exceptional culinary experiences and top-tier service to airline clients and their passengers. The company has been awarded "Airline Caterer of the Year in North America" for both 2023 and 2024, highlighting its commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. The team at LSG Sky Chefs comprises highly skilled and passionate individuals who bring expertise and creativity to the table, driving the company's success in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. This is a company where dedication and innovation are highly valued, and where employees play a critical role in shaping the future of airline catering.

The role of Japanese Specialty Cuisine Sous Chef at LSG Sky Chefs offers a unique opportunity to bring authentic regional Japanese flavors to the skies. This is a hands-on, creative position requiring a passion for Japanese culinary traditions and the ability to prepare scratch-made dishes that meet the rigorous standards of airline catering. You'll be responsible for crafting complete meals, including entrees, sauces, side dishes, and specialty items, with an unwavering commitment to authenticity, quality, presentation, and safety. Working onsite at the Sky Chefs facility near George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, TX, you will collaborate closely with other kitchen stations to ensure timely and consistent production. The role demands flexibility in work schedules, encompassing early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays, consistent with a 24/7 operation model.

A distinctive requirement of this position is a basic proficiency in Japanese—reading, writing, and speaking—to accurately follow recipes and communicate effectively with airline customers. The Sous Chef will also contribute to menu presentations, recipe testing, and implementing seasonal or new menu cycles, helping to elevate the dining experience for airline passengers. This is a demanding role that requires attention to detail, the ability to adhere to stringent food safety protocols (including HACCP standards), and a deep respect for culinary precision. If you have at least five years of professional cooking experience in a high-volume or specialty kitchen environment, and enjoy working in a vibrant, fast-paced atmosphere focused on airline catering excellence, this position is an exciting next step in your culinary career. LSG Sky Chefs supports its team members with a competitive salary range of $75,000 to $80,000 and promotes an inclusive and diverse work culture as an EEO and Affirmative Action Employer.

Job Requirements

Minimum 5 years of professional cooking experience in a high-volume or specialty kitchen environment
Must be able to read, write, and speak Japanese at least a beginner level
Ability to work a flexible schedule including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays
Willingness to work onsite at the Sky Chefs facility located near George Bush Intercontinental Airport
Ability to stand for extended periods and work in hot and refrigerated environments
Able to lift up to 50 lbs including hot pans of food
Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards (HACCP)

Job Qualifications

Minimum 5 years of professional cooking experience in a high-volume or specialty kitchen environment
Must be able to read, write, and speak Japanese at least a beginner level to understand recipes and to interface with the customer
Proficient in authentic Japanese cooking techniques and preparing the corresponding regional cuisine
Ability to follow airline plating guides, recipe specifications, and food presentation standards
Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and timing to ensure deliverables are completed to meet the pre-determined Kitchen Ready Time
Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards (HACCP)
Culinary degree, formal training, internship program, or on the job training preferred
Ability to work a pre-determined schedule (shift) that meets the timeline for when the daily production needs to be performed and completed
Ability to work in a hot kitchen environment and stand for extended periods of time
Ability to work in refrigerated environments when required
Able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs including hot pans of food

Job Duties

Prepare and cook complete authentic meals from scratch including entrees, side dishes, sauces, and specialty items for a specific designated airline customer
Execute authentic recipes with consistency and efficiency following detailed portioning, seasoning, and presentation standards set by each airline client
Plate dishes according to menu specifications ensuring all components are flight-ready, visually appealing, and securely packaged
Adhere to all airline, HACCP, and food safety regulations including proper handling, labeling, and temperature control of food items
Coordinate with other kitchen stations to ensure timely production and delivery of complete meal components
Maintain cleanliness and organization of workstations, equipment, and storage areas throughout each shift
Assist with menu presentations, chef tables, cycle changes, recipe testing, and implementation of new airline menus or seasonal offerings
Monitor inventory levels, report shortages, and support waste reduction initiatives