Sous Chef

gategroup is a leading global provider specializing in airline catering and hospitality services, dedicated to enhancing the travel experience for airline passengers worldwide. The company operates as a key player in the airline catering industry, providing high-quality meal preparation and food service solutions tailored to meet the exacting standards of airline clients. Known for its commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction, gategroup prides itself on delivering fresh, safe, and flavorful meals that contribute to memorable travel journeys. With a focus on operational excellence, food safety, and continuous improvement, gategroup values integrity, passion, accountability, and teamwork among its workforce. The organization offers a collaborative environment where employees are empowered to contribute their skills and creativity to a dynamic and fast-paced industry.

The role of Sous Chef, Operations at gategroup is a full-time, exempt position offering an annual salary range of $70,000 to $80,000. Reporting directly to the Executive Sous Chef or Executive Chef of the respective unit, the Sous Chef, Operations plays a critical role in supporting food production for airline customers. This position is centered on culinary leadership and operational excellence, ensuring that food is prepared according to company specifications, customer requirements, and regulatory standards including FDA, USDA, and HACCP guidelines. The Sous Chef is responsible for overseeing the daily culinary operations and driving food production efforts in collaboration with Food Supervisors.

The Sous Chef, Operations will provide expert guidance in meal design and preparation, manage food safety and sanitation processes, and ensure that labor objectives are met efficiently. This role demands strong leadership to supervise a team of up to 40 kitchen staff, including head cooks, specialty cooks, and assistant cooks, optimizing schedules and manpower while maintaining high-quality standards. The position requires managing workflow, assigning tasks according to daily production sheets and passenger counts, and handling purchasing and inventory control for raw materials. The Sous Chef is also responsible for training and recurrently training employees on proper food preparation procedures, safety protocols, and company policies to ensure operational consistency and excellence.

The role involves enforcing compliance with company wage and hour policies, managing employee retention and turnover, and providing coaching or corrective actions in compliance with union or collective bargaining agreements as applicable. The Sous Chef must be capable of preparing corrective performance evaluations and mentoring staff to enhance productivity and service quality. A strong understanding of labor relations is beneficial, though not mandatory. Additionally, this position requires excellent communication skills to effectively interact with all levels of employees and foster a positive and motivational work environment.

Working conditions require physical stamina due to long shifts often exceeding 10 hours, regular standing, bending, lifting up to and over 25 pounds, and operating in a typical kitchen environment characterized by high noise and temperature variations. The role may involve travel up to 25%, supporting various production locations as needed. Excellent time management, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills are essential to navigate the fast-paced and deadline-driven nature of airline catering.

gategroup offers an outstanding benefits package including a generous Health and Wellness Reimbursement Account with $20,000 per year, paid time off, 401(k) with company match, company-sponsored life insurance, and comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans. Voluntary benefits such as short-term and long-term disability insurance, life, accident, and hospital plans, an Employee Assistance Program, commuter benefits, and employee discounts further enhance the employee experience.

This role aligns with gategroup's core values of excellence, integrity, passion, and accountability. Employees in this position are expected to consistently demonstrate respect, effective communication, teamwork, problem-solving capabilities, and a passion for quality food service. The company is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion, offering reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Joining gategroup as a Sous Chef, Operations means contributing to a team that makes a tangible difference in travel and culinary experiences worldwide, shaping memorable moments for passengers and driving the success of a renowned global brand.