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Sous Chef

San Mateo, CA, USA|Travel, Onsite

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Compensation

Salary
Range $75,000.00 - $80,000.00
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Work Schedule

Rotating Shifts
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Benefits

Paid Time Off
401K with company match
company sponsored life insurance
Medical insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
short-term disability insurance
long-term disability insurance
voluntary life insurance
accident insurance
Hospital plans
Employee assistance program
Commuter Benefits
Employee Discounts
Free hot healthy meals

Job Description

gategroup is a leading global provider of airline catering and travel retail services with a focus on delivering high-quality culinary experiences to airline customers worldwide. Known for its commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability, gategroup operates in numerous countries and serves a wide range of airline partners, ensuring consistent delivery of exceptional food and beverage products on flights. The company emphasizes teamwork, accountability, and passion to maintain its reputation in the competitive airline catering industry. gategroup is dedicated to fostering an inclusive work environment that values diversity and encourages professional growth for its employees. They offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits that support work-life balance and career development.

The role of Sous Chef, Operations at gategroup is a critical leadership position responsible for assisting the Executive Sous Chef or Executive Chef in designing and preparing meals that meet the standards of airline customers. With an annual salary range of $75,000 to $80,000, this full-time exempt role requires a motivated, engaged individual to manage food production efforts and supervise a team of cooks and kitchen staff in a high-volume, fast-paced environment. As Sous Chef, Operations, the candidate will play a pivotal role in promoting quality food services, ensuring compliance with food safety and sanitation standards, and maintaining operational efficiency in the production kitchens.

Responsibilities include overseeing meal preparation, ensuring all food items meet company and customer specifications, and complying with FDA, USDA, and HACCP regulations. The Sous Chef, Operations will supervise work schedules, assign tasks, monitor labor objectives, and manage employee retention and training to optimize productivity and reduce turnover. This position demands excellent leadership skills, the ability to work under pressure, and a proactive approach to improving kitchen operations and enhancing the quality and consistency of food production. Candidates will work closely with internal production areas and external airline customers, handling up to 25% travel as necessary.

Working at gategroup means being part of a team that values respect, integrity, communication, and a passion for delivering excellence. Employees are encouraged to engage in problem-solving collaboratively and hold themselves accountable while contributing positively to the workplace culture. The role requires physical stamina for standing and moving during lengthy shifts, often over 55 hours per week, and the ability to lift and handle heavy products and equipment safely. The company is committed to equal opportunity employment, ensuring all qualified candidates are considered fairly regardless of background.

Joining gategroup as a Sous Chef, Operations offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the airline catering industry by leading a dedicated culinary team in producing memorable meals that enhance traveler journeys. This position is ideal for someone with culinary arts education, extensive kitchen experience, strong leadership capabilities, and the desire to influence continuous improvement in a dynamic work setting. With comprehensive benefits including paid time off, 401k with company match, insurance coverage, and employee discounts, gategroup supports its employees' well-being and professional advancement.

Job Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Associates degree or culinary certification preferred
  • Minimum 1-3 years experience as chef or sous chef
  • Minimum 7 years experience as cook
  • Supervisory experience preferred
  • Compliance with food safety regulations
  • Ability to work 55+ hour rotating schedule
  • Ability to lift more than 25 pounds
  • Ability to stand, bend and move intermittently during long shifts
  • Must complete company required training including ServSafe
  • Must comply with company policies and procedures
  • Must have excellent communication skills
  • Must have leadership and team management skills
  • Must be able to train and provide feedback effectively
  • Ability to work in fast-paced environment
  • Willingness to travel up to 25%
  • Must maintain safety and sanitation standards

Job Qualifications

  • Associates degree in culinary arts or culinary arts certification preferred
  • Minimum 1-3 years experience as a chef or sous chef required
  • Minimum 7 years experience as a cook required
  • Previous supervisory experience in high volume, manufacturing, food production, restaurant, or catering environment preferred
  • Experience in in-flight catering or high-volume food service preferred
  • Ability to cook meals according to detailed specifications
  • Strong and effective leadership skills
  • Experience with labor relations is a plus
  • Comfortable working with all levels of employees
  • Ability to train others
  • Ability to provide daily positive and negative feedback to employees
  • Excellent time management skills
  • Strong organizational, analytical, communication, and leadership skills
  • Innovative with ability to improve operations
  • Experience with menu design is a plus
  • Basic computer skills and Microsoft Office knowledge preferred
  • ServSafe certification preferred
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Bilingual in Spanish is a plus

Job Duties

  • Ensure food specifications and labor objectives meet all company and customer requirements
  • Supervise department for quality and quantity, ensuring items are produced and dated according to specification and coding systems (FDA, USDA, HACCP compliance)
  • Keep account of attendance, set up paperwork, create shift schedules and assign employees to sections
  • Order raw materials and produce extra meals as needed
  • Prepare daily production sheets and assign tasks to employees based on passenger counts
  • Train and provide recurrent training to employees on food preparation procedures
  • Ensure safety procedures and cleanliness standards are maintained throughout shifts
  • Manage daily production in hot and cold kitchens for quality and consistency
  • Ensure compliance with wage and hour policies including rest and meal breaks
  • Train and monitor employees to maximize productivity and minimize labor and food costs
  • Monitor manpower planning and employee scheduling
  • Focus on employee retention and reduce turnover rates
  • Coach, counsel, and prepare corrective actions in compliance with union agreements
  • Review and ensure employees are assigned to correct cost centers and job titles
  • Verify union pay rates and wage scales are accurate
  • Complete all required company training including ServSafe
  • Comply with all company policies and procedures

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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