Sous Chef

LSG Sky Chefs is one of the world’s largest airline catering and hospitality providers, widely recognized for its commitment to culinary excellence and innovative service. Headquartered in the United States, the company has earned the prestigious title "Airline Caterer of the Year in North America" for both 2023 and 2024, acknowledging its superior quality and industry leadership. Operating across North and Latin America, LSG Sky Chefs specializes in delivering exceptional meal services to airline passengers, ensuring that each culinary experience meets stringent standards of taste, presentation, and hygiene. Known for blending tradition with cutting-edge techniques, the company invests heavily in its workforce, recognizing that talented employees are fundamental to its ongoing success.

The role of Sous Chef at LSG Sky Chefs is a dynamic and essential position based in Des Plaines, USA. This is an on-site role with a competitive salary range of $60,000 to $74,000 annually, reflecting the level of expertise required. The Sous Chef plays a critical role in the production of high-quality airline meals that comply with company menus and production schedules. As a key member of the culinary team, the Sous Chef is not only responsible for preparing and supervising the preparation of meals but also for managing kitchen helpers to maintain safety, hygiene, and quality standards throughout the cooking process.

This position demands a hands-on leader who can execute and oversee food production procedures, from initial cleaning and cutting to marinating, seasoning, and cooking. The Sous Chef must ensure that these processes adhere to company guidelines, providing a seamless food preparation experience that satisfies customer requirements and expectations. Additionally, the role includes stepping in for the Executive Chef during absences, demonstrating leadership by guiding kitchen staff, coordinating inventory management, and monitoring material consumption to maintain efficient operations.

Quality control is a paramount responsibility within this role; the Sous Chef oversees adherence to hygiene protocols, health and safety regulations, and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) standards. Regular quality checks on food goods and compliance with recipe specifications are conducted to uphold the company’s commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.

Leadership elements are a significant part of the role, focusing on organizing and staffing the kitchen team effectively, motivating subordinates, instilling company values, and managing cost budgets responsibly. The Sous Chef also supports company-wide initiatives such as Global Quality Standard (GQS), HACCP, and Lean Manufacturing, contributing not only to operational success but also to continuous improvement and sustainability in food services.

This position is ideal for culinary professionals with a background in commercial cooking and a passion for the demanding standards of airline catering. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication and organizational skills, service orientation, leadership ability, and proficiency in Microsoft Office and related computer applications. Through a blend of hands-on culinary craftsmanship and managerial oversight, the Sous Chef at LSG Sky Chefs plays a vital role in delivering outstanding airline meals, enriching the travel experience of millions of passengers each year while fostering a collaborative, efficient, and innovative kitchen environment.