Sous Chef

Cleburne, TX, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $70,000.00 - $73,000.00

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

Paid Time Off

401(k) with Company Match

Company-Sponsored Life Insurance

Medical insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Voluntary short-term disability coverage

voluntary long-term disability coverage

voluntary life insurance

accident insurance

hospital insurance

Employee assistance program

Employee Discounts

weekly pay for union employees

Free meals for operational roles

Job Description

Gategroup is a global leader in airline catering and related services, known for delivering exceptional culinary experiences to passengers all around the world. As an established company in the airline catering industry, Gategroup prides itself on its commitment to excellence, passion, responsibility, and respect. The company fosters a collaborative and inclusive culture that promotes diversity and supports continuous improvement across its diverse operations. Gategroup focuses on maintaining high standards of food safety, workforce safety, and operational efficiency, which have cemented its reputation as a trusted supplier in the global airline catering market.

The role of Sous Chef at Gategroup is a critical position that supports the Executive Chef in the planning, preparation, and management of Chinese and Asian cuisine for airline catering operations. This is a full-time position offering an annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $73,000. The Sous Chef plays a pivotal role in ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality meals tailored to airline customers, particularly focusing on Chinese, Taiwanese, and Hong Kong culinary preferences, with knowledge of Japanese culinary profiles as an added advantage.

In this role, the Sous Chef will provide culinary expertise and leadership in a fast-paced and high-volume environment. Responsibilities include supervising kitchen staff, managing labor and production schedules, and optimizing resources to maintain efficiency and quality. The position also ensures strict adherence to food safety standards, including compliance with FDA, USDA, and HACCP regulations. The Sous Chef will actively participate in menu planning, recipe development, and operational improvements to enhance the customer dining experience onboard.

The ideal candidate will have strong leadership qualities, excellent organizational skills, and a passion for culinary arts specific to Asian cuisine. They will be expected to train, mentor, and coach the kitchen team, fostering a positive and productive working environment. Effective communication skills and the ability to manage workload and production costs are essential. This position not only demands hands-on culinary skills but also requires proficiency in managing inventories, scheduling, and using basic computer applications like MS Office, with experience in ERP or production software considered a plus.

Joining Gategroup as a Sous Chef offers an opportunity to contribute to a global leader in airline catering, working in a company that values workforce diversity, employee well-being, and innovative culinary solutions. The role includes benefits such as paid time off, medical coverage, 401(k) matching, and additional employee perks, making it an attractive and rewarding career path for culinary professionals dedicated to excellence in Asian cuisine and airline catering service.

Job Requirements

Associate degree in culinary arts or equivalent certification preferred
1-3 years of experience as a chef or sous chef
at least 7 years of cooking experience
at least 3 years of experience in Chinese cuisine
familiarity with Japanese culinary profiles preferred
previous supervisory experience in high-volume kitchens, manufacturing, catering, or restaurant environments preferred
experience in in-flight catering or large-scale food service environments is desirable
strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills
ability to train, mentor, and provide constructive feedback to kitchen staff
proficiency in time management, menu design, and basic computer skills (MS Office)
ERP or production software experience is a plus
servsafe certification preferred
bilingual in mandarin is a plus

Job Qualifications

Associate degree in Culinary Arts or equivalent certification preferred
1-3 years of experience as a Chef or Sous Chef
minimum 7 years of cooking experience
At least 3 years of experience in Chinese cuisine
familiarity with Japanese culinary profiles preferred
Previous supervisory experience in high-volume kitchens, manufacturing, catering, or restaurant environments preferred
Experience in in-flight catering or large-scale food service environments is desirable
Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills
Ability to train, mentor, and provide constructive feedback to kitchen staff
Proficiency in time management, menu design, and basic computer skills (MS Office)
ERP or production software experience is a plus
ServSafe certification preferred
Bilingual in Mandarin is a plus

Job Duties

Assist in designing and preparing meals for Chinese, Taiwanese, and Hong Kong airline customers with knowledge of Japanese culinary profiles
Supervise kitchen operations to ensure food quality, consistency, and adherence to safety and sanitation regulations (FDA, USDA, HACCP)
Manage staffing schedules, assign tasks, and optimize labor for daily production efficiency
Order raw materials, manage inventory, and oversee production to meet customer demand and labor objectives
Train, coach, and mentor kitchen staff on proper food preparation, safety procedures, and work efficiency
Monitor production costs, labor usage, and waste, ensuring compliance with company policies and union agreements
Participate in menu planning, recipe development, and production adjustments as needed for operational improvement