Sous Chef, Operations (Cold Food)

gategroup is a leading global provider of airline catering and provisioning services, dedicated to delivering exceptional food and beverage experiences for airline customers worldwide. With a strong focus on quality, safety, and innovation, gategroup operates state-of-the-art catering facilities and employs skilled culinary professionals who work together to enhance the journey of millions of travelers. The company prides itself on its commitment to excellence, integrity, and teamwork, fostering a supportive and dynamic work environment for all employees. As an integral part of the airline industry, gategroup continually adapts to evolving customer needs and regulatory requirements, ensuring compliance with governmental standards such as FDA, USDA, and HAACP, while maintaining high standards for food production and service.

The role of Sous Chef, Operations at gategroup is pivotal in bridging the gap between culinary creativity and operational efficiency. Reporting to the Executive Sous Chef or Executive Chef, the Sous Chef, Operations plays an essential leadership role in designing and preparing meals specifically catered to meet the unique demands of airline customers. This position involves providing expert culinary guidance, promoting high standards of food quality, and ensuring that all food safety and sanitation protocols are strictly followed. The Sous Chef works closely with Food Supervisors to drive food production efforts, oversee daily operations within the kitchen, and manage a team of culinary professionals.

This full-time role requires a dedicated individual with strong leadership skills, capable of managing production schedules, supervising kitchen staff, and optimizing resources to meet both quality and labor objectives. The Sous Chef, Operations will be responsible for managing a team that could include up to 40 employees, ensuring that meals are prepared and packaged according to detailed company specifications and that all regulatory standards are met. Key responsibilities include scheduling and optimizing staff shifts, ordering raw materials, preparing production sheets, and maintaining cleanliness and safety throughout the production process. Additionally, the Sous Chef coaches and mentors employees to foster professional growth and reduce turnover, while also ensuring compliance with wage and hour policies and collective bargaining agreements where applicable.

Success in this role demands excellent organizational skills, the ability to work efficiently under pressure in a fast-paced environment, and a strong commitment to continuous improvement. The Sous Chef must possess the capability to provide constructive feedback, implement positive program changes, and innovate menu designs when appropriate. Proficiency with basic computer applications and familiarity with Microsoft Office products are also beneficial. This position involves physical demands such as standing for extended periods, lifting heavy items, and working in conditions that may include exposure to noise and varying temperatures commonly found in large production kitchens. Travel up to 25 percent may be required, underscoring the dynamic nature of this role.

At gategroup, employees embody the company's core values of excellence, integrity, passion, and accountability. Working in this role offers the opportunity to be part of a global team focused on making travel and culinary memories for millions of passengers. With a commitment to workforce diversity and a supportive work culture, gategroup encourages motivated culinary professionals to apply and contribute to the company’s ongoing success and innovation in airline catering.