Airline Culinary Lead – In-Flight Kitchen

Gate Gourmet; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

401k with company match

Life insurance

Medical, dental, vision plans

Disability insurance

Voluntary life, accident, and hospital

Employee Assistance Program

Commuter benefits

Employee discounts

Free meals

Job summary

Gate Gourmet in Seattle, WA is seeking an experienced Sous Chef, Operations to assist the Executive Sous Chef, Operations in designing and preparing meals for airline customers. You will lead culinary teams, ensure food safety, and optimize production to meet specifications and schedules.

This role requires 1-3 years as a Chef or Sous Chef and at least 7 years in cooking, with supervisory experience in high-volume food service. ServSafe certification preferred; bilingual a plus.

Qualifications

• Associates degree in the Culinary Arts or certification preferred.
• Minimum 1–3 years as a Chef or Sous Chef; 7+ years as a cook.
• Supervisory experience in high-volume food production environment.

Responsibilities

• Ensure food specifications and labor objectives meet company and customer requirements.
• Supervise department for quality and quantity; ensure items are produced and dated per specs.
• Plan shifts, assign employees, and optimize schedules.
• Order raw materials and produce extra meals as needed.
• Train staff on standard procedures and safety compliance.
• Maintain safety and cleanliness to ensure product quality.
• Oversee daily production of hot and cold kitchens for consistency.
• Ensure wage & hour compliance and proper breaks.
• Coach and discipline employees per union agreements when needed.
• Monitor manpower planning and reduce turnover.
• Ensure proper cost centers and job titles; maintain wage scales via seniority.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary expertise

Food safety

Staff scheduling

Communication

Education

Associate degree in Culinary Arts

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Gate Gourmet in Seattle, WA is seeking an experienced Sous Chef, Operations to assist the Executive Sous Chef, Operations in designing and preparing meals for airline customers. You will lead culinary teams, ensure food safety, and optimize production to meet specifications and schedules.

This role requires 1-3 years as a Chef or Sous Chef and at least 7 years in cooking, with supervisory experience in high-volume food service. ServSafe certification preferred; bilingual a plus.