Assembly Cold Kitchen

Dnata Travel Group; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

dnata Catering is seeking a Cold Kitchen Assembly team member in Houston to meticulously prepare and assemble cold food items for airline passengers. You will follow standardized recipes, portion controls, and maintain strict food safety practices in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities include inventory, proper storage, and timely production for flight catering, with emphasis on accuracy, teamwork, and adherence to temperature control protocols.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a high school diploma or GED preferred.
• At least one year of experience in food preparation.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to HACCP/GMP and dnata sanitation and food safety policies.
• Read charts and work orders to determine items to assemble or package.
• Portion and garnish foods, inspect for contamination.
• Return unused items to storage following dating and rotation standards.
• Prepare and organize salads, desserts, rolls, and other cold items.
• Load completed meal trays for transport to aircraft.
• Work in cold environments (35–40°F).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Food prep

Organization

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Time management

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

15850 Vickery Dr, Houston, TX 77032, USA

Job Description

Posted Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 6:00 AM

dnata is one of the world’s largest air services providers. Established in 1959, the company ensures the aviation industry operates smoothly and efficiently in 127 airports. Offering ground handling, cargo, travel, and flight catering services in 35 countries across six continents, dnata is a trusted partner for over 300 airline customers around the world. Each day, the company handles over 1,900 flights, moves over 8,500 tons of cargo, books over 16,000 hotel stays, and uplifts over 320,000 meals.

As a Cold Kitchen Assembly team member for dnata catering, your role is to meticulously prepare and assemble a variety of cold food items for airline passengers. You will be responsible for following standardized recipes and portioning guidelines to ensure consistency and quality in the final products. Your expertise in food handling and hygiene practices will be crucial in maintaining the highest standards of food safety and sanitation throughout the preparation process. This includes proper storage and labeling of ingredients, as well as strict adherence to temperature control protocols. Additionally, you will collaborate closely with the culinary team to understand their menu requirements and ensure timely production and delivery of cold food items. Your attention to detail and organizational skills will be essential in managing inventory levels, tracking product performance, and identifying opportunities for process improvements. Overall, your role as a cold kitchen assembly team member contributes significantly to the delivery of exceptional food experiences for airline passengers, ensuring that they receive delicious and meticulously prepared cold food items during their flights.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Adhere to all unit-specific entry procedures for buildings and work areas, including proper attire and full compliance with HACCP/GMP personal hygiene standards and security requirements.
• Read and interpret instructional charts, diagrams, and work orders to determine the type and quantity of food items and supplies to be assembled or packaged into trays or containers.
• Comply with all HACCP/GMP and dnata sanitation and food safety policies and procedures.
• Portion and garnish prepared foods, including meats and vegetables, into individual serving dishes while inspecting items for foreign objects or contamination.
• Properly return unused food items and supplies to designated storage areas or dispose of them according to established procedures, ensuring compliance with product dating and rotation standards.
• Retrieve portioned salads, desserts, rolls, cream, and other cold food items from refrigeration or pantry areas and position them at designated workstations to support efficient meal tray assembly.
• Load completed meal trays into airline carts or containers for transport to aircraft.
• Work regularly in cold environments with temperatures ranging from 35–40 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Minimum of a high school diploma or GED preferred.
• At least one year of experience in food preparation.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Flexible schedule required, including holidays, early mornings, evenings, nights, and weekends.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills.
• High level of attention to detail.
• Ability to perform effectively under tight deadlines.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong prioritization skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is continuously asked to multi‑task under time limits. Position requires constant attention to precise details and accuracy of specified standards including following simple to complex (more than 3 steps) instructions, and concentration which frequently extends beyond 30 minutes at a time. This position also requires constant attendance and punctuality - is consistently at work and on time. Follows instructions, responds to management direction; takes responsibility for own actions; completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan. Meets productivity standards; completes work in timely manner; strives to increase productivity; works quickly.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 30 pounds. Safety and Security - observes safety and security procedures; reports potentially unsafe conditions; use equipment and materials properly.

Work environment

• The essential functions of this position are performed indoors. The noise level in the work environment can range from minimal to loud. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to extreme cold (35‑40 Degree)

We believe that diversity and inclusion are fundamental to creating a strong workplace and community. At dnata, we’re proud that our workforce is as diverse as the customers we serve. And we’re committed to nurturing your talent with mentoring, volunteer and professional development opportunities. We welcome everyone. Our employee resource groups are one of the many ways we champion diversity and inclusion at dnata.

Notice Regarding Background Checks in California

Pursuant to the California Investigative Consumer Reporting Agencies Act (Cal. Civ. Code §1786 et seq.), dnata Catering may obtain an investigative consumer report (background check) on applicants or employees for employment purposes. Such a report may include information about your character, general reputation, personal characteristics, or mode of living.

You have the right, upon written request, to receive a copy of any report obtained and a summary of your rights under California law. You also have the right to inspect or obtain a copy of your file maintained by the consumer reporting agency that prepares such reports, as provided under Cal. Civ. Code §1786.22.

15850 Vickery Dr, Houston, TX 77032, USA