Commercial Airline Catering - Sous Chef

Abby's Catering; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Abby’s Catering in Houston, TX is seeking a Sous Chef to lead daily hot and cold production in a 24/7 airline catering environment. You will partner with the Executive Chef to maintain HACCP compliance, safety standards, and on-time flight departures.

You will oversee line cooks and prep staff, train crews, and drive efficiency while upholding quality and safety across all shifts. Fluent English/Spanish is a plus and ServSafe certification is required.

Qualifications

• 3+ years culinary leadership experience in high-volume environments.
• Ability to thrive in cold-room production down to 36°F for extended periods.
• Rotating shifts, weekends and holiday availability required.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred.
• Ability to read/interpret airline plating instructions and batch recipes.
• Computer skills including Microsoft Office and basic production systems.
• Reliable, proactive and able to work independently.
• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Culinary Arts certificate or degree preferred.
• Aviation or airline catering experience a strong plus.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.—no sponsorship available.
• Food Handler / Food Safety Manager Certification required (ServSafe or equivalent).

Responsibilities

• Lead, train, and supervise culinary crews for high-performance execution.
• Conduct daily production planning and coordinate prep by flight schedules.
• Verify compliance with recipes, portion standards, and plating instructions.
• Deliver finished products on time to meet Kitchen Departure Times for all flights.
• Control costs through portion control, waste reduction, FIFO, and labor oversight.
• Provide food safety and plating technique training to front-line staff.
• Maintain a clean, organized production environment across shifts.
• Promote teamwork, communication, and a positive work culture.
• Support menu launches, production tests, and airline programs.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Team management

Bilingual English/Spanish

Strong communication

Organizational skills

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Culinary Arts certification (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Production systems

Job description

Description

ABOUT US

Abby’s Catering is the longest-standing in-flight and corporate catering company in Houston, proudly serving the Houston & Dallas Metro markets. We specialize in chef-crafted cuisine using locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. Our reputation is built on exceptional service, impeccable food safety, and a memorable customer experience with every flight.

We are committed to maintaining the highest standards in quality, safety, accountability, and teamwork — and we are looking for leaders who share these values.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Sous Chef leads daily hot & cold culinary production to ensure all Abby’s Catering menu items meet quality, safety, and airline presentation standards. This position collaborates with the Executive Chef to maintain HACCP compliance and short‑order operations within a 24/7 environment.

Supports: Culinary Production Team
Direct Reports: Line Cooks, Prep Cooks, Production Assistants

SAFETY & COMPLIANCE

• Maintain daily compliance with all Food Safety, HACCP, and traceability standards


• Ensure accurate logs, conduct audits, and document/resolve deviations promptly


• Enforce sanitation and personal hygiene policies across production teams


• Maintain a hazard‑free workspace and uphold safety protocols at all times


• Ensure aviation regulatory and airline‑specific standards are met consistently
  

EQUIPMENT & MAINTENANCE SUPPORT

• Oversee correct handling, cleaning, and sanitation of all kitchen equipment and tools


• Ensure equipment and workspaces are cleaned, sanitized, and properly stored


• Report equipment issues promptly and ensure corrective actions are completed


• Support workflow improvements and kitchen efficiency initiatives
  

DUTIES

• Lead, train, and supervise culinary crews for high-performance execution


• Conduct daily production meetings and coordinate prep priorities by flight schedules


• Verify compliance with recipes, portion standards, and plating instructions


• Deliver finished products on time to meet Kitchen Departure Times for all flights


• Control cost through portion control, waste reduction, FIFO rotation, and labor oversight


• Provide food safety and plating technique training to front-line staff


• Maintain a clean, organized production environment across all shifts


• Promote teamwork, communication, and a positive work culture


• Support menu launches, production tests, and special airline programs


• Perform additional responsibilities assigned by the Executive Chef
  

OUR MISSION & CORE VALUES

Abby’s Catering aims to remain the leading in-flight and corporate catering company in the Houston & Dallas Metro markets by sourcing locally, prioritizing food safety, and operating responsibly and efficiently.

We live by CATCH — Our Core Values:

• Customer Service — Deliver excellence with every flight


• Accountability — Own results and commitments


• Teamwork — Collaborate to win


• Competitiveness — Strive for the highest standards


• Honesty — Act with integrity and respect

Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• 3+ years culinary leadership experience in high-volume environments


• Ability to thrive in cold-room production as low as 36°F for extended periods


• Rotating shifts, weekends, and holiday availability required


• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills


• Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred


• Ability to read/interpret airline plating instructions and batch recipes


• Computer skills including Microsoft Office and basic production systems


• Reliable, proactive, and able to work independently


• High School Diploma or equivalent required


• Culinary Arts certificate or degree preferred


• Aviation or airline catering experience a strong plus


• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. — no sponsorship available


• Food Handler / Food Safety Manager Certification required (ServSafe or equivalent)
  

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Cold-room and hot production spaces


• Fast-paced, deadline-driven aviation operation


• Standing for long periods and moderate-to-heavy lifting required


• Exposure to carts, sharp tools, and high-traffic areas


• 24/7 operation with shift flexibility essential