Executive Chef

SkyChefs; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 86,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage

Employer-paid life insurance and AD&D

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Free meals and parking

Job summary

SkyChefs is seeking a Head Chef to lead daily kitchen operations at our Santa Ana site, reporting to the Executive Chef. You will mentor Sous Chefs, uphold high standards of food quality, safety, and presentation, and drive continuous improvement in a fast-paced, team-driven environment.

You will oversee hot and cold production, partner with culinary leaders on new menus, manage labor costs, and help deliver exceptional guest experiences across SkyChefs' aviation and retail services.

Qualifications

• Five years of experience in commercial cooking.
• Apprenticeship or Graduation from an accredited culinary school.
• Additional certifications (e.g. diet chef, industrial chef) or equivalent professional experience preferred.
• American Culinary Federation certification a plus.
• Knowledge of food and hygiene regulations (e.g., HACCP).

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise hot and cold food production in a high-volume environment.
• Ensure recipes, food quality standards, and presentation meet expectations.
• Monitor production levels, inventory, and supplies to keep operations running smoothly.
• Partner with culinary leaders to develop new menu items and trends.
• Coach, train, and develop kitchen team members for growth.
• Support menu tastings, presentations, and events for internal and customer audiences.
• Maintain organized storage and proper stock rotation to minimize waste.
• Champion food safety and workplace safety standards.
• Verify quality of ingredients from suppliers.
• Foster a positive, inclusive team culture aligned with Sky Chefs values.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Food safety

Team training

Education

Diploma / degree from accredited culinary school

American Culinary Federation certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Windows-based applications

Job description

Job Title:Executive Chef
Job Location:Santa Ana-USA-92626
Work Location Type:On-Site
Salary Range:$86,417.73 - 108,021.41

About us

Since 1942, SkyChefs has taken culinary excellence to new heights. As a trusted partner to the nation’s leading airlines and retailers, we proudly deliver millions of meals and exceptional service experiences every year across 43 sites throughout the United States. Built on a legacy of operational excellence, culinary expertise, and continuous innovation, we are committed to setting the industry standard in aviation culinary, airline services, last-mile logistics, and retail commerce. From the kitchen to the runway, our teams work together to deliver quality, reliability, and service at every altitude. Our people are the heart of everything we do. At SkyChefs, a career is more than a job – it’s an opportunity to grow, lead, and make an impact in a fast-paced, team-driven environment. Join America’s first, foremost, and finest and take your career to new heights.

The Opportunity

The Head Chef plays a vital leadership role at SkyChefs, helping drive a culture built on teamwork, excellence, and a commitment to delivering exceptional service to our airline customers. Working closely with the Executive Chef, the Head Chef helps lead daily kitchen operations, supports and develops culinary teams, and ensures the highest standards of food quality, safety, and consistency. When the Executive Chef is away, the Head Chef seamlessly steps in to lead the operation, ensuring business continuity and a positive team environment. This role also serves as the primary leader for Sous Chefs, providing coaching, guidance, and support while fostering a collaborative workplace where employees can grow and succeed. For someone passionate about food, people, and operational excellence, the Head Chef role offers a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful impact every day.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage starting Day 1
• Employer‑paid life insurance and AD&D benefits
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Free meals and parking
• Career growth opportunities with a global organization

How You'll Make a Difference

In this role, you will:

• Lead and support hot and cold food production teams in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Ensure recipes, food quality standards, and presentation expectations are consistently met.
• Monitor production levels, inventory, and food supplies to keep operations running smoothly and efficiently.
• Partner with culinary leaders to develop new menu items and bring fresh ideas and food trends into the operation.
• Help resolve customer concerns by identifying solutions and driving continuous improvement.
• Coach, train, and develop kitchen team members to build skills, confidence, and career growth.
• Support menu tastings, presentations, and special events for internal and customer audiences.
• Maintain organized food storage areas and ensure proper product rotation to minimize waste.
• Champion food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards at all times.
• Verify the quality of ingredients and products received from suppliers.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performing team culture that reflects Sky Chefs' values.
• Help manage labor, food, and operational costs while supporting efficiency and productivity goals.
• Encourage innovation and continuous improvement by identifying new ideas, best practices, and opportunities to enhance the guest experience.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support quality initiatives, employee engagement, and operational excellence.

What You Bring to the Table

• Five years of experience in commercial cooking.
• Apprenticeship or Graduation from an accredited culinary school
• Additional certifications (e.g. diet chef, industrial chef, design chef,) or equivalent professional experience preferred
• Certification with the American Culinary Federation a plus
• Knowledge of food and hygiene regulations (example: HACCP)
• Good communication and organizational skills
• Service orientation
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office and Windows-based computer applications
  

SkyChefs is an EEO and Assertive Action Employer of Women/Minorities/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.