Executive Chef – Airline Catering (Houston)

Abby; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Abby in Houston, TX seeks an Executive Chef – Airline Catering to lead our IAH hot kitchen team. This is a hands-on, full-time executive role reporting to the Corporate Executive Chef, with direct reports including sous chefs, line cooks, and kitchen helpers.

You will drive food safety, labor and food cost controls, mentor staff, and ensure top-tier culinary standards for international airline clients. Proficiency in English/Spanish preferred; EOS/LMA mindset required; be on the floor daily and

Qualifications

• Airline Catering Experience: Mandatory leadership in a high-volume airline catering facility.
• Hands-on operator who thrives on the line and teaches by example.
• Deep familiarity with the EOS/LMA framework or strong alignment with its principles.
• Clear, direct communicator capable of motivating a diverse kitchen workforce.
• Experience with labor cost targets and food cost calculations is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and hold the kitchen team accountable (LMA) from the floor during peak production.
• Provide hands-on leadership on the line, coaching cooks and sous chefs.
• Mentor and develop staff into autonomous leaders and manage talent gaps.
• Drive talent recruitment through practical test kitchen auditions and select top talent.
• Oversee menu development, batch recipe execution, and yield management.

Skills

Leadership

Hands-on leadership

EOS/LMA

Staff coaching

Hiring & talent development

Tools

Paylocity

Inventory management tools

Job description

Abby in Houston, TX seeks an Executive Chef – Airline Catering to lead our IAH hot kitchen team. This is a hands-on, full-time executive role reporting to the Corporate Executive Chef, with direct reports including sous chefs, line cooks, and kitchen helpers.

You will drive food safety, labor and food cost controls, mentor staff, and ensure top-tier culinary standards for international airline clients. Proficiency in English/Spanish preferred; EOS/LMA mindset required; be on the floor daily and