EXECUTIVE CHEF - AMEX Centurion Lounge - SFO Airport

Compass Group USA; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Compass Group USA, through its FLIK division, seeks an Executive Chef for the AMEX Centurion Lounge at San Francisco International Airport to lead culinary excellence in a premium lounge setting. This role requires hands-on leadership, a strategic vision for elevated dining, and a proven ability to control costs while maintaining outstanding food quality and sanitation standards.

You will guide a culinary team, develop menus, and ensure guest satisfaction in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3+ years in culinary management within fine dining or premium hospitality.
• Experience leading high-volume production and catering operations.
• Strong food cost controls, budgeting, purchasing, and inventory management.
• Extensive knowledge of culinary trends, sanitation, and presentation.
• Working knowledge of HACCP.
• Culinary degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing culinary team.
• Execute fresh, creative, and elevated menus with a focus on quality, consistency, and presentation.
• Oversee culinary operations, including inventory, purchasing, ordering, receiving, and production.
• Manage food costs, budgets, and operational performance.
• Maintain highest standards of food safety, sanitation, and quality.
• Stay ahead of culinary trends and bring fresh ideas to the operation.
• Partner cross-functionally to enhance guest experience.
• Champion sustainability and responsible culinary practices.
• Create an exceptional dining experience that keeps guests at the heart of the brand.

Skills

Culinary management

Fine dining

High-volume production

Food cost controls

HACCP

P&L accountability

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

Salary: 115000 - 120000 / yearly

Other Forms of Compensation: Bonus

What makes FLIK click

What makes FLIK click? Our people. The decisions, actions and attitudes of our associates earn the trust and loyalty of our clients every day. We know how to pick them and we know how to grow them. It starts with hiring people who share our passion for food and hospitality. Once we find the right talent, we encourage, value and recognize their contributions. We keep our people renewed, excited and engaged by providing hands‑on training and educating them about the latest trends. We give them a stake in successfully raising the bar. Our people love what they do and they love sharing their passion. Join our team and see the FLIK difference. Where a job isn’t merely a job but the start of a career where you can flourish.

Job Summary

This is more than an Executive Chef opportunity. It’s a chance to lead culinary excellence in one of the most recognized premium airport lounge experiences.

Join FLIK, a division of Compass Group USA, as the Executive Chef for the AMEX Centurion Lounge at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and bring your culinary vision, leadership, and passion for exceptional hospitality to an elevated, fast‑paced environment serving travelers from around the world.

At FLIK, we don’t simply serve meals. We create memorable culinary experiences. As Executive Chef, you’ll have the opportunity to lead and inspire a talented culinary team, deliver fresh and innovative menus, and ensure every plate reflects the quality and attention to detail guests expect from a premium lounge experience.

We are seeking a growth‑minded, hands‑on culinary leader who thrives in a high‑volume environment and is passionate about food, people, innovation, and exceptional service. You will oversee the overall success of the culinary and food service operation while creating a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a high‑performing culinary team
• Execute fresh, creative, and elevated menus with a focus on quality, consistency, and presentation
• Oversee all culinary operations, including inventory, purchasing, ordering, receiving, and production
• Manage food costs, budgets, and operational performance
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, and quality
• Stay ahead of culinary and hospitality trends while bringing fresh ideas to the operation
• Partner cross‑functionally to introduce new culinary concepts and enhance the guest experience
• Champion sustainability and responsible culinary practices
• Create an exceptional dining experience that keeps guests at the heart of everything we do

Preferred Qualifications

• Three or more years of culinary management experience within fine dining, premium hospitality, restaurants, or contract foodservice
• Experience leading high‑volume culinary production and/or catering operations
• Strong understanding of food cost controls, budgeting, purchasing, and inventory management
• Extensive knowledge of culinary trends, quality standards, production, sanitation, and presentation
• Working knowledge of HACCP
• Experience with exhibition and batch cooking
• Knowledge of P&L accountability and contract‑managed services is desirable
• Culinary degree preferred