Lead Aviation Catering Production Chef

dnata; Brisbane (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) and healthcare

Free meals on shift

Job summary

dnata is seeking a Head Production Chef to lead all kitchen production in a high-volume aviation catering environment, ensuring meals are produced safely, efficiently, and on schedule while meeting airline, regulatory, and financial targets.

You will oversee Sous Chefs, Production Supervisors, and Specialty Cooks, manage production planning, labor rostering, budget alignment, and HACCP compliance, and drive performance improvements across the operation.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of high-volume food production experience with kitchen leadership
• Experience in regulated food environments (HACCP, USDA/FDA, airline catering)
• Strong leadership, budgeting, and strategic planning skills

Responsibilities

• Lead daily production operations across hot and cold kitchens to meet airline schedules
• Translate flight forecasts and production plans into daily and weekly execution strategies
• Develop staff rosters aligned to production forecasts and labor budgets
• Ensure CCP logs are completed and food safety standards met
• Drive continuous improvement in processes, layout, and workflow

Skills

Leadership

Operations Mgmt

Labor planning

Food safety

Process improvement

Cross-functional leadership

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Culinary degree

Job description

dnata is seeking a Head Production Chef to lead all kitchen production in a high-volume aviation catering environment, ensuring meals are produced safely, efficiently, and on schedule while meeting airline, regulatory, and financial targets.

You will oversee Sous Chefs, Production Supervisors, and Specialty Cooks, manage production planning, labor rostering, budget alignment, and HACCP compliance, and drive performance improvements across the operation.