Commercial Airline Catering - Sous Chef

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