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 flexibil