Private Aviation Kitchen Manager

Abby's Catering•Houston, TX

About The Position

The Private Aviation Kitchen Manager is responsible for leading the daily culinary operations of Abby’s Private Aviation kitchen at IAH. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the consistent execution of high-end, bespoke meals while maintaining the highest standards of food safety, quality, and customer satisfaction. This role provides day-to-day leadership of kitchen staff and will have direct responsibility for ensuring operational excellence, cleanliness, production accuracy, and service delivery aligned with the expectations of VIP, VVIP, and corporate aviation clients. Due to the nature of private aviation, this position requires exceptional flexibility, including the ability to work early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays as operational demands require. A key strategic focus of this position is to drive modernization, structure, and standardization across the Private Aviation kitchen. This includes supporting initiatives such as: Supporting the development and implementation of an online ordering platform Introducing streamlined and sustainable packaging systems Extracting and refining high-end menu offerings from existing recipes and product databases Developing standardized digital workbooks that include recipes, specifications, plating guides, and photographs to ensure consistent execution and easy reproduction Supporting the documentation and systems development needed for future expansion and Dallas operations

Requirements

Culinary degree or equivalent professional experience preferred
Minimum of 5+ years of kitchen leadership experience (private aviation, luxury hospitality, fine dining, or similar preferred)
Strong knowledge of HACCP and food safety systems
Experience with VIP or bespoke catering environments preferred
Proven ability to manage teams and meet tight deadlines
Comfortable working flexible hours, including early mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays
Exceptional attention to detail and quality standards
Strong organizational and time management skills
Calm under pressure and adaptable to last-minute changes
Excellent communication and leadership abilities
Strong standards of cleanliness and discipline
Ability to build and maintain a high-performing team culture
Strong accountability, follow-through, and sense of urgency
Professionalism and discretion at all times
Ability to stand for extended periods
Ability to lift and carry items up to 50 lbs.
Comfortable working in refrigerated and hot kitchen environments

Responsibilities

Manage daily kitchen operations, including production planning, staffing, workflow, and execution
Supervise chefs, cooks, and kitchen support staff to ensure performance and accountability
Ensure all orders are prepared accurately according to client specifications and timelines
Maintain a clean, organized, and audit-ready kitchen environment
Lead by example in professionalism, discretion, and service excellence
Partner with leadership to ensure kitchen operations align with business goals and growth plans
Ensure compliance with HACCP, local food safety regulations, and private aviation standards
Implement and enforce Foreign Object Prevention (FOP/FOD) controls
Oversee allergen management and special dietary requirements
Conduct routine internal audits, inspections, and corrective actions
Maintain documentation including temperature logs, sanitation records, and training records
Ensure proper handling, storage, and labeling practices are consistently followed
Execute bespoke menus for VIP, VVIP, and corporate clients with high attention to detail
Collaborate with clients, flight crews, and internal teams on special requests
Ensure consistency, presentation quality, and portion control
Monitor freshness, shelf life, and flight suitability of food items
Support development of high-end menu enhancements and seasonal offerings
Manage inventory levels, ordering, storage, and organization
Ensure proper labeling, FIFO rotation, and traceability
Work with approved suppliers and monitor product quality and consistency
Control food costs, waste, shrinkage, and spoilage
Support purchasing controls and assist with vendor communication as needed
Ensure all kitchen equipment is clean, functional, and maintained
Report equipment issues and coordinate repairs with maintenance teams
Verify tools and equipment meet aviation safety standards
Ensure proper segregation of food and non-food items
Maintain a safe and efficient work environment
Coordinate with dispatch, drivers, and flight crews to ensure on-time delivery
Verify catering carts, packaging, and sealing before aircraft loading
Ensure correct documentation accompanies each order
Support last-minute changes and AOG (Aircraft on Ground) situations when required
Train staff on food safety, hygiene, FOD prevention, and service standards
Coach and develop team members for performance, compliance, and growth
Enforce dress code and personal hygiene standards consistently
Maintain a culture of accountability and excellence
Maintain strict confidentiality regarding clients and flight operations
Handle feedback, complaints, and special requests professionally
Uphold luxury service standards expected in private aviation
Build strong working relationships with internal partners, FBOs, and aviation stakeholders