Sous Chef

DNATA US Inflight Catering • Houston, TX

14h

About The Position

As a Sous Chef at dnata Catering, you will help create meals for airline passengers and work closely with the Head Chef to oversee food preparation, cooking, plating, and other kitchen operations. You will apply culinary techniques, menu-planning knowledge, and food-safety practices to ensure meals meet quality standards and are delivered on time. You will also lead and train culinary employees, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.

The role oversees hot and cold food production, maintains safe and sanitary kitchen conditions, controls food and labor costs, and supports continuous improvement in culinary standards, systems, quality, and expenses. The Sous Chef is responsible for culinary operations when the Executive Chef is absent.

Requirements

• Minimum of an Associate’s Degree and two years in the culinary field, or appropriate continuing-education experience and relevant work experience.
• At least two years of experience as a Sous Chef.
• At least two years of experience in a kitchen environment.
• At least two years of experience in a supervisory role.
• Valid food handler’s certificate or equivalent; must meet applicable state and local certification requirements. Texas requires a Food Handler Certificate within 60 days of hire.
• Knowledge of major kitchen equipment and appliances, and ability to operate ovens, stoves, grills, steamers, smokers, mixers, kettles, char-broilers, and other kitchen equipment.
• Ability to identify and properly use small kitchen wares.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP and sanitation standards.
• Ability to follow grooming standards established by Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Ability to recognize and use liquid and dry weights and measurements.
• Knowledge of accounting and cost-control principles.
• Ability to supervise and manage employees, including training, progressive discipline, and hiring.
• Knowledge of purchasing food items and small wares.
• Knowledge and skills in diverse culinary techniques, including Arabic ethnic cuisine, cold displays, sauces, protein cutting, plate presentation, and sanitation.
• Skill in volume production and hands-on cooking.
• Ability to perform the basic math needed to execute recipes.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multitask.
• Ability to work extended hours productively.
• Understanding of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout employment without current or future sponsorship from dnata Catering USA.

Responsibilities

• Produce daily preparation and production lists according to airline specifications.
• Direct and mentor culinary employees to improve their education, morale, and productivity.
• Lead by example in food quality, organization, professionalism, and sanitation, reflecting the Executive Chef’s philosophy.
• Maintain and enforce safe and sanitary working conditions, including proper equipment and hazardous-material practices and compliance with applicable food-auditing requirements.
• Assist with ordering perishable food and non-food supplies.
• Control waste through appropriate ordering and production calculations.
• Assist in creating and documenting new recipes.
• Promote continuous improvement in culinary standards, quality, systems, and financial expenses.
• Oversee all culinary operations in the Executive Chef’s absence.
• Monitor employee schedules and supervise temporary labor check-in and check-out; train culinary employees in proper clock-in and clock-out procedures.
• Oversee production of hot and cold foods.
• Supervise culinary staff consistently with the company’s Human Resource Policies and Procedures.
• Help ensure workplace safety and report potential hazards to the General Manager and Human Resources.
• Promptly report and document work-related injuries and illnesses to department management on duty.
• Control food and labor costs.
• Ensure culinary staff follow proper uniform, hair-restraint, and sanitation practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Full-time employees are eligible for a 401(k) and healthcare benefits, including medical, dental, and vision.
• Complimentary breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the shift.
• Mentoring, volunteer, and professional development opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree