Commercial Airline Catering - Sous Chef
abbys cateringHouston (TX)
Commercial Airline Catering - Sous Chef
Posted today
abbys cateringHouston (TX)
SENIORITY
Mid
About the role
Sous Chef Position 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.
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
Before you apply
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Your profile is current
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Two examples you can talk through
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A number in mind
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Your notice period
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Once you apply, someone reads it and calls you before anything reaches the employer — usually within two working days.