We recruit the best talent and invest in their ongoing development, through training and mentoring. We provide opportunities to work across our national network. dnata catering U.S. is looking for a Executive Sous Chef to join our Houston team supporting the IAH airport.

POSITION SUMMARY As the Executive Sous Chef for dnata Catering, you will play a vital role in assisting the Executive Chef in overseeing culinary operations while ensuring the delivery of exceptional food experiences to airline passengers. You will lead and manage a dedicated team of chefs, cooks, and kitchen staff in the preparation, cooking, and presentation of high-quality meals. Your collaboration with the culinary team will be essential in developing innovative and diverse menus that cater to the specific dietary requirements and preferences of airline passengers.

What We Offer

• Salary Range: This salary range and is influenced by the level of experience. When calculating the base pay, we take into account various factors such as location, qualifications, training, and experience as part of the overall compensation package.
•Comprehensive Benefits Package:  Full-time employees are eligible for 401(k) and healthcare benefits including Medical, Dental & Vision
• Complimentary Daily Meals: Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner during your shift

Why Join dnata Catering?

• Purpose-Driven Work: Be part of a mission to deliver on the promises our customers make, guided by our values of safety, respect, teamwork, and innovation.
• Career Growth & Recognition: Accelerate your career with structured development programs, mentorship, and our Najm recognition platform that celebrates performance and service excellence.
• Inclusive Culture: Thrive in a collaborative, people-first environment where your voice matters, your contributions are valued, and your future is supported.

Accepting applications until:  9/15/2025

• Assisting in maintaining the highest standards of food quality, safety, and hygiene, adhering strictly to industry regulations.
• Supporting menu planning, recipe development, and culinary techniques to create memorable dining experiences for passengers while optimizing efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Overseeing inventory management, supplier relationships, and budgeting to ensure smooth operations and profitability.
• Developing and implementing Standard Operating Procedures to increase productivity and control labor costs.
• Ensuring compliance with food ready times (FRT) and exact quantities (order numbers).
• Facilitating effective internal communication through shift meetings and group discussions.
• Conducting research on formulas and processing procedures for new food products in collaboration with the R&D Manager.
• Testing food modalities and quality to ensure excellence in offerings.
• Collaborating with the Purchasing Department to ensure all required materials are sourced and available to meet production needs.
• Ensuring the receiving department consistently fulfills requisition orders.
• Standardizing the productive standard portfolio, including methods for preserving food hygiene.
• Working with Operations to follow project timelines and launch new concepts.
• Training, coaching, and providing on-the-job training for staff to enhance their skills and efficiency

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

• Other duties as assigned by management. 

• Expert culinary skills with experience in Michelin-starred restaurants or highly reputable institutions.
• Knowledge of global raw materials (foods) and experience in creating balanced new menus.
• Proven ability to create exquisite culinary art, focusing on taste, creativity, and presentation.
• At least five (5) years of experience in high-volume food production and prior airline catering experience.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with clients and communicate effectively internally and externally.
• Culinary expertise in International Cuisine.
• Experience with process improvements and lean manufacturing principles.
• Computer competency with Microsoft Office.
• Valid food handler's certificate or equivalent.
• Multi-lingual abilities are a plus. Communication

Incident response

Ensure threats, knives and breaches are handled in a timely manner and investigated properly to determine root cause and corrective action.

Intellectual/Social demands:

While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is continuously asked to multi-task under time limits.  Position requires constant attention to precise details and accuracy of specified standards including following simple to complex (more than 3 steps) instructions, and concentration which frequently extends beyond 30 minutes at a time. This position also requires constant attendance and punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time. Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan. Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly.

Physical demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 30 pounds. Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Use equipment and materials properly.

Work environment:

The essential functions of this position are performed indoors. The noise level in the work environment can range from minimal to loud

dnata’s Competencies Required to be Successful in the Job:

There are two aspects to working as effectively as we can: our people and our results. Our eight competencies are designed to help you focus on these aspects:

dnata Catering’s Core Values

At dnata Catering, our people and operations are guided by six global values that shape how we work every day:
• Safety – We put the well-being of our people and operations first, encouraging everyone to speak up for safety.
• Performance-Driven – We set ambitious goals and consistently strive to exceed them.
• Respect – We care for our people, our environment, and our brand, treating everyone with dignity.
• Service Excellence – We deliver reliable, high-quality service in every interaction.
• Delighting Customers – We create extraordinary experiences that go beyond expectations.
• Imagination – We embrace innovation and adapt to meet the needs of tomorrow.

What This Means for You
Joining dnata Catering means being part of a people-first culture that values respect, quality, and innovation. Our teams work together to deliver outstanding culinary experiences, solve problems proactively, and continuously improve to serve our airline customers worldwide.