Senior Catering Cook - Aviation & Corporate Catering

The Senior Cook position is a senior-level culinary production role for team members who have demonstrated mastery of all basic cook responsibilities. These are experts in inflight catering tray and bulk production, corporate catering, and (where applicable) BNI full-service setups. While not a formal manager, the Senior Cook serves as a mentor and trainer to junior cooks, helping lead kitchen quality and consistency under the direction of the Sous Chef or Chef.

Key Responsibilities:

- Execute all inflight catering tray types and bulk meals independently with zero errors

- Produce corporate and buffet-style catering items to spec

- Train and mentor new cooks on tray setup, garnishes, portioning, and labeling

- Assist in leading kitchen stations during large-scale production or peak service periods

- Step into any station to support shift readiness across breakfast, lunch, or dinner production

- Review prep lists, par sheets, and tray layout instructions with junior staff

- Assist with prep list creation and order prioritization during production planning

- Support protein fabrication and butchery tasks under supervision

- Provide backup to Sous Chef during peak hours, callouts, or event ramp-up

Experience with the following preferred:

- All inflight tray types: cheese, sandwich, fruit, NetJets, crudité, breakfast, bulk, soup

- Corporate catering line setups and BNI presentation expectations

- Cold and hot food safe handling and temperature ranges

- Garnish kits, labeling standards, and catering documentation (tail numbers, tray count, allergens)

- Basic protein fabrication skills and safe handling practices

Performance Expectations:

- Holds high standards of quality, cleanliness, labeling, and food safety

- Supports tray and bulk item accuracy, garnish consistency, and packaging integrity

- Demonstrates initiative and ownership without needing direct supervision

- Builds strong relationships with logistics, Expo/QA, Guest Services, and rest of kitchen team

Catering Exposure: Hands-on experience with large scale production, including prep and sanitation protocols.

People Skills: Demonstrated ability to maintain composure, communicate clearly under stress, and resolve conflicts amicably.

Physical Stamina: Comfortable standing for extended periods and lifting up to 45 lbs.

Accountable: Able to work independently with minimal supervision, stay organized, and anticipate needs before they arise.

Life Learner: Eager to learn, experiment, and refine techniques—embracing the unexpected with confidence and creativity.

Position Requirements:

- Minimum 5 years of professional kitchen or catering experience; Culinary school graduate or professional cooking experience commensurate with 2–4 years in the industry (excluding fast-food restaurants)

- ServSafe Manager (required); Allergen certification (required); *ServSafe certification classes are also offered in-house

- Strong plating and presentation skills for inflight, buffet, and boxed catering