Risevoic
Airline Lounges Executive Chef
Company : Sodexo
Location : San Francisco, CA, 94125
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 2 January 2026
Role Overview
SodexoLive! is seeking an Executive Chef who will support the exclusive Cathay Pacific Lounge at the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in San Francisco, CA. Our airport lounges are dedicated spaces for passengers to relax and rejuvenate while awaiting their next adventure. Join our team of experience-makers and food fanatics and be part of creating memorable experiences!
Excellent quality of life! Lots of room to grow! Benefits available day one, with 3 weeks paid vacation to start!
What You'll Do
- develop long-term culinary innovation strategies and culinary standards that balance consumer and client expectations with pre-determined financial goals;
- create customized and distinct culinary experiences through comprehensive knowledge of global cuisines;
- formulate, write, and collaborate on all client partner seasonal menus, signature and curated items;
- utilize agreed Sodexo food management and transformation platforms;
- provide coaching, mentoring and balanced feedback to all culinary team members;
- support pre-openings, openings, re-starts and new seasonal menu launches;
What We Offer
Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:
- Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
- 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
- Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
- Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement
More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.
What You Bring
- a strong culinary background, with the demonstrated ability to stay current with new culinary trends;
- 2-3 years minimum experience in a recognized concept or hospitality location;
- excellent leadership and communication skills with the ability to maintain the highest of culinary standards;
- strong coaching and employee development skills; and/or
- have a passion for food and innovation.
Who We Are
At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.
Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.
Qualifications & Requirements
Minimum Education Requirement - Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience
Minimum Management Experience - 3 years
Minimum Functional Experience - 3 years work experience in food or culinary services including restaurants, fast food, vending, catering services, institutional services, mall food courts, etc.
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Frequently asked questions
An Airline Lounges Executive Chef in San Francisco focuses on crafting exclusive, globally-inspired menus tailored for frequent travelers, balancing high culinary standards with quick service. Unlike hotel chefs, they must align with aviation regulations and client brand expectations, ensuring seamless and memorable dining experiences within airport lounge environments.
Expertise in global cuisines and menu innovation is vital, along with leadership in coaching culinary teams. Familiarity with food management platforms and the ability to adapt quickly to seasonal changes while maintaining quality standards are key skills for managing dynamic airport lounge kitchens.
Progression can lead to regional culinary leadership or corporate chef roles within hospitality or airline catering sectors. Experience here opens doors to managing multiple lounge locations or directing culinary innovation across broader airport or hospitality networks.
Sodexo offers tuition reimbursement, structured mentoring, and leadership development programs, fostering culinary innovation and career progression. Their culture values diversity and inclusion, providing a platform for chefs to expand skills while contributing to unique dining experiences.
Challenges include balancing high culinary standards with operational constraints of airport security and timing. Coordinating pre-openings, seasonal menu launches, and maintaining food quality under fluctuating passenger volumes requires adaptability and strong team mentorship.
San Francisco's culinary scene is highly competitive, with growing demand for chefs skilled in international cuisines and hospitality innovation. Airline catering roles are niche, offering unique opportunities but requiring strong leadership and culinary adaptability to stand out.
While a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience is standard, certifications in food safety, hospitality management, or specialized culinary arts enhance a candidate’s profile. Knowledge of sustainable practices and global cuisine trends is also highly valued in this market.
Executive chefs in San Francisco airport lounges typically earn between $85,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, culinary expertise, and leadership skills. Sodexo’s compensation also factors in education and relevant certifications, with competitive benefits included.
Sodexo emphasizes a balanced mix of culinary innovation and employee development, fostering inclusive environments. They prioritize coaching and mentoring, ensuring chefs contribute creatively while maintaining operational excellence within exclusive airport lounge settings.
This role requires close collaboration with client partners like Cathay Pacific to produce tailored seasonal menus that reflect both brand identity and passenger preferences. Chefs must blend culinary creativity with strict adherence to financial and quality benchmarks.