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Airline Lounges Sous Chef / Kitchen Manager
Company : Sodexo
Location : Los Angeles, CA, 90045
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 11 January 2026
Role Overview
Sodexo's Airline Lounge Segment has an exciting opportunity for a seasoned Sous Chef / Kitchen Manager to join the elite team of professionals who will operate the Qantas Airlines Lounges at Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles, CA. We are seeking a talented individual who will commit to the challenges of creating and delivering a culinary-driven, upscale experience within a thoughtfully designed travel oasis. The ideal Chef candidate will have an eclectic menu knowledge and upscale to fine-dining experience, with a strong background in high volume catering and events execution. This is a hands-on Chef role requiring previous experience managing upscale food production. High volume, scratch kitchen background from Hotels or Restaurants is preferred.
Excellent quality of life! Lots of room to grow! Benefits available day one, with 3 weeks paid vacation to start!
Must be able to pass a TSA background check and obtain an airport badge.
What You'll Do
The successful candidate will:
- be responsible for purchasing, menu compliance, inventory, food cost analysis and food production forecasting;
- ensure Sodexo Culinary standards including recipe compliance and food quality are implemented;
- have the ability and willingness to develop and motivate team members to embrace culinary innovations;
- ensure food safety, sanitation and workplace safety standard compliance; and/or
- have working knowledge of automated food inventory, ordering, production and management systems.
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
Is this opportunity right for you? We are looking for candidates who have:
- a strong culinary background, with the demonstrated ability to stay current with new culinary trends;
- 2-3 years of KM or Sous Chef level management experience in a scratch kitchen
- safety and sanitation expert, servsafe certified.
- excellent leadership and communication skills with the ability to maintain the highest of culinary standards;
- strong coaching and employee development skills;
- 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 - High School Diploma or GED or EquivalentMinimum Management Experience - 1 year
San Francisco, CA
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Frequently asked questions
Working as a Sous Chef/Kitchen Manager in LAX's airline lounges involves juggling high-volume food prep, menu compliance, and team leadership under tight timelines. You'll oversee inventory, maintain quality, and ensure food safety while adapting quickly to flight schedules and catering demands in a fast-paced environment.
Mastery in scratch kitchen techniques, strong menu innovation, and expertise in high-volume catering are vital. Experience in fine dining and event execution helps manage quality standards and lead teams effectively, especially in dynamic settings like airline lounges where presentation and taste must impress discerning travelers.
Absolutely, leadership roles in airport lounge kitchens often pave the way for advancement into executive chef positions or broader hospitality management. In a hub like Los Angeles, networking with premium airline clients and honing upscale culinary skills can open doors to diverse food service leadership careers.
Sodexo emphasizes a blend of culinary innovation with operational excellence, focusing on upscale dining experiences tailored for travelers. Their commitment to employee growth, diversity, and robust benefits creates a supportive environment that values culinary creativity alongside rigorous management standards.
Sodexo provides structured recipe compliance, ongoing training, and access to automated inventory and production systems, helping Sous Chefs deliver consistent quality. The company also fosters leadership development and innovation, encouraging chefs to elevate the guest experience in busy airport settings.
In Los Angeles, Sous Chefs managing upscale airline lounges generally earn between $55,000 and $75,000 annually. Salary depends on experience and culinary expertise, with added benefits like paid vacation and 401(k) plans enhancing overall compensation in this competitive hospitality niche.
The LAX area sees moderate to high demand for experienced Sous Chefs skilled in high-volume and upscale food production. Candidates with TSA clearance and scratch kitchen expertise stand out, as airport lounges seek professionals who can balance speed and quality in a unique travel-centric environment.
Yes, securing TSA clearance and an airport badge is mandatory due to airport security protocols. Additionally, ServSafe certification is highly valued to ensure strict adherence to food safety and sanitation standards crucial in airline lounge kitchens.
Unlike hotels, airport lounges demand rapid adaptation to fluctuating passenger volumes and flight schedules. Sous Chefs must excel in inventory forecasting and maintain impeccable food quality despite time constraints, all while complying with stringent airport security and sanitation rules.
Sodexo’s environment encourages mentorship and team motivation while managing upscale food production under pressure. Exposure to diverse culinary trends and catering events fosters creativity and sharpens decision-making, vital for those aspiring to lead larger culinary operations within or beyond the airline industry.