Job Details

Job Type

Full-time

Description

About Abby's Aircraft Catering

Abby's Aircraft Catering is the longest-standing in-flight and corporate catering company in Houston, proudly serving both the Houston and Dallas Metro markets. We specialize in high-quality,handcrafted culinary experiences using locally sourced and sustainable ingredients.

Our focus is simple: exceptional service, impeccable food safety, and consistent execution. We operate in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment where accountability, teamwork, and follow-through matter.

Position Summary

The Private Aviation Kitchen Manager is responsible for leading the daily culinary operations of Abby's Private Aviation kitchen at IAH. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the consistent execution of high-end, bespoke meals while maintaining the highest standards of food safety, quality, and customer satisfaction.

This role provides day-to-day leadership of kitchen staff and will have direct responsibility for ensuring operational excellence, cleanliness, production accuracy, and service delivery aligned with the expectations of VIP, VVIP, and corporate aviation clients.

Due to the nature of private aviation, this position requires exceptional flexibility, including the ability to work early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays as operational demands require.

A Key Strategic Focus of this Position

A key strategic focus of this position is to drive modernization, structure, and standardization across the Private Aviation kitchen. This includes supporting initiatives such as:

• Supporting the development and implementation of an online ordering platform
• Introducing streamlined and sustainable packaging systems
• Extracting and refining high-end menu offerings from existing recipes and product databases
• Developing standardized digital workbooks that include recipes, specifications, plating guides, and photographs to ensure consistent execution and easy reproduction
• Supporting the documentation and systems development needed for future expansion and Dallas operations

Kitchen Operations & Leadership

• Manage daily kitchen operations, including production planning, staffing, workflow, and execution
• Supervise chefs, cooks, and kitchen support staff to ensure performance and accountability
• Ensure all orders are prepared accurately according to client specifications and timelines
• Maintain a clean, organized, and audit-ready kitchen environment
• Lead by example in professionalism, discretion, and service excellence
• Partner with leadership to ensure kitchen operations align with business goals and growth plans

Food Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with HACCP, local food safety regulations, and private aviation standards
• Implement and enforce Foreign Object Prevention (FOP/FOD) controls
• Oversee allergen management and special dietary requirements
• Conduct routine internal audits, inspections, and corrective actions
• Maintain documentation including temperature logs, sanitation records, and training records
• Ensure proper handling, storage, and labeling practices are consistently followed

Menu Execution & Customization

• Execute bespoke menus for VIP, VVIP, and corporate clients with high attention to detail
• Collaborate with clients, flight crews, and internal teams on special requests
• Ensure consistency, presentation quality, and portion control
• Monitor freshness, shelf life, and flight suitability of food items
• Support development of high-end menu enhancements and seasonal offerings

Inventory & Supplier Management

• Manage inventory levels, ordering, storage, and organization
• Ensure proper labeling, FIFO rotation, and traceability
• Work with approved suppliers and monitor product quality and consistency
• Control food costs, waste, shrinkage, and spoilage
• Support purchasing controls and assist with vendor communication as needed

Equipment & Facility Management

• Ensure all kitchen equipment is clean, functional, and maintained
• Report equipment issues and coordinate repairs with maintenance teams
• Verify tools and equipment meet aviation safety standards
• Ensure proper segregation of food and non-food items
• Maintain a safe and efficient work environment

Coordination & Aircraft Delivery

• Coordinate with dispatch, drivers, and flight crews to ensure on-time delivery
• Verify catering carts, packaging, and sealing before aircraft loading
• Ensure correct documentation accompanies each order
• Support last-minute changes and AOG (Aircraft on Ground) situations when required

Training & Team Development

• Train staff on food safety, hygiene, FOD prevention, and service standards
• Coach and develop team members for performance, compliance, and growth
• Enforce dress code and personal hygiene standards consistently
• Maintain a culture of accountability and excellence

Customer Service & Confidentiality

• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding clients and flight operations
• Handle feedback, complaints, and special requests professionally
• Uphold luxury service standards expected in private aviation
• Build strong working relationships with internal partners, FBOs, and aviation stakeholders

Our Mission & CATCH Core Values

To continue to be the leading in-flight and corporate catering company serving the Houston and Dallas Metro markets by using locally sourced and sustainable raw ingredients, providing the MOST memorable and personalized attention to detail, all while maintaining a fiscally sound budget.

CATCH Core Values:

• Customer Service
• Accountability
• Teamwork
• Competitiveness
• Honesty

Requirements

Qualifications & Experience

• Culinary degree or equivalent professional experience preferred
• Minimum of 5+ years of kitchen leadership experience (private aviation, luxury hospitality, fine dining, or similar preferred)
• Strong knowledge of HACCP and food safety systems
• Experience with VIP or bespoke catering environments preferred
• Proven ability to manage teams and meet tight deadlines
• Comfortable working flexible hours, including early mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional attention to detail and quality standards
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Calm under pressure and adaptable to last-minute changes
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities
• Strong standards of cleanliness and discipline
• Ability to build and maintain a high-performing team culture
• Strong accountability, follow-through, and sense of urgency
• Professionalism and discretion at all times

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods
• Ability to lift and carry items up to 50 lbs.
• Comfortable working in refrigerated and hot kitchen environments

Work Environment

• Fast-paced private aviation catering kitchen
• High expectations for accuracy, cleanliness, and punctuality
• Dynamic schedule aligned with flight operations