Aviation Lounge Executive Chef

Sodexo Live! Airline Lounge Segment has an exciting opening for a Club/Lounge Executive Chef at the brand-new Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at LAX, set to open in March 2025. This luxurious space is dedicated to elite passengers, providing them with the unique Virgin Atlantic experience, including à la carte dining, premium cocktails, and exclusive relaxation areas. As we prepare to mobilize the lounge, we are seeking a dynamic and energetic Executive Chef focused on elevating the guest experience to the highest standard.

The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse offers guests the opportunity to relax and rejuvenate with a menu that features a mix of contemporary international cuisine and British classics. Guests can enjoy à la carte dining with fresh, seasonal ingredients or sip on premium beverages from the full-service bar. As the Executive Chef, you will lead the daily operations and manage a dedicated team of sous chefs, chefs, cooks, stewards, porters, and appearance care staff, ensuring a seamless guest experience that reflects Virgin Atlantic’s luxury brand.

This is a hands-on chef role, actively involved in daily service operations. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in food, beverage, and culinary services, a strong attention to detail, and a deep commitment to customer service excellence, all while maintaining the signature Virgin Atlantic safety and service standards. You will also be responsible for managing financials and cost controls to meet both Sodexo and Virgin Atlantic’s business goals.

The successful candidate will:

• be responsible for purchasing, menu compliance, inventory, food cost analysis and food production forecasting;
• a fine dining, ala carte background and experience at the executive chef level;
• 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.

 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;
• 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.

Learn more about our Airline Lounges: Click Here

Away from the hustle and bustle of the airport, the airport lounges are dedicated spaces for elite passengers to relax, rejuvenate and enjoy chef created dishes or order from the full-service bar which serves premium wine and spirits.

Sodexo offers fair and equitable compensation, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. While the budgeted range for the position is posted, Sodexo salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education and training.

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.

Basic Education Requirement - Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience

Basic Management Experience - 3 years   

Basic Functional Experience - 3 years work experience in food or culinary services including restaurants, fast food, vending, catering services, institutional services, mall food courts, etc.

Sodexo is an EEO/AA/Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran employer.