Buyer- Airline Catering/Food Production - HOURLY position

Posting Start Date: 5/12/26


Job Title: Buyer- Airline Catering/Food Production - HOURLY position
Job Location: Houston-USA-77032
Work Location Type: On-Site
Salary Range: $20.00 - 23.25 per hour


About us

Since 1942, SkyChefs has taken culinary excellence to new heights. As a trusted partner to the nation's leading airlines and retailers, we proudly deliver millions of meals and exceptional service experiences every year across 43 sites throughout the United States. Built on a legacy of operational excellence, culinary expertise, and continuous innovation, we are committed to setting the industry standard in aviation culinary, airline services, last-mile logistics, and retail commerce. From the kitchen to the runway, our teams work together to deliver quality, reliability, and service at every altitude. Our people are the heart of everything we do. At SkyChefs, a career is more than a job - it's an opportunity to grow, lead, and make an impact in a fast-paced, team-driven environment. Join America's first, foremost, and finest and take your career to new heights.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly organized and proactive Buyer Coordinator to support our fast-paced airline catering operations. This position is based in our Houston, TX Customer Service Center (CSC) servicing multiple airlines and charter flights. You will be responsible for sourcing and developing the supply chain for designated goods and services for airline catering needs. The Buyer Coordinator also provides ongoing tactical procurement support for product transitions and updates related to non-strategic materials. This position requires a fast learner who is comfortable navigating proprietary systems, working with Excel, and effectively communicating across all departments.

• Work hours : 40-hour work week + occassional overtime
• Work schedule : 5 consecutive work days + 2 consecutive days off. Must be available to work a flexible, non-traditional schedule (including weekends) as needed, as operations demands vary
• Work location: onsite @ our Sky Chefs facility near George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston

What You'll Do

• Monitor inventory levels and initiate timely purchasing to ensure all operational departments are adequately stocked.
• Source and coordinate procurement of goods and services, ensuring adherence to customer specifications and cost parameters.
• Collaborate with internal teams (i.e. culinary, transportation, production) to understand sourcing needs and timelines.
• Track product line changes and adjust procurement plans as needed to meet customer and operational requirements.
• Evaluate supplier performance and escalate issues when necessary.
• Identify and onboard qualified vendors who meet company standards.
• Partner with Program Management and other internal stakeholders to ensure items are compliant and cost-effective.
• Support supply chain initiatives that drive standardization and year-over-year cost savings.
• Accurately maintain procurement data in SAP and internal proprietary systems.
• Use Excel and other tools to track order status, vendor performance, and purchasing trends.
• Provide reporting and insights to support inventory planning and operations.
• Act as a liaison between departments and procurement to ensure real-time support for operational needs.
• Communicate proactively to resolve order issues, shipment delays, or supply shortages.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and cross-functional teamwork

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• 1+ years of purchasing or related field experience required or inventory coordination experience in a fast-paced environment; operations or production facility experience strongly preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related field preferred.
• Strong Excel skills required; experience with SAP or ERP systems is a plus.
• Ability to learn and navigate proprietary systems quickly.
• Excellent organization, time management, and communication skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours as needed to meet operational demands.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Strong analytical skills for evaluating data

Sky Chefs is an EEO and Affirmative Action Employer of Women/Minorities/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.