Food Production Manager - Airline Catering

Job Title: Food Production Manager - Airline Catering
Job Location: Jamaica-USA-11430
Work Location Type: On-Site
Salary Range: $94,000.00 - 112,000.00

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.

Role Purpose Statement

In this role, you will leading a team of supervisors and frontline employees across multiple shifts in a fast-paced, production-driven environment. Your leadership will ensure food safety, efficiency, and service excellence while managing labor budgets, performance, and compliance standards. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with strong production leadership experience looking to make a tangible impact and grow into senior operational roles. This position reports to the Director of Operations and located near JFK Airport.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive Base Salary + Annual Incentive Plan
• Medical, Dental, Vision – starts Day 1
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Paid Time Off, Sick Leave & Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement – support for professional development
• Free Parking & Daily Meals

Main Accountabilities

• • Lead and inspire a dynamic team of cooks, production employees, and supervisors
  • Strategically plan, organize, and manage a department with regards to daily hours, schedules, productivity, quality and safety.
  • Oversee all food production activities and ensure everything runs like a well-oiled (but healthy!) machine
  • Ensure compliance with customer specifications, quality standards, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), safety, health, environmental and other regulations
  • Ensure on-time and accurate production in the preparation of food/equipment and catering of flights
  • Take ownership of department budgets, inventory, scheduling, and productivity
  • Implement Lean manufacturing principles and bring innovation to how we prepare and deliver meals
  • Partner with cross-functional teams and airline clients to ensure top-notch service and presentation
  • Participate in daily leadership briefings and be the go-to for performance improvement

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• • 3-5 years of hands-on leadership experience in food production, catering, or a high-volume manufacturing environment
  • Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience)
  • Strong communicator, motivator, and team builder
  • Solid knowledge of FDA, HACCP, GMP, and operational compliance
  • Experience with Variable Production Systems (VPS) or similar tools a major plus
  • Tech-savvy with Microsoft Office and inventory systems
  • Someone who thrives in a diverse, multicultural, and deadline-driven environment

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