Elevate your career to a Higher Altitude!

Come join Australia's premier inflight meal manufacturer and retail partner.

Global Brand. Market Leader.

At dnata catering & retail the sky's truly the limit!

AVIATION SUPPORT BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2025
AUSTRALASIA's AIRLINE CATERER OF THE YEAR 2025

We currently have a rare opportunity that has become available for an experienced and qualified culinarian to lead our successful Flight Catering team and commercial kitchens at Brisbane Airport, as our full-time Executive Chef.

What does a typical day look like?

You will be supporting our Business Manager with the overall delivery of planning, production and profitability. To achieve this you will work on providing operational direction, daily decision making, budgeting and production planning. The role will mentor and guide a large team of Chefs and Catering Attendants at all levels.

Responsibilities include but not limited to overseeing daily and weekly planning of food preparation by flight schedules, shift allocation and rostering, ordering and purchasing of produce through our systems, attending business strategy and operational meetings, championing a safe work environment and promoting a winning culture.

In a nutshell, your main responsibilities are:

• Lead the Production Division within our two Kitchens at Brisbane Airport
• Be responsible for maintaining and delivering world class food quality standards across all airline classes (Economy, Premium, Business and First)
• Oversee department planning and execute activities to ensure budgeted production and financial targets are achieved
• Coordinate labour, resources, materials and equipment to ensure efficient execution of operational plans and developing the Master Production Schedule (MPS)
• Manage all aspects of food catering, including meal presentations, ad hoc charter catering business, cyclical menu changes and audits
• Focus on continuous efficiency and productivity improvement
• Motivate, mentor and develop the Kitchen team at all levels
• Adhere to company HACCP and WHS policies
• Compliance to Waste Management and Environmental policies and minimizing costs
• Keep all Kitchen staff up to date with required latest training (MLZ modules)
• Work with all stakeholders, Dept Heads and various support teams for BAU
• Maintain clear lines of communication across all operational depts and update your production teams and supervisors regularly.
• Support the Business Manager to achieve overall goals for the Brisbane Unit

What do you need to be successful in securing this role?

• Trade qualified with experience to Executive Sous Chef Level or Head Chef
• Exposure to large or bulk catering facilities in manufacturing or FMCG
• Strong understanding of HACCP / Food Safety / WHS and QA
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent time and interpersonal management skills
• Experience in manage a large cross functional team (over 100 staff)
• Planning or project management skills highly desired
• Previous Airline Catering experience is highly desired but not essential

What’s in it for you?

• Attractive salary and staff benefits
• 5 weeks paid Annual Leave per year
• Free onsite parking, free daily hot meals and uniforms provided
• Career advancement opportunities, training, upskilling and development
• Grow your culinary career with a hand in strategy and planning management 
• Be part of a business that is committed to giving back to our people and the community, through environmental, community and wellbeing initiatives
• Be part of a close knit, dedicated team with one-on-one mentoring
• Access to our Employee Benefits Program including a wellbeing platform, discounted private health insurance and access to specials and discounts from over 700 retailers

About Us:

We are Australia’s largest and most admired inflight catering and retail partner. Specialising in inflight catering and retail, food manufacturing, and airport lounge management, our group of diverse brands enables us to deliver extensive service capabilities.

Chosen by many of the world’s top airlines, we operate 16 facilities across 10 cities and employ over 4,000 people who help us to produce over 64 million meals, and service more than 250,000 flights, each year.

Parent company dnata – part of the Emirates Group – is one of the world’s largest air services providers. Offering ground handling, cargo, travel, and inflight catering and retail services, dnata ensures the aviation industry operates smoothly and efficiently.

Want to know more about dnata catering and our global businesses? Visit our Australian careers website https://dnatacateringcareers.com.au/  and watch a short video here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xqf4mvwm3E0

Does this role sound perfect for you? If so, we want to hear from you!

To start the journey of joining our Culinary team, click the link below and upload your resume and a cover letter that outlines your suitability for the role.

http://dnatacatering.expr3ss.com/home