What are the responsibilities and job description for the Food Production Manager position at LSG Sky Chefs?
About us
LSG Sky Chefs is one of the world’s largest airline catering and hospitality providers, known for its outstanding reputation and dynamic approach in the industry. Voted “Airline Caterer of the Year in North America” for 2023 and 2024, we are committed to excellence and innovation, driven by the dedication and expertise of our talented employees. Our team members are the heart and soul of our success, consistently delivering exceptional culinary experiences and outstanding service to our clients and their passengers across North and Latin America.
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.
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
• 5–7 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