What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sous Chef position at Mera JFK T8, LLC?
Sous Chef / Kitchen Manager
Location: JFK International Airport – Terminal 8
Company: MERA Corporation
Pay Range: $60,000 – $70,000 annually (based on experience and qualifications)
ABOUT MERA CORPORATION
MERA Corporation operates a diverse portfolio of food and beverage venues across international airports, delivering fast, consistent, and quality-driven dining experiences for travelers on the go. As we continue to expand our operations at JFK Terminal 8, MERA is seeking an experienced and results-driven Sous Chef- Kitchen Manager to oversee multiple high-volume quick-service restaurant (QSR) units.
MERA's success is built on its commitment to operational excellence, teamwork, and its family-driven core values: Passion, Integrity, Trust, Excellence, and Respect.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Sous Chef- Kitchen Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, financial performance, and operational excellence of assigned QSR locations within MERA's JFK Terminal 8 portfolio. This position requires a dynamic leader who can manage multiple units, develop strong teams, and ensure consistent execution of brand standards across all operations.
The KM oversees unit-level management, drives profitability, ensures compliance with all company and airport regulations, and fosters a culture focused on guest satisfaction, teamwork, and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate has strong business acumen, deep QSR or airport food service experience, and a proven record of leading high-performing teams in a fast-paced, complex environment.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership & Team Development
- Provide hands-on leadership to BOH Supervisors, and staff across multiple QSR concepts.
- Recruit, train, and develop management and hourly staff to uphold company and brand standards.
- Foster a high-performance culture rooted in accountability, collaboration, and recognition.
- Coach and mentor managers on labor optimization, service excellence, and leadership growth.
Operational Excellence
- Oversee day-to-day restaurant operations across all assigned locations to ensure consistent service quality, speed, and cleanliness.
- Ensure all operations meet or exceed brand, franchise, and airport standards for food safety, sanitation, and compliance.
- Regularly assess operations and implement process improvements for efficiency and consistency.
- Ensure readiness for health inspections, brand audits, and airport compliance checks.
Financial Performance
- Develop and manage annual budgets, forecasts, and financial objectives for each location.
- Monitor key performance metrics, including labor costs, food cost, and controllable expenses.
- Analyze financial reports to identify trends, opportunities, and corrective actions to improve profitability.
- Support the implementation of marketing initiatives, upselling programs, and cost-saving strategies.
Customer Experience
- Champion an exceptional guest experience through speed, quality, and professionalism at every service point.
- Respond promptly to guest concerns and implement service recovery solutions.
- Ensure all team members represent the MERA brand with professionalism and hospitality.
Compliance, Safety & Standards
- Ensure adherence to all company policies, brand guidelines, and operational procedures.
- Maintain compliance with JFK Airport, TSA, and NYC Department of Health regulations.
- Enforce safety and sanitation standards across all units and ensure compliance with labor and union agreements where applicable.
WORK SCHEDULE
MERA's QSR units at JFK Terminal 8 operate from 3:00 AM until the last departing flight (typically between 10:00 PM–12:00 AM, subject to change).
The General Manager must have open availability, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays, and be able to work a rotating schedule as required by airport operations.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Soush Chef / Kitchen Manager Minimum of 3 years high-volume food service management experience, preferably in QSR or airport operations.
- Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Proven track record of managing budgets, labor, and cost controls effectively.
- Ability to train, motivate, and retain diverse teams in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
- Proficiency with POS systems, scheduling software, and inventory management platforms.
- Ability to analyze financial data and translate insights into operational improvements.
- ServSafe certification preferred or willingness to obtain within 30 days of hire.
- Ability to pass a 10-year FBI background check and obtain required airport security clearances.
- Able to lift up to 50 lbs. and stand/walk for 8–10 hour shifts as needed.
- Bachelor's degree in Hospitality, Business, or a related field preferred (or equivalent work experience).
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
- Salary Range: $60,000 – $70,000 annually (based on experience)
- Bonus Structure: Quarterly performance-based incentive plan
- Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance available from day one
- Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous vacation and sick leave
- Meals: Complimentary shift meals and discounts at other airport concessions
- Career Growth: Opportunities for advancement within MERA's JFK Terminal 8 operations and across international locations
Join MERA at JFK Terminal 8 and lead a team that delivers speed, service, and excellence to travelers from around the world.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $60, $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $60,000 - $70,000