Lead Cook

dnata is one of the world’s largest air services providers. Established in 1959, the company ensures the aviation industry operates smoothly and efficiently in 127 airports. Offering ground handling, cargo, travel, and flight catering services in 35 countries across six continents, dnata is a trusted partner for over 300 airline customers around the world. Each day, the company handles over 1,900 flights, moves over 8,500 tons of cargo, books over 16,000 hotel stays, and uplifts over 320,000 meals.

The Cook Lead is responsible for overseeing daily food production activities while actively participating in cooking and preparation. This role ensures meals are produced efficiently, consistently, and in compliance with all food safety and quality standards. The Cook Lead provides guidance to kitchen staff, supports production planning, and ensures adherence to airline specifications, recipes, and timelines in a high-volume environment.

Essential Duties

• Lead and support daily kitchen operations, ensuring production targets and timelines are met
• Prepare and produce high-volume meals according to established menus and standardized recipes
• Delegate tasks and provide direction to cooks and kitchen staff during shifts
• Monitor food quality, presentation, and portion consistency to meet airline specifications
• Ensure compliance with HACCP, GMP, and all food safety and sanitation standards
• Conduct routine checks on food handling, storage, and labeling practices
• Assist in training and onboarding new kitchen team members
• Monitor inventory usage and minimize waste through proper planning and portion control
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and cross-functional teams to ensure smooth operations
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the kitchen
• Perform other duties as assigned
  
  

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED preferred
• Minimum 3 years of experience in high-volume food production
  
• Previous experience in a lead, senior cook, or supervisory capacity preferred
  
• Valid Food Handler’s Certificate or equivalent
  
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, GMP, and food safety standards
  
• Experience with menu execution and production planning
• Strong leadership, communication, and team coordination skills
  
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
  
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
  
• Ability to multitask and manage a heavy workload
• Flexibility to work nights, days, weekends, and holidays
• Must meet all applicable state and local food handler certification requirements for the work location (Texas requires a Food Handler Certificate within 60 days of hire).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  
  
  
  

Intellectual/Social demands:

While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is continuously asked to multi-task under time limits.  Position requires constant attention to precise details and accuracy of specified standards including following simple to complex (more than 3 steps) instructions, and concentration which frequently extends beyond 30 minutes at a time. This position also requires constant attendance and punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time. Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan. Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly. 

Physical demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 30 pounds. Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Use equipment and materials properly.

Work environment:

The essential functions of this position are performed indoors. The noise level in the work environment can range from minimal to loud.

We believe that diversity and inclusion are fundamental to creating a strong workplace and community. At dnata, we’re proud that our workforce is as diverse as the customers we serve. And we’re committed to nurturing your talent with mentoring, volunteer and professional development opportunities. We welcome everyone. Our employee resource groups are one of the many ways we champion diversity and inclusion at dnata.

Notice Regarding Background Checks (State Law Disclosures)

dnata Catering may obtain consumer reports and/or investigative consumer reports about applicants or employees for employment purposes, in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.) and applicable state laws.

• California: Pursuant to the California Investigative Consumer Reporting Agencies Act (Cal. Civ. Code § 1786 et seq.), dnata Catering may obtain an investigative consumer report that may include information regarding your character, general reputation, personal characteristics, or mode of living. You have the right to request a copy of any report obtained.
• New York: In accordance with Article 23-A of the New York Correction Law and the New York Human Rights Law, background checks will be conducted only as permitted by law, and any employment decision based on criminal history will follow required legal standards and notice requirements.
• Massachusetts: Pursuant to the Massachusetts Consumer Reporting Act (M.G.L. c. 93, § 52 et seq.) and the Massachusetts CORI statute (M.G.L. c. 6, § 172), dnata Catering may obtain a consumer report or criminal offender record information for employment purposes, consistent with state law. Applicants may request a copy of any report obtained.
• New Jersey: In accordance with the New Jersey Opportunity to Compete Act (N.J.S.A. 34:6B-11 et seq.) and applicable consumer reporting laws, background checks will be conducted only as permitted by law, and applicants will receive required notices and rights regarding any consumer report obtained.
• Texas: Background checks may be conducted in accordance with applicable Texas law and the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Applicants will receive required disclosures and authorizations prior to any consumer report being obtained.
• Tennessee: Background checks may be conducted in accordance with applicable Tennessee law and the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Applicants will receive required disclosures and authorizations prior to any consumer report being obtained.