Cook

Overview

We recruit the best talent and invest in their ongoing development, through training and mentoring. We provide opportunities to work across our national network. dnata catering U.S. is looking for a Cook to join our Houston, TX team.

Key Responsibilities as a Cook at dnata Catering your main responsibility is to prepare exquisite, gourmet meals specifically designed for airline customers. You will work closely with the culinary team to preparing menu selections that offers a wide range of delicious options while adhering to the unique requirements of in-flight dining. Attention to detail and a passion for culinary arts are essential in this role, as you will be expected to ensure that all meals are prepared and presented with precision and elegance. Your creativity and ability to work efficiently under pressure will contribute to creating an unforgettable culinary journey for customers in the skies.

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.

Accepting applications until: 1.3.2024

You Will

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborate with the culinary team to prepare exquisite, gourmet meals tailored specifically for airline customers. 
• Ensure that all meals are prepared and presented with precision and elegance, paying meticulous attention to detail in flavor and presentation.
• Adhere to the unique requirements of in-flight dining, considering factors such as space limitations and specific dietary restrictions.
• Implement and maintain high standards of food quality, consistency, and taste, ensuring customer satisfaction.
• Collaborate closely with the culinary team to develop and refine menu selections, offering a wide range of delicious options.
• Monitor inventory levels and assist in ordering supplies to support efficient kitchen operations.
• Train and mentor junior cooks, providing guidance and support to enhance their culinary skills and knowledge.
• Adhere to all safety and sanitation regulations, maintaining a clean and organized work environment. 
• Collaborate with other departments, such as procurement and logistics, to ensure timely delivery of ingredients and supplies.
• Stay updated with industry trends and innovations, incorporating new techniques and ingredients into menu creations. 
• Manage and prioritize multiple tasks and responsibilities, working efficiently under pressure to meet deadlines.

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Other duties as assigned.

This salary range and is influenced by the level of experience. When calculating the base pay, we take into account various factors such as location, qualifications, training, and experience as part of the overall compensation package. 

You Have

EDUCATION: Associate’s Degree three (2) years in (culinary) in culinary field or appropriate Minimum of a High School Diploma / GED with 2 years’ experience in a high-volume fine dining food service

• Proven experience as a Cook or Chef, preferably in a high-volume or airline catering environment.
• Strong knowledge of culinary techniques, ingredients, and food presentation.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Attention to detail and a strong commitment to quality and precision.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Flexibility to work various shifts, including weekends and holidays.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Valid food handler's certificate or equivalent.

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.

dnata’s Competencies Required to be Successful in the Job:

There are two aspects to working as effectively as we can: our people and our results. Our eight competencies are designed to help you focus on these aspects:

Delivering:

Does what they say they will. And they balance the needs of our customers' needs with our business's needs.

Drive

Always gets the job done. And still put the needs of our business first.

Open to opportunity:

Adapts when plans change. Is open to new ideas. Makes suggestions that will help shape our culture.

Business thinking:

Understand our business. Uses this understanding in their day-to-day work and plans for the future.

Collaborate:

Look for solutions that work for themselves, their team, and the whole organization.

Engaging others:

Acts in a way that gets others on board – and when things don’t go to plan, they deal with conflict in the right way.

Provide direction:

Share plans with others. Tracks how each project is progressing. Gives constructive feedback during, and after, each project.

Developing talent:

Self-aware. Always learning. Always developing. And always helping others to develop, too.

Demonstrated Values to be Successful in the Position:

Employees at dnata are expected to live our Values of Safety and Security, performance-driven, Service Excellence, Delighting Customers, Imagination, and respect. To demonstrate these Values, we expect to observe the following from everyone:

• We put safety and security first in all our actions.
• We will set challenging goals and meet them.
• We deliver to a consistently high quality.
• We take ownership and responsibility of a situation until it is resolved.
• We are not afraid of failure and learn through our mistakes.
• We respect each other regardless of background.

Diversity Matters

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