Are you ready to take flight in a dynamic and fast-paced aviation industry? As a global leader in aviation services, Swissport provides Ground Handling, Cargo Handling, and Passenger Services to over 300 million passengers annually. Our mission is simple – “To provide the aviation industry with consistent and tailor-made solutions around the globe, for a better customer experience.” 

We believe that our people are what differentiates us from our competition. At Swissport, we are driven by our core values of Show You Care, Do the Right Things and Win as a Team, and we are currently seeking dedicated individuals, who align with these values, to join our team at various locations across the globe.  

Job Summary

Aspire Executive Lounges is seeking a highly skilled and commercially astute Senior Chef to lead culinary operations across multiple lounge kitchens. This strategic role combines hands-on culinary leadership with operational oversight, financial accountability and a strong focus on guest experience. This position is pivotal in supporting our global expansion to over 200 lounges, ensuring consistent culinary excellence and operational and commercial efficiencies across all new and existing sites. The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering culinary excellence across all Aspire Lounge product offering, managing Kitchen teams, key input into procurement and staffing, and ensuring kitchens operate efficiently, sustainably and in line with Aspire brand standards.

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Leadership & Execution

• Lead and coordinate culinary operations across multiple lounge kitchens, ensuring consistency in food quality, presentation and service.
• Develop and execute buffet and à la carte menus that reflect Aspire brand identity, seasonal availability, and guest preferences.
• Work closely with Head of Lounges and Global F&B Director to drive and evolve the culinary vision, integrating emerging food trends and regional influences to align with our business strategy.
• Champion culinary innovation, integrating emerging food trends and regional influences.
• Ensure culinary integrity and maintain unparalleled quality during rapid expansion and across diverse operational models.

Team Management & Development

• Recruit, train, and manage kitchen teams across locations.
• Foster a culture of professionalism, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Implement succession planning and support career development for junior team members.

Operational Oversight

• Manage staff rotas to ensure optimal coverage and compliance with labour regulations.
• Oversee food ordering, F&B supplier relationships, and inventory control to ensure cost-effective purchasing and minimal waste.
• Ensure readiness for internal and external audits and maintain rigorous food safety and hygiene standards.
• Provide strategic input and leadership in adapting operational processes and supplier models, ranging from comprehensive in-house facilities to leaner, optimised units, to foster organisational agility and competitive advantage.

Financial & Commercial Accountability

• Accountability for kitchen budgets, including food cost control, and operational expenditure.
• Monitor performance against financial targets and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Contribute to supplier negotiations and ensure contract compliance.

Guest Experience & Brand Standards

• Ensure all culinary offerings meet Aspire F&B brand guidelines to enhance the lounge guest experience.
• Collaborate with lounge managers and F&B leadership to align food service with brand expectations and customer feedback.
• Collaborate with lounge managers to design and implement a dynamic, seasonal food and beverage calendar. This includes planning unique lounge events and brand activations to enhance the guest experience and drive customer engagement throughout the year.
• Directly contribute to reducing customer complaints related to F&B, thereby strengthening commercial relationships with airline partners and enhancing overall value proposition.
• Directly accountable for CSAT (Customer Satisfaction) and NPS (Net Promoter Score) metrics related to the food and beverage customer experience.

Sustainability & ESG

• Promote sustainable sourcing, energy-efficient kitchen practices, and waste minimisation.
• Align culinary operations with corporate environmental and social governance goals.

Technology & Data

• Utilise kitchen management systems, procurement platforms, and digital rostering tools.
• Leverage data and KPIs to drive performance improvements and operational decisions.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with procurement, HR, spaneting, and lounge operations to deliver cohesive and efficient service.
• Participate in strategic planning and contribute to broader F&B initiatives.

Qualifications & Experience

• Education: Degree or formal qualification in Culinary Arts or Hospitality Management.
• Experience: Minimum 5 years in a senior culinary leadership role, with demonstrable success managing multiple kitchens and large teams.

Skills & Attributes

• Strong culinary expertise across buffet and plated service formats
• Proven leadership and team development capabilities
• Financial acumen and budget management experience
• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• Proficiency in kitchen systems and digital tools
• Clear communicator with a collaborative and customer-focused mindset

At Swissport, we believe in diversity, equal opportunity, and the power of our values to drive our success. We are committed to providing a workplace that fosters inclusion and where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Visit our website at Swissport Careers to learn more about Life at Swissport.

Join Swissport today and be part of a team that connects the world of aviation!

Only permanent residents of Australia or New Zealand, or those who have the right to work in Australia or New Zealand may apply.