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Assistant Culinary Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Culinary Experience Specialist

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$38K - $52K/yr

This role will report to the Culinary Director and work cross-functionally with Studio (Brand ... * Assist with recipe development and product application testing for new and existing products

This role will report to the Culinary Director and work cross-functionally with Studio (Brand ... * Assist with recipe development and product application testing for new and existing products

Culinary Experience Specialist

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$38K - $52K/yr

This role will report to the Culinary Director and work cross-functionally with Studio (Brand ... * Assist with recipe development and product application testing for new and existing products

Vespertine is seeking a dedicated chef assistant to the Research and Development chef ... This employee will work directly with the Research and Development chef and Culinary Director to ...

Vespertine is seeking a dedicated chef assistant to the Research and Development chef ... This employee will work directly with the Research and Development chef and Culinary Director to ...

The Server reports to the Culinary Director. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES In addition to ... condiments. * Assist culinary team members by maintaining a steady supply of clean dishes and ...

Server

West Hollywood, CA · On-site

$20.25/hr

The Server reports to the Culinary Director. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES In addition to ... condiments. * Assist culinary team members by maintaining a steady supply of clean dishes and ...

Server

Norwalk, CA · On-site

$17/hr

The Server reports to the Culinary Director. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES In addition to ... condiments. * Assist culinary team members by maintaining a steady supply of clean dishes and ...

Server

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$20.25/hr

The Server reports to the Culinary Director. 5;30am - 2:00pm must be available weekends ESSENTIAL ... condiments. * Assist culinary team members by maintaining a steady supply of clean dishes and ...

Server

Woodland Hills, CA · On-site

$19/hr

The Server reports to the Culinary Director. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES In addition to ... condiments. * Assist culinary team members by maintaining a steady supply of clean dishes and ...

Server

Alhambra, CA · On-site

$18/hr

The Server reports to the Culinary Director. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES In addition to ... condiments. * Assist culinary team members by maintaining a steady supply of clean dishes and ...

Server

Culver City, CA · On-site

$18/hr

The Server reports to the Culinary Director. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES In addition to ... condiments. * Assist culinary team members by maintaining a steady supply of clean dishes and ...

Server

Riverside, CA · On-site

$17/hr

The Server reports to the Culinary Director. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES In addition to ... condiments. * Assist culinary team members by maintaining a steady supply of clean dishes and ...

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Assistant Culinary Director information

What is an assistant culinary director?

An Assistant Culinary Director is a professional who supports the Culinary Director in overseeing kitchen operations, menu planning, food preparation, and staff management within a restaurant, hotel, or food service organization. They help ensure that food quality and safety standards are met, assist in training kitchen staff, and may collaborate on developing new recipes or menus. This role combines culinary expertise with leadership and organizational skills to maintain efficient kitchen workflows and deliver an exceptional dining experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant culinary director?

To thrive as an Assistant Culinary Director, you need strong culinary expertise, experience in kitchen management, and a relevant degree or certification in culinary arts or hospitality. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and food safety certifications such as ServSafe are typically required. Exceptional leadership, time management, and communication skills help you coordinate kitchen staff and maintain high service standards. These skills ensure efficient kitchen operations, consistent food quality, and a positive dining experience for guests.

What are some common challenges faced by an assistant culinary director, and how can they be addressed?

Assistant Culinary Directors often encounter challenges such as balancing administrative duties with hands-on kitchen management, maintaining high food quality standards across multiple outlets, and managing a diverse culinary team. Effectively addressing these challenges involves strong organizational skills, clear communication, and fostering a collaborative work environment. Proactively implementing standardized procedures and providing ongoing training can also help ensure consistency and support staff development.

What is the difference between Assistant Culinary Director vs Executive Chef?

AspectAssistant Culinary DirectorExecutive Chef
CredentialsTypically requires culinary degree or equivalent experienceRequires culinary degree, extensive experience, and often certification
Work EnvironmentSupports culinary operations, assists in menu development, oversees staffManages kitchen operations, leads culinary team, ensures food quality
Industry UsageCommon in large hospitality or restaurant groups, corporate settingsFound in restaurants, hotels, resorts, and culinary establishments

The Assistant Culinary Director primarily supports the culinary leadership by assisting with operations and staff management, while the Executive Chef is responsible for overall kitchen management, menu creation, and food quality. Both roles require culinary expertise, but the Executive Chef holds a more senior, decision-making position.

What are popular job titles related to Assistant Culinary Director jobs in California?

For Assistant Culinary Director jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Assistant Culinary Director jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Culinary Director jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Assistant Culinary Director jobs?

Cities in California with the most Assistant Culinary Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Assistant Culinary Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Culinary Director TEMPORARY

Savant Senior Living

Woodland Hills, CA • On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY
temporary position
The Culinary Director is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the facility which include managing the entire food and beverage operations, establishing a menu, creating employee schedules, hiring cooks and other staff, and managing the dietary budget. This role requires numerous years of experience in the service industry, typically including time as an executive chef. Other qualifications may include post-secondary education at a culinary institute or a hospitality school. Essential skills for the job include leadership, budgeting and financial experience, and a strong knowledge of health codes and food safety. The Culinary Director will report to the Executive Director of the facility.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
In addition to all components of the above position summary the following "Essential Duties and Responsibilities" are essential to successful performance in this position.
  • Design and regularly update menus that cater to the diverse dietary needs and preferences of residents, including special diets or cultural preferences.
  • Collaborate with registered dieticians to ensure all meals are naturally balanced and meet the specific health requirements of residents.
  • Manage kitchen inventory, including ordering, receiving, and storing supplies.
    Develop and manage the culinary department budget, monitor expenditures, and seek cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality.
  • Solicit feedback from residents regarding meal preferences, satisfaction, and dietary concerns.
  • Organize special culinary events or themes dinners to enhance residents' dining experience.
  • Work closely with other departments, especially healthcare and activities, to ensure residents dietary needs are met and integrated with other services.
  • Communicates with leadership team and participates in ongoing conversations with peers to share best practices, mitigate risks, champion diversity, and build community.
  • Maintains compliance with USDA regulations and guidance for all applicable meals and retail programs, along with completing all required reporting on time.
  • Owns the financial results for the account(s), and works to ensure accuracy for reporting, forecasting, and budgeting processes.
  • Maintain all departmental documentation according to state and federal regulations.
  • Direct and manage all food and beverage staff including front and back of house operations.
  • Fosters a culture of transparency, understanding, education, safety, and accountability.
  • Has a full understanding of all roles within the operation; conducts performance evaluations, along with succession planning for the account(s).
  • Ensures consistent and fair administration of all policies and procedures.
  • Maintain inventory control of food, alcohol, supplies, and equipment.
  • Recruit, interview, hire, and evaluate staff.
  • Revise duties for Food & Beverage staff as needed.
  • Provide a safe and comfortable work environment.
  • Monitor all food handling procedures.
  • Maintain a professional appearance.
  • Continually explores means of revenue enhancement and expense reduction.
  • Assist kitchen staff with back and front of the house operations as needed. This includes the ability to work all stations in the kitchen and/or dining room if needed.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Responsibly manages and supervises all Culinary Services staff including scheduling, assignment, direction, performance review (including input on pay adjustments), hiring and corrective action consistent with company policy.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/CREDENTIALS
  • At least 18 years of age.
  • Required Health Screening, TB Clearance, and Criminal Record Clearance.
  • Any special licenses, certifications, and certificates (First Aid/ CPR Certified)
  • Special skills needed to meet client needs [California Code of Regulations Sections: 85065(f)/87411(g)]
  • High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED)
  • Valid Managers Serv Safe Certification or obtain within the thirty (30) days of hire.
  • Positive team player attitude and love working with people!
  • 3+ years of hands-on experience in food preparation.
  • 5+ years of progressive management experience.
  • 2 - 5 years of both front and back of the house experience.
  • Previous experience working in Independent Living (IL), Assisted Living (AL), Memory Care (MC), or Senior Living experience is a plus!

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
To perform this position successfully, you must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their essential duties and responsibilities. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
  • A successful candidate in this role will have proven culinary experience, demonstrate clear organization, and communication skills.
  • Proven cooking experience, including experience as a Line Chef, Restaurant Cook or Prep Cook.
  • Excellent understanding of various cooking methods, ingredients, equipment, and procedures.
  • Accuracy and speed in executing assigned tasks.
  • Familiar with industry's best practices.
  • Knowledge of local health department, OSHA, and other regulatory agencies.
  • A team player with good communication skills.
  • Patient with an ability to stay positive under pressure.
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time.
  • The ability to read fine print on labels including ingredients and expiration dates.
  • Must be able to follow both oral and written directions.
  • Patience and compassion to serve in a client facing role.
  • A culinary school diploma is preferred, but not necessary.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Prolonged periods of standing and walking.
  • Must be able to lift, balance, and carry trays of food weighing up to 25 pounds.

Pay scale : $70,000 to $90,000/year DOE
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.