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Culinary Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Culinary Director

Greenville, SC · On-site

$17 - $23/hr

```html Culinary Director Location: Greenville, SC 29601 Position Overview We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Culinary Director to lead our culinary operations in Greenville, SC. The ideal ...

Culinary Director

Durham, NC · On-site

$61K - $68K/yr

Culinary Director Job Purpose Summary: The Culinary Director leads the culinary program at Joe Van Gogh. This position directly oversees the management of the South Court Bakery and Woodcroft Kitchen.

Location - Seattle, WA Salary - $115k-$120k Benefits - PTO, MDV The Culinary Director is responsible for leading the culinary vision and execution across all restaurant concepts within the group ...

Requirements : * 5+ years of culinary leadership experience, ideally as a Culinary Director or Executive Sous Chef within a hotel or high-volume environment. * Strong financial and analytical acumen ...

Culinary Director

Clearwater, FL · On-site

$45K - $50K/yr

Culinary Director We are seeking an innovative and dynamic Culinary Director to lead and elevate our culinary operations. The ideal candidate will have a profound passion for food and a strong ...

Summary As the Culinary Director at Willow Haven Healthcare & Rehabilitation, you will lead our culinary team in delivering exceptional dining experiences for our residents. This role is pivotal in ...

Culinary Director

Yonkers, NY · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

The Culinary Director a salary position responsible for overseeing all aspects of culinary production and ensuring that the organization's systems and standard operating procedures are met across ...

Culinary Director

Nipomo, CA · On-site

$88K/yr

We are looking for compassionate and committed Culinary Director/Executive Chef. The Oaks at Nipomo is an Assisted Living and Memory Care senior living community that offers our employees and ...

Culinary Director

Yonkers, NY · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

The Culinary Director a salary position responsible for overseeing all aspects of culinary production and ensuring that the organization's systems and standard operating procedures are met across ...

Culinary Director

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$60K/yr

Summary As the Culinary Director at Candlewood Healthcare & Rehabilitation, you will lead our culinary team in delivering exceptional dining experiences for our residents. This role is pivotal in ...

We are looking for compassionate and committed Culinary Director/Executive Chef. Oceanview Senior Living is an Assisted Living and Memory Care senior living community that offers our employees and ...

The Culinary Director leads all dining operations including menu development, food safety compliance, budget management, team leadership, and resident engagement - while supporting Better Living ...

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Culinary Director information

See salary details

$30K

$96.9K

$214K

How much do culinary director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for culinary director in the United States is $96,881.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $123,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Culinary Director?

A Culinary Director is a senior-level professional responsible for overseeing the culinary operations of a restaurant, hotel, catering company, or hospitality group. They create and implement menus, establish food quality standards, and manage kitchen staff and budgets. Culinary Directors often collaborate with executive chefs to ensure consistency and excellence in food preparation, safety, and presentation. Their role involves both creative menu development and administrative tasks such as cost control and staff training.

What do culinary directors do?

A culinary director oversees the culinary operations of a restaurant, hotel, or food service organization, including menu development, staff management, and ensuring food quality and safety standards. They often collaborate with chefs and management, and may be involved in budgeting, training, and implementing culinary trends.

What is the difference between Culinary Director vs Executive Chef?

AspectCulinary DirectorExecutive Chef
Primary FocusOversees culinary operations, menu development, and strategic planningManages kitchen staff, food preparation, and daily kitchen operations
CredentialsOften requires culinary certification or extensive experience, leadership skillsTypically requires culinary degree or extensive culinary experience
Work EnvironmentCorporate kitchens, hotel chains, large restaurants, food service companiesRestaurant kitchens, hotels, resorts, culinary establishments
ResponsibilitiesStrategic planning, menu innovation, staff training, quality controlKitchen management, food quality, staff supervision, daily operations

The main difference between a Culinary Director and an Executive Chef lies in their scope of responsibilities. The Culinary Director focuses on strategic oversight and overall culinary operations, often in larger organizations, while the Executive Chef manages daily kitchen activities and food preparation. Both roles require culinary expertise, but the Culinary Director emphasizes leadership and planning at a higher organizational level.

What are some common challenges faced by a Culinary Director in managing multiple kitchens or venues?

A Culinary Director often oversees several kitchens or venues, which can make maintaining consistent food quality, safety standards, and operational efficiency a challenge. Coordinating communication between teams, ensuring staff training, and adapting menus to suit different locations require strong organizational and leadership skills. Building a cohesive vision across all outlets while managing costs and supplier relationships is key to success in this role. Regular site visits and open lines of communication help address these challenges effectively.

What is the average salary for a Director of culinary in the US?

The average salary for a Culinary Director in the United States typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the establishment. Senior roles with extensive experience or in high-cost areas can earn higher compensation, often including benefits and bonuses.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Culinary Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Culinary Director, you need extensive culinary expertise, menu development experience, and leadership abilities, typically supported by a degree in culinary arts or hospitality management. Familiarity with inventory management systems, kitchen equipment, and food safety certifications such as ServSafe are commonly required. Exceptional communication, creativity, and organizational skills help a Culinary Director lead teams and maintain high standards. These competencies ensure consistent food quality, efficient kitchen operations, and a positive dining experience that drives business success.

Is a culinary director higher than an executive chef?

A culinary director typically holds a higher leadership position than an executive chef, overseeing multiple kitchens or restaurant groups and focusing on strategic planning, branding, and overall culinary standards. An executive chef usually manages daily kitchen operations and food quality within a specific establishment. The hierarchy can vary by organization, but generally, the culinary director has broader responsibilities and authority.

What Is a Culinary Director?

A culinary director is responsible for the overarching targets and goals of restaurants or other food operations. As a culinary director, your duties are to establish a menu, hire chefs and other staff, plan budgets, and determine what to charge for menu items. This career 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.

What is the highest paying job in culinary?

The highest paying roles in the culinary field typically include Executive Chefs, Culinary Directors, and Food Service Executives, with salaries often exceeding six figures. These positions require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often advanced certifications or degrees in culinary arts or hospitality management.
What cities are hiring for Culinary Director jobs? Cities with the most Culinary Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Culinary jobs? The most popular types of Culinary jobs are:
What states have the most Culinary Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Culinary Director jobs include:

Culinary Director

Kauhale Centerville, LLC

Greenville, SC • On-site

$17 - $23/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

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Culinary Director

Location: Greenville, SC 29601

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Culinary Director to lead our culinary operations in Greenville, SC. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in senior living culinary services, as well as experience in hotel and restaurant environments. This leadership role requires expertise in both front and back of house operations, menu planning, and food safety compliance to deliver exceptional dining experiences.

Key Responsibilities
  • Oversee all culinary operations including menu planning, production sheets, and food preparation.
  • Ensure compliance with therapeutic diets, food codes, Safe Serve, and sanitation standards.
  • Lead and develop culinary team members, fostering a positive culture and strong teamwork.
  • Manage food procurement, purchase ordering, and inventory control to optimize costs and reduce waste.
  • Maintain high standards of customer service and fine dining experiences.
  • Collaborate with management to develop and manage budgets, ensuring financial goals are met.
  • Implement and maintain quality control and safety protocols in all culinary areas.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.
Qualifications amp; Skills
  • Proven experience as a Culinary Director or similar senior culinary leadership role.
  • Strong background in senior living culinary services, with additional experience in hotel and restaurant settings.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of front and back of house operations.
  • Expertise in menu planning, production sheets, and therapeutic diet requirements.
  • Thorough understanding of food codes, Safe Serve, and sanitation regulations.
  • Exceptional customer service and fine dining experience.
  • Strong leadership skills with a focus on people development and culture building.
  • Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Experience with food procurement, purchase ordering, and inventory management.
  • Familiarity with budgeting processes and financial management.
  • Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with diverse teams.
How to Apply

If you are a passionate culinary professional ready to lead and inspire a team while delivering exceptional dining experiences, we encourage you to apply.

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