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Culinary Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Culinary Director

Columbus, OH · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

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 Salary: 130,000-140,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is Food! At Bon Appetit Management Company we are committed to two things, great food and outstanding service! At ...

Culinary Director Salary: 130,000-140,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is Food! At Bon Appetit Management Company we are committed to two things, great food and outstanding service! At ...

Culinary Director Salary: 130,000-140,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is Food! At Bon Appetit Management Company we are committed to two things, great food and outstanding service! At ...

Culinary Director

New York, NY · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

As Culinary Director, you will provide strategic and hands-on leadership over all operations in New York, shaping the kitchen's vision, standards, and execution. This role oversees menu refinement ...

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

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Culinary Director

Troy, MI · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Regional Culinary Director - Business Dining $80-90,000 Detroit based - 35% travel, company vehicle Require great communication skills & personality Search by Harper Associates Our client is a ...

Culinary Director

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Regional Culinary Director - Business Dining $90-100,000 Huntsville AL based - 35% travel, company vehicle Require great communication skills & personality Search by Harper Associates Our client is a ...

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

Culinary Director Salary: 130,000-140,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is Food! At Bon Appetit Management Company we are committed to two things, great food and outstanding service! At ...

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Culinary Director information

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$30K

$96.9K

$214K

How much do culinary director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 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 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 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.

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 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.

How much does a culinary director make in the US?

A culinary director in the US typically earns between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the organization. They often oversee kitchen operations, menu development, and staff management, requiring strong leadership and culinary skills.

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 overall culinary strategy, branding, and menu development. An executive chef usually manages daily kitchen operations within a single establishment. The hierarchy can vary by organization, but generally, the culinary director has broader responsibilities and authority.

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:

Infographic showing various Culinary Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,881 per year, or $46.6 per hour.

Culinary Director

Myrtle Beach, SC • On-site


American House Senior Living Communities
Real Estate • 1 - 5K employees

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

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Full-time

This job post has expired 6 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Culinary Director Position Summary

Enriching the lives of those we serve, through innovative and wholesome culinary experiences!

Our Culinary Directors provide balanced nutrition through exceptional culinary experiences to our Residents and Guests on a daily basis. Culinary Directors are hands-on Chefs that are not only involved in the daily operation of the kitchen and dining room area, but also train, educate and coach their Teams to further their knowledge whilst ensuring quality and variety to their Residents. As a Culinary Director you get to do the things you love, creating nourishing and delicious meals and developing profound relationships with Residents and your Team.  

Qualifications and Required Experience for Culinary Director:

  • Excellent culinary skills and the ability to execute a variety of menu items
  • 4 years experience managing, training, and scheduling culinary staff
  • 3 years experience managing kitchen budgets
  • 2 years experience in dietary/food services preferred
  • Prominent interpersonal relationship skills
  • Evident problem solving and logistics skills
  • An open, positive and engaging personality
  • Excellent communication skills and a pronounced compassion for the elderly

Primary Responsibilities for Culinary Director:

  • Providing our Residents with superior restaurant quality meals and desserts
  • Active role in the creation, preparation, and presentation of Resident’s meals
  • Responsible for maintaining dietary operations to meet the monthly food, supplies and wage budgets
  • Responsible for the scheduling and posting of daily work assignments for culinary staff, insuring there are adequate personnel on duty for the preparation and serving of meals, while maintaining staffing guidelines
  • Responsible for maintaining and documenting proper/hygienic food handling techniques and the overall sanitation requirements set forth by the local Health Department for food service operations and its personnel
  • Responsible for interacting with Residents during meals to build personal relationships while assessing satisfaction levels
  • Working with Corporate Recruiters to source, interview, and hire qualified culinary staff
  • Ensure proper on-boarding of new Employees through documented Culinary Training program and three, monthly evaluations in person during the first 90 days
  • Leading the Culinary Team with fairness, discipline, and an inclusive working environment
  • Responsible for setting up food and supplies for special events in coordination with the Executive Director, Life Enrichment Director or Sales Department
  • Responsible for overseeing the proper use and maintenance of all Culinary equipment and reporting any equipment in need of repair or maintenance
  • Verifying daily, that Team members adhere to the grooming standards and are in proper uniform daily
  • Responsible for carrying out any emergency procedures required during shift
  • Partake in welcome orientations with new Residents and document any dietary requirements
  • Engage in prospective Resident visits
  • Maintain all regulatory compliance where applicable
  • Proficient with software applications/programs/tools used by American House for Culinary Director position
  • Responsible for the knowledge and enforcement of all information in the employee-handbook
  • Complies with other duties as assigned by Executive Director, or the Corporate Office
  • All Culinary Directors must obtain and maintain a Serve Safe Certification

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Founded in 1979, American House Senior Living Communities’ vision is to provide high-quality housing for senior at a price affordable for retirees and their families. That vision of excellence has endured for nearly 40 years and expanded to serve residents at a number of senior housing communities. Our mission is to enrich the lives of those we serve, providing an environment that fosters meaningful relationships. Our vision is to be an innovative senior housing company that created sustainable excellence and stakeholder value, with an unparalleled commitment to passionate care provided by compassionate people.



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