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Culinary Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kauhale Centerville, LLC

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 ...

the Chef Agency

Culinary Director

Seattle, WA · On-site

$115K - $120K/yr

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 ...

the Chef Agency

Culinary Director

Columbus, OH

$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 ...

Oxford Colorado

Culinary Director

Aurora, CO · On-site

Culinary Director Woodland Estates Senior Living is a pillar in senior living in Denver, CO . We approach every day with one goal: To improve the lives we touch through high-quality healthcare and ...

Certus Healthcare

Culinary Director

Zanesville, OH · On-site

$50K/yr

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 ...

Harper Associates

Be Seen First

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 ...

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Harper Associates

Be Seen First

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 ...

New

Aramark

Culinary Director

San Antonio, TX · On-site

The Director leads a team of Executive Chefs embedded at installations nationwide, shaping the culinary vision that supports mission readiness, enhances quality of life, and advances the ...

Apple Valley Place

Culinary Director

Charles City, IA · On-site

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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$30K

$96.9K

$214K

How much do culinary director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 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 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 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 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.

More about Culinary Director jobs
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:
Who are the top companies hiring for Culinary Director jobs? The top employers for Culinary Director jobs are:
What states have the most Culinary Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Culinary Director jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Culinary Director jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Culinary Director jobs are:
Culinary Director jobs near you
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, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,881 per year, or $46.6 per hour.

Culinary Director

Crisp Hotel Management LLC

Wilmington, DE • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Culinary Director

Location: Wilmington, DE 19805

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced and innovative Culinary Director to lead our culinary team in Wilmington, DE. The ideal candidate will be responsible for overseeing all culinary operations, developing creative menus, ensuring food quality and safety standards, and driving an exceptional dining experience for our guests.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead and manage the culinary team, including chefs, cooks, and kitchen staff.
  • Develop and implement innovative menus that align with the brand and customer preferences.
  • Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and health regulations.
  • Oversee inventory management, food cost control, and budgeting for the culinary department.
  • Collaborate with management to plan and execute special events and catering services.
  • Train and mentor culinary staff to maintain high standards of food preparation and presentation.
  • Monitor kitchen operations to ensure efficiency and quality.
  • Stay current with culinary trends and incorporate new techniques and ingredients as appropriate.
Qualifications
  • Proven experience as a Culinary Director, Executive Chef, or similar leadership role in the culinary field.
  • Strong knowledge of food safety regulations and best practices.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to develop creative and appealing menus.
  • Experience managing budgets and controlling food costs.
  • Passion for culinary excellence and innovation.
  • Relevant culinary degree or certification preferred.
How to Apply

If you are a dynamic culinary professional ready to lead and inspire a talented team, please submit your resume and cover letter to our hiring team.

Apply