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Culinary Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Bon Appetit

Culinary Director

San Francisco, CA · On-site

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 ...

Compass Group

Culinary Director

San Francisco, CA · On-site

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 ...

Compass Group

Culinary Director

San Francisco, CA · On-site

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 ...

Westmont of Pinole

Culinary Director

Pinole, CA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

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 ...

Westmont Living

Culinary Director

Pinole, CA · On-site

$90K/yr

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 ...

Compass Group

Culinary Director - NVIDIA

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

Short Description As Culinary Director, you will provide strategic culinary leadership for one of NVIDIA's premier dining programs, overseeing multiple culinary operations with a strong emphasis on ...

Hornblower

Culinary Director

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

The Culinary Director works hands-on to successfully manage back of the house cruise execution to ensure consistently high levels of quality, service, sanitation, and guest satisfaction while ...

Bon Appetit

Culinary Director - NVIDIA

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

Short Description As Culinary Director, you will provide strategic culinary leadership for one of NVIDIA's premier dining programs, overseeing multiple culinary operations with a strong emphasis on ...

Compass Group

Culinary Director - NVIDIA

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

Short Description As Culinary Director, you will provide strategic culinary leadership for one of NVIDIA's premier dining programs, overseeing multiple culinary operations with a strong emphasis on ...

Compass Group

Culinary Director - NVIDIA

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

Short Description As Culinary Director, you will provide strategic culinary leadership for one of NVIDIA's premier dining programs, overseeing multiple culinary operations with a strong emphasis on ...

Sodexo

Regional Culinary Director

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$115K - $180K/yr

As Director of Culinary, Offer Implementation with Sodexo Live!, your passion for culinary innovation and technical skill sets position you to implement and oversee culinary programs and operations ...

Epic Healthcare

Culinary Director - Astoria

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

Dietary Director Responsibilities of a Dietary Director: * Collaborate with the culinary team to plan nutritious and appealing menus that meet dietary requirements and preferences. * Oversee the ...

Aegis Living

Culinary Services Director

Moraga, CA

$39 - $42/hr

Elevate your career as a Culinary Services Director at Aegis Living Moraga. In this integral role, you will spearhead the operation of the culinary department that will set the tone of creating ...

New

Aegis Living

Culinary Services Director

Moraga, CA · On-site

$42/hr

Overview Elevate your career as a Culinary Services Director at Aegis Living Moraga. In this integral role, you will spearhead the operation of the culinary department that will set the tone of ...

Aegis Living

Culinary Services Director

Moraga, CA · On-site

$39 - $42/hr

Overview Elevate your career as a Culinary Services Director at Aegis Living Moraga. In this integral role, you will spearhead the operation of the culinary department that will set the tone of ...

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All JobsCulinary JobsCulinary Director JobsCulinary Director Jobs in California

Culinary Director information

See California salary details

$29.6K

$95.6K

$211.2K

How much do culinary director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for culinary director in California is $95,612.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,200.00 and $121,400.00 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.
More about Culinary Director jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Culinary jobs in California?

The most popular types of Culinary jobs in California are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Culinary Director jobs?

Cities in California with the most Culinary Director job openings:

Culinary Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Culinary Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,612 per year, or $46 per hour.

Culinary Director

Skilled Nursing of Solano County,

Dixon, CA • On-site

$65K - $72K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Culinary Director - Healthcare

Dixon, CA

We are committed to providing exceptional dining experiences that exceed our guests' expectations. As a Culinary Director, you will play a crucial role in leading our culinary team to achieve this goal. With a competitive salary range of $65,000 - $72,000 ANNUALLY, you will have the opportunity to grow and develop your skills in a dynamic and supportive environment.

About the Role

As the Culinary Director, you will be responsible for overseeing all culinary operations, including menu planning, food preparation, and presentation. Your expertise will ensure that all dishes are of the highest quality, and our guests have a memorable dining experience. You will also be responsible for:

  • Leading and managing a team of cooks, servers, and other culinary staff

  • Developing and implementing menus that showcase fresh, locally sourced ingredients

  • Maintaining high standards of food safety and quality control

  • Collaborating with other departments to ensure seamless service and customer satisfaction

  • Developing and managing budgets for food, labor, and supplies

  • Identifying and addressing opportunities for improvement and implementing changes to enhance the dining experience

Responsibilities

  • Develop, implement, and maintain menus that meet the highest culinary standards

  • Source and manage inventory of fresh and locally sourced ingredients

  • Manage food production and presentation, ensuring high-quality dishes are served to guests

  • Lead and develop a team of cooks, servers, and other culinary staff

  • Conduct regular quality control checks to ensure standards are being met

  • Collaborate with other departments to ensure seamless service and customer satisfaction

  • Manage budgets for food, labor, and supplies

  • Identify and address opportunities for improvement and implement changes to enhance the dining experience

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary range of $65,000 - $72,000 ANNUALLY

  • Opportunity to grow and develop your culinary skills in a dynamic and supportive environment

  • Collaborative and fun work environment with a passionate team

Requirements

  • 3 years of experience in a culinary leadership role

  • Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts or related field (n/a)

  • Strong leadership and management skills

  • Excellent culinary skills and knowledge

  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with attention to detail

  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills

How to Apply

If you are a motivated and experienced culinary professional looking for a new challenge, please consider applying for the Culinary Director position.