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Culinary Director Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Culinary Director Pay: $65,000-$75,000/Year | Location: 4770 Larimer Pkwy, Johnstown, CO 80534 | Schedule: Day Shift | Leadership On-Call as Needed Lead Nutrition and Culinary Excellence in a Healing ...

The Culinary Director supports the Executive Chef by overseeing kitchen operations, maintaining quality standards, and helping meet residents' dietary and culinary needs. This position leads, guides ...

The Culinary Director supports the Executive Chef by overseeing kitchen operations, maintaining quality standards, and helping meet residents' dietary and culinary needs. This position leads, guides ...

Culinary Director

Arvada, CO · On-site

$65K/yr

The Culinary Director supports the Executive Chef by overseeing kitchen operations, maintaining quality standards, and helping meet residents' dietary and culinary needs. This position leads, guides ...

Culinary Supervisor

Denver, CO · On-site

$23 - $24/hr

Working as the Culinary Supervisor at The ART Hotel and FIRE Restaurant offers a unique and ... Ability to apply basic supervisory skills, including planning, organizing, directing, coaching ...

Culinary Supervisor

Denver, CO · On-site

$23 - $24/hr

Working as the Culinary Supervisor at The ART Hotel and FIRE Restaurant offers a unique and ... Ability to apply basic supervisory skills, including planning, organizing, directing, coaching ...

The Culinary Supervisor actively participates in food preparation while directing workflow and reinforcing operational standards. Responsibilities may vary by account based on kitchen structure ...

The Culinary Supervisor actively participates in food preparation while directing workflow and reinforcing operational standards. Responsibilities may vary by account based on kitchen structure ...

Culinary Supervisor

Denver, CO · On-site

$28 - $30/hr

The Culinary Supervisor actively participates in food preparation while directing workflow and reinforcing operational standards. Responsibilities may vary by account based on kitchen structure ...

Commerical Baker

Denver, CO · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Works with the culinary director to monitor equipment ensuring good working order and timely maintenance * Monitors food supplies and purchases systematically to ensure proper inventory turnover and ...

Works with the culinary director to monitor equipment ensuring good working order and timely maintenance * Maintains a professional and open line of communication with crew members * Develops and ...

Cook

Gunnison, CO · On-site

$18.90 - $27.40/hr

What will you do? * Assist Culinary Director with preparation of meals served in a high quality manner the reflect positively on the department and facility. * Serve meals and snacks in a timely ...

Works with the culinary director to monitor equipment ensuring good working order and timely maintenance * Maintains a professional and open line of communication with crew members * Develops and ...

Culinary Manager Urban Egg is an elevated breakfast experience (and yes--brunch and lunch too!). From our locally sourced ingredients to the open-kitchen layouts, every detail reflects the love and ...

Description Culinary Manager Urban Egg is an elevated breakfast experience (and yes-brunch and lunch too!). From our locally sourced ingredients to the open-kitchen layouts, every detail reflects the ...

Culinary Manager

Denver, CO · On-site

$63K - $70K/yr

Culinary Manager Urban Egg is an elevated breakfast experience (and yes-brunch and lunch too!). From our locally sourced ingredients to the open-kitchen layouts, every detail reflects the love and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Culinary Director information

See Colorado salary details

$31.5K

$101.9K

$225K

How much do culinary director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for culinary director in Colorado is $101,872.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,100.00 and $129,300.00 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 are the most commonly searched types of Culinary jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Culinary jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Culinary Director jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Culinary Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Culinary Director job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $101,872 per year, or $49 per hour.

$65K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Culinary Director
Pay: $65,000-$75,000/Year | Location: 4770 Larimer Pkwy, Johnstown, CO 80534 | Schedule: Day Shift | Leadership On-Call as Needed
Lead Nutrition and Culinary Excellence in a Healing Environment
The Executive Chef provides leadership for all food service and nutrition operations within our psychiatric hospital. This role is essential to supporting patient wellness, recovery, and safety by delivering nutritious, therapeutic meals while ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations, food safety standards, and the unique environmental requirements of a behavioral health setting.
What You’ll Do
  • Oversee all hospital food service operations, including menu planning, meal preparation, and service delivery
  • Ensure meals meet nutritional, therapeutic, and dietary requirements for psychiatric patients
  • Collaborate with dietitians, nursing, and clinical leadership to support patient treatment plans
  • Ensure compliance with CMS, Joint Commission, state health department, and food safety regulations
  • Implement and monitor food safety, sanitation, and infection control standards
  • Manage departmental budgets, inventory, and food cost controls
  • Lead, train, and develop kitchen and food service staff
  • Ensure behavioral health–specific safety standards, including safe utensils and ligature-aware practices
  • Support patient satisfaction initiatives related to nutrition and dining services
  • Participate in survey readiness, audits, and quality improvement activities
What We’re Looking For
  • 5+ years of culinary or food service leadership experience, preferably in a healthcare, hospital, or behavioral health setting
  • Strong knowledge of:
  • Therapeutic diets and nutritional guidelines
  • Food safety regulations (ServSafe, state health codes)
  • Healthcare sanitation and infection control standards
  • Demonstrated ability to lead teams in a regulated healthcare environment
  • Must be 21 years of age or older
  • Preferred Qualifications
  • Culinary degree or equivalent professional training
  • ServSafe Certification or equivalent food safety credential
  • Experience in psychiatric or behavioral health hospitals
Why You’ll Love It Here (Full-Time Benefits)
  • Multiple medical plan options, Vista Wellness (physician/pharmacy), Dental, Vision
  • Generous PTO and paid holidays
  • 401(k) with company contribution
  • Life and disability coverage
  • Tuition reimbursement up to $15,000
  • Student loan forgiveness programs
  • Opportunity to support healing through nutrition in a psychiatric hospital