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Culinary Director Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Culinary Supervisor

Davenport, IA ยท On-site

$20 - $27/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 ...

Culinary Supervisor

Lamoni, IA ยท On-site

$21.67 - $29.25/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 ...

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

Davenport, IA ยท On-site

$20 - $27/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 ...

Culinary Supervisor

Lamoni, IA ยท On-site

$21.67 - $29.25/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 ...

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 Coordinator Join our team as a Culinary Coordinator and lead a dedicated kitchen team in delivering exceptional dining experiences for our residents. You'll oversee all aspects of the ...

Culinary Coordinator Join our team as a Culinary Coordinator and lead a dedicated kitchen team in delivering exceptional dining experiences for our residents. You'll oversee all aspects of the ...

Culinary Coordinator

Panora, IA ยท On-site

$46K - $48K/yr

Culinary Coordinator Wage Range: $46,000-48,000/year Join our team as a Culinary Coordinator and lead a dedicated kitchen team in delivering exceptional dining experiences for our residents. You'll ...

Showing results 21-40

Culinary Director information

See Iowa salary details

$28.2K

$91K

$201K

How much do culinary director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for culinary director in Iowa is $90,997.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,400.00 and $115,500.00 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 Iowa?

The most popular types of Culinary jobs in Iowa are:

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

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

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Culinary Director jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Culinary Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Culinary Director job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,997 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Culinary/Dietary Aide- PM ONLY (86172)

Pivotal Health Care

Ames, IA โ€ข On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Northridge Village is an innovative, beautiful, 5-star, boutique style senior living community. Our mission is simple: to enrich the lives of our residents through purpose, passion & joy in life! Our Community offers several levels of living including: independent living, assisted living, short-term rehab, and long-term care.
In addition to our commitment to provide quality care to our residents, we are also committed to providing a great work environment for our Team Members.
Shifts: In general, we offer 8 shifts. We have openings for full-time (30+ hours weekly) and part-time (up to 29 hours weekly) positions.
  • Evenings: 4pm-7:30pm (Part-Time)
Benefits: We value and are grateful for our Team Members. Below is a snapshot of our benefits to foster health and happiness for our team:
  • Health, Dental, & Vision Care Plans with company cost share (full-time only)
  • Company paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that includes counseling sessions for Team Members and their Family.
  • 401(k) with company match
  • PTO
  • Holiday Premium Pay
  • Volunteer Time Off
  • Competitive Wages & Shift Differentials
  • Referral Bonus
  • Service Award Bonus
  • Career Path Development
  • Tuition Assistance & Certification Course Payment
  • Fun & engaging team environment
If you're in search of a family based organization with a culture of care and you have a passion for seniors - keep reading!
Role:
We are seeking a dedicated Culinary/Dietary Aide to join our team! The Dietary Aide / Server ensures our residents and guests receive nutritious meals, performs designated work and cleaning routines for the Dietary Department, and helps to create a relaxing and enjoyable dining experience in our communities.
Responsibilities:
  • Culinary/Dietary Aide helps create a restaurant-style dining experience through serving meals, customer service, and collaboration.
  • Culinary/Dietary Aide follows written and oral instructions, follow diet orders/tray cards and work assignments.
  • Culinary/Dietary Aide ensures that meal orders are delivered accurately, and any special request or dietary restrictions are noted and followed.
  • Culinary/Dietary Aide performs defined work routines.
  • Culinary/Dietary Aide assists with cleaning routines after meals have ended and setting up for next meal.
  • Culinary/Dietary Aide follows proper food safety and sanitation procedures and maintain a clean and safe environment.
  • Culinary/Dietary Aide assists in receiving and storing food and supplies as directed by Culinary Director
  • Culinary/Dietary Aide attends scheduled department meetings.
  • Culinary/Dietary Aide attends educational programs.
  • Culinary/Dietary Aide follows defined safety codes while performing duties.
  • Culinary/Dietary Aide follows Infection Control procedures.
  • Culinary/Dietary Aide understands community's fire and disaster plans; follow established procedures during drills and actual emergencies.
  • Culinary/Dietary Aide be knowledgeable of federal, state, and community's rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Qualifications:
The Culinary/Dietary Aide preferred high school graduate or have an equivalent education (GED) but not required. Serv Safe certification is encouraged but not required.
Our Community is a part of a family of Retirement Communities which include:
  • Colonial Village, Overland Park, KS
  • Maggie's Place of Colonial Village, Overland Park, KS
  • Westchester Village, Lenexa KS
  • Linden Woods Village, Gladstone, MO
  • Raintree Village, Lee's Summit, MO
  • Prairie Vista Village, Altoona, IA
  • Terrace Glen Village, Marion, IA
  • Cedar Ridge Village, West Des Moines, IA
  • Northridge Village, Ames, IA
  • Kennybrook Village, Grimes, IA
  • Scenic Living Communities, Iowa Falls, IA

We are an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, marital status, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability of any other characteristic protected by law. Our family of retirement communities are proud to be a tobacco-free campus, including but not limited to electronic cigarettes. We follow CMS and CDC protocols and guidelines.
#DietaryAide #CulinaryAide #FoodServiceWorker #Server #SeniorCare #ResidentCare #SeniorLiving #nrv2024