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Culinary Director Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Chick-fil-A

Kitchen Director

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Kitchen Director | Chick-fil-A Westdale The Mission: Excellence from the Inside Out At Chick-fil-A ... Culinary Leadership: Oversee all back-of-house operations, ensuring food safety, cleanliness, and ...

Chick-fil-A

Kitchen Director

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Kitchen Director | Chick-fil-A Westdale The Mission: Excellence from the Inside Out At Chick-fil-A ... Culinary Leadership: Oversee all back-of-house operations, ensuring food safety, cleanliness, and ...

WesleyLife

Culinary (PRN Only)

Atlantic, IA · On-site

Join WesleyLife and Help Revolutionize the Aging Experience! Discover how WesleyLife is redefining what it means to age well: The WesleyLife Way Why Work at WesleyLife? At WesleyLife, we're not just ...

WesleyLife

Culinary (PRN Only)

Atlantic, IA

Join WesleyLife and Help Revolutionize the Aging Experience! Discover how WesleyLife is redefining what it means to age well: The WesleyLife Way Why Work at WesleyLife? At WesleyLife, we're not just ...

Edgewater

Cook/Homemaker-As Needed

De Witt, IA · On-site

$16.92 - $24.85/hr

Collaborate with Chefs and Culinary Directors while gaining hands-on experience in a professional kitchen. * Support Specialized Diets: Help craft meals that meet modified diet plans, making a real ...

WellSpire, LLC

Cook/Homemaker-As Needed

De Witt, IA

$16.92 - $24.85/hr

Collaborate with Chefs and Culinary Directors while gaining hands-on experience in a professional kitchen. * Support Specialized Diets: Help craft meals that meet modified diet plans, making a real ...

WesleyLife

Cook/Homemaker-As Needed

De Witt, IA · On-site

$16.92 - $24.85/hr

Collaborate with Chefs and Culinary Directors while gaining hands-on experience in a professional kitchen. * Support Specialized Diets: Help craft meals that meet modified diet plans, making a real ...

Edgewater

Culinary (PRN Only)

Atlantic, IA · On-site

Join WesleyLife and Help Revolutionize the Aging Experience! Discover how WesleyLife is redefining what it means to age well: The WesleyLife Way Why Work at WesleyLife? At WesleyLife, we're not just ...

WesleyLife

Culinary (PRN Only)

Atlantic, IA · On-site

Join WesleyLife and Help Revolutionize the Aging Experience! Discover how WesleyLife is redefining what it means to age well: The WesleyLife Way Why Work at WesleyLife? At WesleyLife, we're not just ...

Compass Group

Director of Dining Services

Davenport, IA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Director of Dining Services - Davenport, IA Salary: $80,000 - $90,000 Other Forms of Compensation ... Ability to quickly evaluate personnel, operations, and culinary situations and make appropriate ...

Compass Group

Director of Dining Services

Davenport, IA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Director of Dining Services - Davenport, IA Salary: $80,000 - $90,000 Other Forms of Compensation ... Ability to quickly evaluate personnel, operations, and culinary situations and make appropriate ...

Compass Group

Director of Dining Services

Davenport, IA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Director of Dining Services - Davenport, IA Salary: $80,000 - $90,000 Other Forms of Compensation ... Ability to quickly evaluate personnel, operations, and culinary situations and make appropriate ...

WesleyLife

Cook/Homemaker-As Needed

De Witt, IA · On-site

$16.92 - $24.85/hr

Collaborate with Chefs and Culinary Directors while gaining hands-on experience in a professional kitchen. * Support Specialized Diets: Help craft meals that meet modified diet plans, making a real ...

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All JobsCulinary JobsCulinary Director JobsCulinary Director Jobs in Iowa

Culinary Director information

See Iowa salary details

$28.2K

$91K

$201K

How much do culinary director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 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.
More about Culinary Director jobs

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

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

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Culinary Director jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Culinary Director job openings:

Culinary Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Culinary Director job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,997 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Kitchen Director

Chick-fil-A

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Chick-fil-A rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 7,688 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 107 rated fast food restaurants

Job description

Kitchen Director | Chick-fil-A Westdale

The Mission: Excellence from the Inside Out

At Chick-fil-A Westdale, we believe that a great guest experience starts in the heart of the house. We are one of the fastest-growing Chick-fil-A locations in the country, and we need a culinary powerhouse to lead our kitchen operations.

As our Kitchen Director, your mission is simple but profound: to brighten the lives of others by delivering food that is served with care, speed, and uncompromising quality.

The Role: Master of the Craft

We are looking for a leader who isn't afraid to get in the trenches but has the vision to lead from 30,000 feet. You will be the guardian of our \Gold Standard,\ ensuring every meal is a gift to our guests.

  • Culinary Leadership: Oversee all back-of-house operations, ensuring food safety, cleanliness, and quality are never compromised.
  • Operational Velocity: In a high-growth environment, speed is essential. You’ll optimize kitchen flow and systems to keep up with our record-breaking demand.
  • Team Empowerment: You don't just manage a kitchen; you grow people. You will be responsible for hiring, training, and inspiring a world-class culinary team.
  • Strategic Impact: Partner with the Owner/Operator and the Director of Operations to manage inventory, food costs, and labor productivity to fuel our continued growth.

Why You’ll Love It Here

  • Elite Compensation: Competitive salary plus Profit-Sharing and Performance Bonuses that reflect our store’s success.
  • Full Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and 401(k) matching.
  • Work-Life Harmony: Paid Time Off (PTO) and a leadership schedule that respects your time.
  • Professional Growth: We invest heavily in your development, providing the tools you need to reach the next level of your career.

What You Bring to the Table

  • The Foundation: You have prior kitchen or culinary management experience. You understand the heat, the pace, and the precision required in a professional kitchen.
  • The Spirit: You have a charismatic, servant-leader heart. You lead by example and find joy in brightening the lives of your team and your guests.
  • The Mindset: You are obsessed with the details—from the temperature of the oil to the smile on a team member's face.
  • The Drive: You thrive on growth and are excited by the challenge of leading one of the busiest kitchens in the nation.

Are You Ready to Lead the Heart of Westdale?

If you have a passion for food, a heart for people, and the drive to lead a high-growth business, we want to hear from you.

Apply today and help us continue our journey as one of the nation's fastest-growing Chick-fil-A teams.

Working at a Chick-fil-A® restaurant is more than a job – it’s an opportunity for teamwork and leadership development in a positive, people-focused environment. Most Chick-fil-A restaurants are locally owned and operated by independent, franchised Operators who invest in the future of their Team Members and give back to their communities.

What Chick-fil-A employees say

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Chick-fil-A logo

About Chick-fil-A

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Chick-fil-A, based in Atlanta, GA, US, is a well-known company in the quick-service restaurant industry. The company's official website is chick-fil-a.com. Chick-fil-A specializes in freshly prepared chicken sandwiches and other delicious chicken meals. It was founded by Truett Cathy in 1946, initially as a diner named 'The Dwarf Grill'. In 1967, the first Chick-fil-A restaurant was established. Today, Chick-fil-A operates more than 2,400 restaurants across the U.S. The core values of the company include integrity, excellence, continuous improvement, and caring. The mission of Chick-fil-A is to "Be America's best quick-service restaurant." The company prides itself on providing high-quality food and service, fostering a positive dining experience, and giving back to the communities they serve. Notable achievements include pioneering in-mall fast food and introducing the original boneless chicken sandwich.

Industry

Restaurants, food services and drinking places and traveler accommodation

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Atlanta, GA, US

Social media

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