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Culinary Director Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

We're hiring a Director of Culinary Services - a passionate and experienced leader who brings excellence, creativity, and heart to our dining experience. This role blends hospitality, leadership, and ...

Director of Culinary Services

Alexandria, VA ยท On-site

$87K - $92K/yr

We're hiring a Director of Culinary Services - a passionate and experienced leader who brings excellence, creativity, and heart to our dining experience. This role blends hospitality, leadership, and ...

Culinary Services Aide

Chesterfield, VA ยท On-site

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

Perform defined work routines, using various dietary utensils, supplies and equipment as assigned by the Chef Manager/Culinary Director. * Provide assistance to the cook in the preparation and ...

Culinary Services Aide

Chesterfield, VA ยท On-site

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

Perform defined work routines, using various dietary utensils, supplies and equipment as assigned by the Chef Manager/Culinary Director. * Provide assistance to the cook in the preparation and ...

Culinary Supervisor

Richmond, VA ยท On-site

$19/hr

Support the culinary director to lead the food and nutrition team at a hospital. Ensure patient meals are accurate and are delivered in a timely fashion. Provide excellent customer service to ensure ...

Culinary Supervisor

Richmond, VA ยท On-site

$19/hr

Support the culinary director to lead the food and nutrition team at a hospital. Ensure patient meals are accurate and are delivered in a timely fashion. Provide excellent customer service to ensure ...

Support the culinary director to lead the food and nutrition team at a hospital. Ensure patient meals are accurate and are delivered in a timely fashion. Provide excellent customer service to ensure ...

Support the culinary director to lead the food and nutrition team at a hospital. Ensure patient meals are accurate and are delivered in a timely fashion. Provide excellent customer service to ensure ...

Prep Cook

Hardy, VA ยท On-site

$13 - $15/hr

Performs daily tasks as set forth by the Culinary Director and cooperates with all staff in the best interests of the residents and acts as a team member in all areas Cleans and sanitizes work areas ...

New

Prep Cook

Hardy, VA ยท On-site

$13 - $15/hr

Performs daily tasks as set forth by the Culinary Director and cooperates with all staff in the best interests of the residents and acts as a team member in all areas Cleans and sanitizes work areas ...

New

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

Virginia Beach, VA ยท On-site

$20 - $22/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

Lynchburg, VA 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

Lynchburg, VA 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 ...

Culinary Supervisor

Lynchburg, VA 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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

Culinary Director information

See Virginia salary details

$29.7K

$96K

$212.2K

How much do culinary director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for culinary director in Virginia is $96,050.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,500.00 and $121,900.00 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 Virginia?

The most popular types of Culinary jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Culinary Director jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Culinary Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Culinary Director job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,050 per year, or $46.2 per hour.

Director of Culinary Services

Silverado

Alexandria, VA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Join Silverado Alexandria, a memory care innovator ranked in the top 10 nationwide by Fortune Magazine Best Workplaces in Aging Services. Since 1997, Silverado has delivered exceptional care to individuals with neurodegenerative conditions. We're a certified Great Place to Work and proud to offer competitive pay, benefits, and growth opportunities.

We're hiring a Director of Culinary Services - a passionate and experienced leader who brings excellence, creativity, and heart to our dining experience. This role blends hospitality, leadership, and purpose to ensure our residents enjoy nutritious, delicious meals in a warm and welcoming environment.

Be a leader with a memory care innovator!

You lead with heart, vision, and integrity. You're dependable, detail-oriented, and thrive in a collaborative environment. You're passionate about food, service, and enhancing the lives of others through meaningful dining experiences.

What You'll Be Doing:

  • Oversee the overall operation of the Culinary Department, ensuring high standards in food quality, safety, and service
  • Lead and inspire a team of culinary professionals through coaching, training, and performance management
  • Collaborate with other departments to support resident wellness and engagement through dining
  • Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and company policies
  • May require flexibility to work outside regular hours based on business needs

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma, GED, or educational equivalent required
  • Food Safety Certification (SERVSafe or equivalent) required
  • A.A. degree in culinary arts preferred
  • Effective communicator in verbal and written English
  • Five years of food and hospitality management experience (e.g., restaurants, country clubs, senior living)
  • Two years of supervisory experience, including coaching, performance feedback, and team development
  • Reliable transportation to meet attendance and punctuality standards
  • Must demonstrate passion and ability to work with individuals with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia
  • Experience in Independent and Assisted Living communities preferred

Some other things to consider:

  • Flexible schedule, including weekends
  • Active role: walking, bending, lifting (up to 50 lbs.)
  • Must be comfortable with animals and neurodegenerative conditions
  • Valid driver's license and clean driving record required

Why Choose Silverado?

  • Fortune Magazine Best Workplace in Aging Services
  • Certified Great Place to Work for seven consecutive years
  • Strong internal mobility and ongoing training

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