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Culinary Director Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Midwest Foods

Culinary Operations Specialist

Kenosha, WI · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

You will work directly with our Culinary Director to take products from the test kitchen to full-scale production. You will be the bridge between culinary creativity and manufacturing reality ...

stcam

Culinary - Bartender

Wauwatosa, WI

Complete weekly inventory and coordinate orders with the Chef, Culinary Director, or vendor. * Comply with bartending regulations, department policies, resident safety expectations, and St. Camillus ...

Ebenezer

Culinary Assistant - AL

River Falls, WI · On-site

$18.12 - $26.17/hr

Refers issues to Executive Director and Culinary Director as appropriate. Required Qualifications * less than 1 year experience Preferred Qualifications * High School Diploma * 1 year experience ...

Ebenezer

Culinary Assistant - AL

River Falls, WI

$18.12 - $26.17/hr

Refers issues to Executive Director and Culinary Director as appropriate. Required Qualifications * less than 1 year experience Preferred Qualifications * High School Diploma * 1 year experience ...

SupportFinity™

WI · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Duties and Responsibilities The Culinary Services Director provides executive leadership of the food operations and is responsible for each operation's long term financial viability and ultimate ...

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All JobsCulinary JobsCulinary Director JobsCulinary Director Jobs in Wisconsin

Culinary Director information

See Wisconsin salary details

$30.3K

$97.8K

$216K

How much do culinary director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for culinary director in Wisconsin is $97,787.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,600.00 and $124,200.00 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 Wisconsin?

The most popular types of Culinary jobs in Wisconsin are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Culinary Director jobs?

Cities in Wisconsin with the most Culinary Director job openings:

Culinary Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Culinary Director job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, and 37% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $97,787 per year, or $47 per hour.

Culinary Services Director

CSL Plymouth Management LLC

Plymouth, WI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Find your joy here, at The Waterford at Plymouth, a Sonida Senior Living community! We offer a comprehensive benefit package to include competitive wage/salary, health and dental insurance, 401k with company match & much more!
The Waterford at Plymouth, a premier retirement community in Plymouth, WI, provides quality care to residents in an Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care community.

What we offer you:

  • Flexible scheduling**
    • Company support for educational and learning opportunities
      • Paid referral programs for Team Member and Resident referrals
    • Medical, dental, vision, and life/disability insurances*
    • 401k retirement savings offering a discretionary match determined each year based on company performance
    • Employee Assistance Program
    • Dependent Care and FSA saving accounts
    • PTO available day one
    • Paid Training

    *Benefit eligibility dependent on employment status

    **Eligibility based on location

    Culinary Services Director Responsibilities:

    • Responsible for the management, planning and directing the activities of the culinary service department and managing/supervising dining services staff.
    • Responsible for food service standards, policies and procedures, equipment, systems, city and state regulations and work areas while providing the highest quality of food service for Residents.
    • Coordinates closely with nursing staff to ensure residents’ needs are constantly being met, as needed.
    • Orders all supplies and maintains inventory control. Verify orders received, assuring needed goods are on hand. Ensure that all budgetary guidelines are achieved.
    • Must be willing and able to cook daily in the kitchen.

    Qualifications:

    • At least 3-5 years’ experience as an Executive Chef or Kitchen Manager or Culinary Director in restaurants, hotels, SNF, or senior living.
    • An associate degree or better in Culinary Arts, Food Science, or Hospitality Management or Certified Executive Chef (CEC, ACF).
    • Serve Safe Certification or Certified Dining Manager (CDM).

    Apply