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Culinary Director Jobs in Appleton, WI (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Kaukauna, WI · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Cook We are seeking a reliable and skilled Cook to support the operation of our culinary department in a senior living community. The Cook prepares meals, maintains kitchen and dining cleanliness ...

Cook

Kaukauna, WI

$14.25 - $19/hr

Cook We are seeking a reliable and skilled Cook to support the operation of our culinary department in a senior living community. The Cook prepares meals, maintains kitchen and dining cleanliness ...

Fixed Operations Director

Oshkosh, WI · On-site

$95K - $145K/yr

As the Fixed Operations Director you will be responsible for delivering the highest level of customer satisfaction and profitability at our growing Service Center. You will support and manage the ...

Sous Chef

Appleton, WI

$48K - $65K/yr

... Director of Operations to oversee the daily operations of our established kitchen staff. As the ... To be successful in this role, the ideal candidate will have proven culinary and management ...

Sous Chef

Appleton, WI · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

Join our team where the culinary passion still flows and where are menu is always changing. Reach ... director on equipment repair and maintenance.

Sous Chef

Appleton, WI

$48K - $65K/yr

Join our team where the culinary passion still flows and where are menu is always changing.Reach ... director on equipment repair and maintenance.

Oneida Hotel - Cook

Ashwaubenon, WI · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

We're looking for a culinary superstar who thrives under pressure, brings creativity to the plate, and is passionate about delivering unforgettable dining experiences. If you're ready to lead with ...

Oneida Hotel - Cook

Ashwaubenon, WI

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Were looking for a culinary superstar who thrives under pressure, brings creativity to the plate, and is passionate about delivering unforgettable dining experiences. If youre ready to lead with ...

Courtyard Appleton - Cook

Appleton, WI · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Werelooking for a culinary superstar who thrives under pressure, brings creativity to the plate, and is passionate about delivering unforgettable dining experiences. Ifyoureready to lead with flavor ...

Oneida Hotel - Cook

Ashwaubenon, WI · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

We're looking for a culinary superstar who thrives under pressure, brings creativity to the plate, and is passionate about delivering unforgettable dining experiences. If you're ready to lead with ...

Oneida Hotel - Cook

Ashwaubenon, WI

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Were looking for a culinary superstar who thrives under pressure, brings creativity to the plate, and is passionate about delivering unforgettable dining experiences. If youre ready to lead with ...

Sous Chef

Appleton, WI · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

... Director of Operations to oversee the daily operations of our established kitchen staff. As the ... To be successful in this role, the ideal candidate will have proven culinary and management ...

Cook

Appleton, WI

$14 - $16/hr

Popeyes ® culinary heritage is built upon the rich Cajun and creole flavor profiles that are unmistakably Louisiana. We continuously draw upon and celebrate this heritage to inspire new, authentic ...

Cook

Oshkosh, WI

$14 - $16/hr

Popeyes ® culinary heritage is built upon the rich Cajun and creole flavor profiles that are unmistakably Louisiana. We continuously draw upon and celebrate this heritage to inspire new, authentic ...

Showing results 21-40

Culinary Director information

See Appleton, WI salary details

$29.3K

$94.5K

$208.8K

How much do culinary director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for culinary director in Appleton, WI is $94,529.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $120,000.00 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 Appleton, WI?

The most popular types of Culinary jobs in Appleton, WI are:

What cities near Appleton, WI are hiring for Culinary Director jobs?

Cities near Appleton, WI with the most Culinary Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Culinary Director job openings in Appleton, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,529 per year, or $45.4 per hour.

$14.25 - $19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Cook

We are seeking a reliable and skilled Cook to support the operation of our culinary department in a senior living community. The Cook prepares meals, maintains kitchen and dining cleanliness, and assists the Culinary Coordinator to ensure high-quality dining experiences for residents, visitors, and team members.

What You’ll Do
  • Prepare food according to menu and recipe guidelines.
  • Assist with serving meals in the dining room and maintaining dining areas.
  • Wash dishes, clean kitchen and dining spaces, and follow cleaning schedules.
  • Maintain proper sanitation and food safety practices; use PPE as required.
  • Supervise food requisitions, inventory, and food rotation when the Culinary Coordinator is absent.
  • Assist and oversee Culinary/Resident Assistants in food preparation and dining tasks.
  • Report unsafe conditions, complete work orders, and respond to alarms or emergency situations.
  • Participate in staff in-services, meetings, and safety committees.
  • Uphold confidentiality of residents and coworkers; complete incident reports as needed.
What We’re Looking For
  • High school diploma or GED; Culinary Arts degree preferred.
  • 2+ years of experience in culinary or hospitality services.
  • Ability to follow recipes accurately and maintain food safety standards.
  • Strong organizational, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
  • Calm, friendly demeanor and commitment to serving seniors.
  • Ability to work independently and assist in supervisory tasks as needed.
The Perks That Matter:
  • Competitive salary and bonus opportunities
  • Health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
  • 401(k) with match
  • Paid time off and flexible hours
  • Employee assistance program and on-demand pay
  • Career growth in a fast-growing company
About Jaybird Senior Living

We provide seniors with the exceptional care they deserve, in an extraordinary living environment. Our communities offer seniors the freedom to enjoy each day as they see fit, with the right level of care and support; helping them approach life with renewed confidence and purpose.

Since 2004, we’ve created a culture where our staff can innovate and grow — while our residents thrive and their families enjoy peace of mind.

The Minnesota Equal Pay for Equal Work Act requires employers in the state of Minnesota to disclose the following information. If the position applied to is not located in Minnesota, the following information may not apply. The base range represents the low and high end of the pay range for this position. Actual pay will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. The range listed is just one component of our total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, short- and long-term incentives, and program-specific awards. In addition, we provide a variety of benefits to employees, including medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage, disability insurance, 401(k) with match, paid time off (PTO), Flexible hours for better work-life balance, Employee assistance program, on-demand pay.

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local laws.