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Culinary Director Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA (NOW HIRING)

PF Changs

Sous Chef Kitchen Manager

Baton Rouge, LA

$19.76 - $26.75/hr

Assists with cost control and food inventories as directed by the Executive Chef Job Requirements: * 2+ years of prior culinary or restaurant experience * Exposure to managing inventory, cost of ...

P.F. Chang's

Sous Chef Kitchen Manager

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$56K - $76K/yr

Assists with cost control and food inventories as directed by the Executive Chef Job Requirements: * 2+ years of prior culinary or restaurant experience * Exposure to managing inventory, cost of ...

PF Changs

Sous Chef Kitchen Manager

Baton Rouge, LA

$56K - $76K/yr

Assists with cost control and food inventories as directed by the Executive Chef Job Requirements: * 2+ years of prior culinary or restaurant experience * Exposure to managing inventory, cost of ...

Chief of Minds

Operations Director

Baton Rouge, LA

We're looking for an Operations Director who thrives on structure, leads with steadiness, and gets things done. This is a newly created role where you will be the operational backbone of the ...

Chief of Minds

Operations Director

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

We're looking for an Operations Director who thrives on structure, leads with steadiness, and gets things done. This is a newly created role where you will be the operational backbone of the ...

Chief of Minds

Operations Director

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

We're looking for an Operations Director who thrives on structure, leads with steadiness, and gets things done. This is a newly created role where you will be the operational backbone of the ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Saint Francisville, LA

$49K - $66K/yr

Ensuring consistency in culinary excellence across the vessel your primary responsibility. You will work closely with other members of the culinary team every day to ensure that the kitchen ...

Compass Group

CHEF, SOUS I - LSU - BATON ROUGE

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$48K - $64K/yr

Do you enjoy using your culinary skills in fast paced growing environment? We are currently seeking a Sous Chef at LSU. In this role, you will be responsible for successfully supporting the culinary ...

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Culinary Director information

See Baton Rouge, LA salary details

$28.8K

$93K

$205.5K

How much do culinary director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for culinary director in Baton Rouge, LA is $93,029.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,600.00 and $118,100.00 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 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.

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 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 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.

More about Culinary Director jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Culinary jobs in Baton Rouge, LA? The most popular types of Culinary jobs in Baton Rouge, LA are:
What are popular job titles related to Culinary Director jobs in Baton Rouge, LA? For Culinary Director jobs in Baton Rouge, LA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Culinary Director jobs in Baton Rouge, LA look for? The top searched job categories for Culinary Director jobs in Baton Rouge, LA are:
What cities near Baton Rouge, LA are hiring for Culinary Director jobs? Cities near Baton Rouge, LA with the most Culinary Director job openings:
Culinary Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Culinary Director job openings in Baton Rouge, LA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $93,029 per year, or $44.7 per hour.

REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF CULINARY - CHARTWELLS HIGHER ED - LOUISIANA/ARKANSAS/KENTUCKY

Compass Group

Baton Rouge, LA • On-site

$125K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,083 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

342nd of 488 rated business services

Job description

Location: REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF CULINARY - CHARTWELLS HIGHER ED - LOUISIANA/ARKANSAS/KENTUCKY
Salary: $125,000 - $145,000
Other Forms of Compensation: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, PTO, Field Incentive Plan
At over 300 college & universities around the country, Chartwells Higher Education is re-inventing the on-campus dining experience. We are challenging the norm and setting new standards by investing in high-tech, food-infused social spaces that bring people together to promote meaningful relationships and interactions. We are food-forward difference makers, bound together by a desire to feed hungry minds and prepare students for success.
We are seeking hungry, humble and smart associates who are looking to join and grow with a diverse organization. We invite you to start your career journey with us and look forward to hearing from you.
Job Summary
Do you enjoy crafting and implementing innovative culinary solutions to customers? We are currently seeking a Regional Director of Culinary for Chartwells Higher Ed for Louisiana/Arkansas/Kentucky. In this role you will be responsible for oversight of culinary leadership and standards and for 10+ campuses throughout the States of Louisiana, Arkansas and Kentucky. As a key leader for our culinary programs, you'll spearhead menu development infusing creativity and precision into every dish. This role entails managing budgeting and food costing, ensuring client and customer satisfaction, and fostering employee training and growth. With Chartwells rapid growth trajectory, there's immense potential for you to advance professionally and make an immediate impact in our culinary landscape!
Key Responsibilities:
  • Develops and implements operation's plans and systems to ensure contractual obligations are met.
  • Manages cost controls and control expenditures for the region.
  • Acts as a Regional leader who models competencies and behaviors that support company values and standards.
  • Influencing menus for all culinary operations including chef's tables, high visibility catering and university student-centric food trends.
  • Develops and communicates strategies for improving customer experience.
  • Interacts professionally with a cross-functional group of associates, suppliers, clients and customers.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
  • Culinary Degree, or comparable four year culinary development experience.
  • Minimum of 5-7 years of experience, multi-unit experience preferred.
  • Excellent communication skills both written and verbal, with the ability to communicate on various levels to include management, departmental, client, customer and associate levels.
  • Strong supervisory, leadership, hands-on management and coaching skills.
  • Strong financial acumen, proven P&L experience, budgetary, and food control practices.
  • A demonstrated ability to assess and grow people, operations, equipment, and revenue.
  • Willing to travel throughout the region.
  • Computer skills and experience with MS Office products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, preferred.
  • ServSafe® Certified.

Embark on a dynamic career journey with us, where innovation and creativity thrive, and your contributions make a tangible impact on campus life! Join our team and be part of shaping exceptional dining experiences with Chartwells Higher Education!
Apply to Chartwells Higher Education today!
Chartwells Higher Education is a member of Compass Group USA
Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story
Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Chartwells Higher Ed maintains a drug-free workplace.
Associates at Chartwells Higher Edare offered many fantastic benefits.
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Personal Leave

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.
https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_ChartwellsHED.pdf
Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
Req ID: 1539917
Chartwells HE
SHARON MCNEELEY
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