1

Culinary Director Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

Be Seen First

Culinary Director

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Regional Culinary Director - Business Dining $90-100,000 Huntsville AL based - 35% travel, company vehicle Require great communication skills & personality Search by Harper Associates Our client is a ...

Job Responsibilities * Supervise and lead kitchen staff, including cooks, prep chefs, and dishwashers. * Ensure the kitchen operates smoothly, meeting food safety and quality standards. * Oversee ...

Cook Culinary

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Cook - Join Our Neighborhood Kitchen Team Position Overview: We're looking for reliable, experienced culinary cooks to join our West End Grill team - \The WEG!\ We strive everyday to deliver the ...

Cook - Join Our Neighborhood Kitchen Team Position Overview: We're looking for reliable, experienced culinary cooks to join our West End Grill team - "The WEG!" We strive everyday to deliver the ...

Senior Culinary Supervisor Ubicación: THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA IN HUNTSVILLE - 56015001 Días de trabajo/turnos: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). Se proporcionarán más ...

Sous Chef

Decatur, AL · On-site

$46K - $63K/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 ...

Sous Chef

Decatur, AL

$46K - $63K/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 ...

Full time Cook

Decatur, AL · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Job Summary We are seeking an energetic and dedicated Cook to join our dynamic culinary team. This vital role involves preparing nutritious, flavorful meals in a fast-paced environment, ensuring high ...

Full time Cook

Decatur, AL · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Job Summary We are seeking an energetic and dedicated Cook to join our dynamic culinary team. This vital role involves preparing nutritious, flavorful meals in a fast-paced environment, ensuring high ...

Director of Operations The Director of Franchise Operations oversees all franchise restaurant operations for a geographic region. This oversight includes the continued growth and development of ...

Sous Chef

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Now, we're looking for an exceptional Sous Chef to help lead our culinary team with passion, precision, and pride. Why You'll Love Working with Us: • Competitive Pay + Weekly Paycheck • Monthly ...

Director of Operations

Moulton, AL · On-site

$110 - $160/hr

Director of Operations POSITION SUMMARY The Director of Franchise Operations oversees all franchise restaurant operations for a geographic region. This oversight includes the continued growth and ...

Director of Operations

Decatur, AL · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Director of OperationsPOSITION SUMMARY The Director of Franchise Operations oversees all franchise restaurant operations for a geographic region. This oversight includes the continued growth and ...

Director of Operations

Hartselle, AL · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Director of Operations POSITION SUMMARY The Director of Franchise Operations oversees all franchise restaurant operations for a geographic region. This oversight includes the continued growth and ...

Director of Operations

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$85 - $120/hr

Director of OperationsPOSITION SUMMARY The Director of Franchise Operations oversees all franchise restaurant operations for a geographic region. This oversight includes the continued growth and ...

Director of Operations POSITION SUMMARY Director of Franchise Operations oversees all franchise restaurant operations for a geographic region. This oversight includes the continued growth and ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

Culinary Director information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$28.1K

$90.8K

$200.6K

How much do culinary director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for culinary director in Decatur, AL is $90,821.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,200.00 and $115,300.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Culinary jobs in Decatur, AL?

The most popular types of Culinary jobs in Decatur, AL are:

What are popular job titles related to Culinary Director jobs in Decatur, AL?

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

What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Culinary Director jobs?

Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Culinary Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Culinary Director job openings in Decatur, AL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,821 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Culinary Director

Harper Associates

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Be Seen First

After you apply to this job, you can share why you’re interested to jump to the top of the candidate list.


Job description

Regional Culinary Director - Business Dining $90-100,000

Huntsville AL based - 35% travel, company vehicle

Require great communication skills & personality

Search by Harper Associates


Our client is a boutique national leader in Business & Industry food service, providing customized dining solutions to “at work” companies throughout North America. Their success is built on operational excellence, financial discipline, culinary innovation, and strong leadership.



Position Overview


The Regional Culinary Director is ultimately responsible for the overall performance of multiple corporate dining accounts within an assigned region. This includes full operational oversight, financial accountability, culinary quality, safety compliance, and client satisfaction.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on Chef experience combined with strong General Manager–level leadership skills, including P&L management, team development, and multi-unit operations oversight.



Responsibilities


  • Oversee all phases of operations from start to finish
  • Maintain accountability for food cost, labor, budgets, and profitability
  • Ensure compliance with company and client policies, SOPs, and quality standards
  • Lead menu planning and vendor compliance to support cost control and execution
  • Monitor production systems, sanitation, safety, and culinary standards
  • Partner with HR on hiring, onboarding, payroll coordination, and staffing needs
  • Collaborate with Accounting, Marketing, and corporate support teams
  • Facilitate leadership meetings and drive operational alignment
  • Implement company promotions and training programs
  • Maintain strong client relationships and respond proactively to feedback



This role requires up to 35% travel. Company vehicle, great benefits, $90-100,000. Please email resume to Ben Schwartz




Ben Schwartz | President | Harper Associates


Hospitality Placement Specialists

Company Description

Harper Associates specializes in the permanent placement of experienced personnel. Founded in 1968, Harper Associates has built an excellent reputation in the recruitment industry. Our long-standing history in the industry makes us unique. While we have progressed with the times, we still strive to offer personal attention and dedication to meet our clients’ needs. Harper Consultants are constantly networking, creating a continuous pool of experienced professionals to choose from.