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Culinary Director Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

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

Executive Sous Chef

Decatur, AL · On-site

$60K - $77K/yr

Exceptional cuisine is prepared by chefs who have extensive culinary credentials and training from some of the most prestigious culinary institutes. Using only the freshest ingredients, menus are ...

Executive Sous Chef

Decatur, AL · On-site

$60K - $77K/yr

Exceptional cuisine is prepared by chefs who have extensive culinary credentials and training from some of the most prestigious culinary institutes. Using only the freshest ingredients, menus are ...

Executive Chef Marriott

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

Manage the culinary staff in order to retain and motivate employees; hire, schedule, train, develop ... the Food and Beverage Director * Maintain sanitation standards in accordance with all brand ...

PRN (AS NEEDED) Cook

Cullman, AL · On-site

$12.25 - $16.25/hr

The Cook reports directly to the Food and Beverage Director. Shift Details Cook Mon-Fri ; Weekends ... Culinary apprenticeship or training preferred * One (1) year job related experience including food ...

The Cook reports directly to the Food and Beverage Director. Shift Details Cook Mon-Fri ; Weekends ... Culinary apprenticeship or training preferred * One (1) year job related experience including food ...

PRN (AS NEEDED) Cook

Cullman, AL · On-site

$12.25 - $16.25/hr

The Cook reports directly to the Food and Beverage Director. Shift Details Cook Mon-Fri ; Weekends ... Culinary apprenticeship or training preferred * One (1) year job related experience including food ...

Showing results 41-60

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 15, 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.

Director of Operations

Hardee's

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Hardee's rating

4.6

Company rating: 4.6 out of 10

Based on 494 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 106 rated fast food restaurants


Job description

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 development of restaurants and ensuring the achievement of sales and profitability initiatives. This role will also provide input to all brand strategies to further ignite business growth and market share.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

May perform any or all the following duties:

  • Provides leadership and accountability to the field and franchise leadership team through clear expectations, coordinating efforts, and follow-up.
  • Plays a key role in executing initiatives through the implementation of plans and oversight of milestones and metrics.
  • Builds strong relationships with franchise partners by maintaining frequent and ongoing communication, tracking, and follow-up.
  • Leads implementation of strategic initiatives while monitoring and gauging results to determine appropriate changes.
  • Develops and executes a strategy to grow long-term business and achieve assigned revenue and profitability goals.
  • Supports operational processes to effectively execute based on customer needs.
  • Leads, develops, & participates in presentations, negotiations, operational meetings, and conferences with executive team.
  • Creates a dining experience that enhances relationships with existing customers while fostering new relationships.
  • Collaborates with executive team to develop the brand’s strategies.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS/CORE COMPETENCIES

  • Must have expertise in managing multiple priorities concurrently to effectively provide insight that builds the brand.
  • Must be able to drive to restaurants and interact with executive team, and work in an office environment at times.
  • Must have experience with Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Must be familiar with a variety of restaurant operations concepts, practices, and procedures.
  • Must have the ability to manage multiple projects/directions simultaneously.
  • Must display strong analytical and organizational skills and have the ability to identify and implement process improvement strategies with positive business results.
  • Must have strong work ethics and a high level of confidentiality to ensure proper handling of sensitive information.
  • Proven track record and ability to work closely with Finance, Operations, Marketing, and Human Resources teams.
  • Able to work in a fast-paced, dynamic, and challenging environment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • Fast-paced, high volume of activity, and a deadline-driven environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • Sitting for extended periods of time, using a telephone, typing and/or operating a computer and/or mouse
  • Travels as needed, approximately fifty (50)%

THE COMPANY RETAINS THE RIGHT TO CHANGE OR ASSIGN OTHER DUTIES TO THIS POSITION AS

  • DEEMED APPROPRIATE WITH OR WITHOUT NOTICE.

For 60 years, Hardee's has brought communities together with quality, delicious food. With more than 1,800 restaurants across the U.S., and locations in 14 countries, we are committed to the best tasting food to better serve our guests--From Made From Scratch™ Biscuits and Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders™.


What Hardee's employees say

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About Hardee's

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

For over 60 years, Hardee's has brought communities together with quality, delicious food. With more than 1,800 restaurants across the U.S., and locations in 13 countries, we are committed to the best tasting food to better serve our guests From Made From Scratch Biscuits and Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders. Hardee's has been known for more than 40 years for our Made From Scratch™ Biscuits. Our designated Biscuit Makers rise before the sun, and start their mornings at 4 a.m., hand-making each batch of biscuits from scratch every 15 minutes for biscuit clouds of flaky, buttery goodness.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Louis, MO, US