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Culinary Director Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Culinary Supervisor

Madison, WI · On-site

$65.90/hr

The Culinary Supervisor actively participates in food preparation while directing workflow and reinforcing operational standards. Responsibilities may vary by account based on kitchen structure ...

Culinary Supervisor

Madison, WI · On-site

$23 - $28/hr

The Culinary Supervisor actively participates in food preparation while directing workflow and reinforcing operational standards. Responsibilities may vary by account based on kitchen structure ...

Culinary Supervisor

Madison, WI · On-site

$23 - $28/hr

The Culinary Supervisor actively participates in food preparation while directing workflow and reinforcing operational standards. Responsibilities may vary by account based on kitchen structure ...

Culinary Supervisor

Madison, WI · On-site

$23 - $28/hr

The Culinary Supervisor actively participates in food preparation while directing workflow and reinforcing operational standards. Responsibilities may vary by account based on kitchen structure ...

Support the Culinary Team * Assist with food preparation and meal production as directed by the Executive Chef or Sous Chef. * Help prepare food and dining areas for special events, celebrations, and ...

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Culinary Director information

See Madison, WI salary details

$30.2K

$97.6K

$215.7K

How much do culinary director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for culinary director in Madison, WI is $97,635.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,500.00 and $124,000.00 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 Madison, WI?

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

What are popular job titles related to Culinary Director jobs in Madison, WI?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Culinary Director job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,635 per year, or $46.9 per hour.

Director of Culinary Services

Ciel Huntington LLC

Janesville, WI

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Oversee all culinary operations, including menu development, kitchen management, and food quality.

  • Coordinate staffing activities such as posting open positions, scheduling interviews, onboarding, training, and performance management of culinary team members.

  • Manage menu planning, including developing menus, conducting resident food committee meetings, and ensuring dietary needs are met while controlling costs.


Job description

Description

POSITION: Director of Culinary

REPORTS TO: Executive Director

FLSA: Exempt

OUR MISSION: We are united in our mission to offer seniors an elevated way of life, where comfort, connection, and joy thrive.

POSITION SUMMARY:

We are seeking an experienced and creative culinary professional to lead our culinary team as the director of culinary. And with the creative force behind her culinary offerings, it will play a key role in shaping our menu, culinary standards, and ensuring exceptional dining experience for our residents and family members. The director of culinary will oversee all culinary operations, including menu development, kitchen management, and food quality. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Staffing

  • Coordinate with Business Office Director to post open positions, schedule interviews, and make hiring decisions in conjunction with Executive Director. 
  • Ensure that supervisors and hourly team members maintain a safe and sanitary environment, in addition to providing a nurturing and pleasurable dining experience. 
  • Onboard and train all team members in the Culinary Department, ensuring that any state and company-mandated training is completed in a timely manner and documented properly. 
  • Deliver coaching, motivation, and performance improvement plans on an as-needed basis to culinary team members. 
  • Communicate with team members any pertinent information regarding the company, building, and residents. 
  • Develop and maintain schedules for both front of house and back of house team members. Work with leads to ensure schedules meet budgets and provide the level of food quality and service outlined for our residents. 

Menu Planning 

  • Communicate with line cooks to develop and maintain a pleasing and nutritious menu. 
  • Conduct monthly Food Committee meetings with community residents to plan for specials and additional menu modifications, ensuring that community preferences are incorporated into menus and events. 
  • Cost out menu options to ensure expected budget is met.
  • Understand dietary needs of residents and coordinate with dieticians, nursing staff, and care managers to ensure proper selection, preparation, and delivery of meals. 

Budget Management 

  • Understand all aspects of the culinary operating and staffing budget and ensure that financial goals are met. 
  • Meet with Executive Director weekly to update them on departmental spend and events.
  • During budget season, assist Executive Director in planning next year expenditures in staffing and non-labor expenses. In addition, create 5-year capital expense forecast to monitor kitchen equipment needs. 
  • Approve food orders from selected food vendors and ensure a proper level of inventory to meet demand and minimize waste and cost. 

Compliance 

  • Comply with all local, state, and/or federal licensing requirements, rules, regulations, OSHA, and company requirements. 

 Collaboration 

  • Work a variety of shifts on an as-needed basis. Must be willing and able to cook and serve shifts to ensure staffing needs are met. Routinely work different shifts for quality control, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 
  • Consult with Enrichment Director, Sales Director and Executive Director to determine ways in which Culinary can elevate services in their functional areas of the community. 

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Culinary degree is preferred. 
  • A minimum of eight years of progressive experience in the food service industry with at least three of those years in a responsible supervisory role of preparing food and serving customers. Experience to include management of food inventories and budgets. 
  • Experience in senior living or healthcare a plus.
  • Current ServSafe Certification preferred. Obtain or hold any county and/or state required food handling/sanitation licenses or certificates. 
  • Good understanding of Excel and online food service ordering platforms. 
  • A strong communicator and proven manager who can work with a wide range and number of team members.
  • Extensive knowledge of 24/7 food service preparations and federal, state, and local regulations regarding safety of food preparation and handling.

PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Walk/Stand - must be able to continuously walk and stand. 
  • Environment Condition - must be able to perform work both inside and outside 
  • Sit - sit infrequently 
  • Lift - constantly 0-10 pounds, frequently 11 - 50 pounds, occasionally 51 - 100 pounds 
  • Carry - constantly 0-10 pounds, frequently 11 - 50 pounds, occasionally 51 - 100 pounds 
  • Push - constantly 0-10 pounds, frequently 11 - 50 pounds, occasionally 51 - 100 pounds 
  • Climb - must be able to climb stairs on a frequent basis, with the opportunity to utilize the elevator as an alternate resource if available 
  • Bend - must be able to bend at the waist, knees, hips and spine on a frequent basis; may require frequently manipulating weights of 25 pounds or more. 
  • Squat - must be able to squat on a frequent basis to reach below the knee, may require lifting of 50 pounds or less. 
  • Twist or rotate - must be able to twist or rotate occasionally at the trunk, hips, knees, and neck, manipulating weights of 25 pounds or more. 
  • Reach- must be able to reach on a frequent basis. May occasionally reach overhead, requiring manipulation of weight of 10 pounds or less, and below waist manipulating weight of 25 pounds or more. 
  • Sensory Vision - must be able to read clearly with or without corrective lenses 
  • Hear - Must be able to hear telephone, audible alarms, bells and signals related to resident safety with or without hearing devices. 
  • Must be able to taste and smell.
  • Speech/Language - must have strong command of English sufficient to read and write and interpret administration information.Â