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Culinary Director Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

The Culinary Supervisor reports to the Culinary Service Director and resides in the Culinary department. When the kitchen heats up, the Culinary Supervisor understands the importance of staying cool ...

The Culinary Supervisor reports to the Culinary Service Director and resides in the Culinary department. When the kitchen heats up, the Culinary Supervisor understands the importance of staying cool ...

Imagination Well Served. #LifeWorksRestaurantGroup The Culinary Supervisor will coordinate, plan, participate, and supervise the production, preparation, and presentation of food for a designated ...

Imagination Well Served. #LifeWorksRestaurantGroup The Culinary Supervisor will coordinate, plan, participate, and supervise the production, preparation, and presentation of food for a designated ...

Culinary Arts and Hospitality I, Culinary Arts and Hospitality II, Culinary Arts and Hospitality ... The position, at times, must be able to come into direct contact with school system staff, students ...

Culinary Arts and Hospitality I, Culinary Arts and Hospitality II, Culinary Arts and Hospitality ... The position, at times, must be able to come into direct contact with school system staff, students ...

Learn more by visiting - Link here Home - LifeWorks Restaurant Group The Culinary Supervisor will coordinate, plan, participate, and supervise the production, preparation, and presentation of food ...

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Culinary Director information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$29.2K

$94.2K

$208K

How much do culinary director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for culinary director in Raleigh, NC is $94,176.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,300.00 and $119,600.00 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 Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of Culinary jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What are popular job titles related to Culinary Director jobs in Raleigh, NC?

For Culinary Director jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Culinary Director jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Culinary Director jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Culinary Director jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Culinary Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Culinary Director job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 98% In-person, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,176 per year, or $45.3 per hour.

Culinary Services Director

Kisco Senior Living

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Kisco Senior Living rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 243 rated social care providers


Job description

Job DescriptionThe Culinary Services Director at Abbotswood at Stonehenge plays a key leadership role in creating exceptional dining experiences for residents. This position hires, develops, and inspires a high-performing team dedicated to delivering outstanding hospitality, quality dining, and a welcoming atmosphere, while ensuring excellence in safety, sanitation, and service standards. Monday - Friday (weekend MOD rotation)

What will I do every day?

  • Create an enriching and memorable dining experience
  • Creatively design menu items
  • Manage inventory control, functionality and dining/kitchen cleanliness
  • Interview, hire, train, manage and retain highly effective associates
  • Forecast and schedule necessary levels of staffing to ensure resident satisfaction and operational efficiency
  • Achieve balanced results in associate engagement, resident loyalty, and financial performance

What will I need to be successful in this role?

  • A passion for excellence
  • Be a progressive and creative thinker
  • Culinary Degree
  • Minimum 5 years' related experience required
  • Experience working in Senior Living is a plus
  • Hotel or Country Club experience a plus
  • Food and Beverage Manager experience

Special Requirements/Certifications I may need?

  • ServSafe certification required

What's in it for me? (Great Question!)

  • Competitive pay
  • A free meal per shift
  • Healthcare Benefits including Vision & Dental (Full-time only)
  • Matching 401k (Full-time only)
  • Paid Time Off
  • Rewards and Bonus Opportunities
  • Continuous Training and Growth Opportunities

What do we do?

We create a great place to live for our residents and a great place to work for our associates. Kisco Senior Living has been a dynamic, award-winning leader in the senior living industry for over 30 years.

 All offers of employment are subject to satisfying our pre-employment process, which includes successfully passing a drug screen, a job specific-related physical, a TB test, and a background check. If selected for employment, the company will cover the cost of these pre-hire requirements

*Kisco Senior Living is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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