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Culinary Director Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Fairfax, VA

$20 - $25/hr

Our line cooks work closely with the culinary director and Executive Chef to create everything from traditional comfort food to unique and exciting culinary options from around the globe, as well as ...

PRN Cook

Potomac, MD · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Our line cooks work closely with the culinary director to create everything from traditional comfort food to unique and exciting culinary options from around the globe, as well as a seasonal menu ...

Cook

Potomac, MD · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Our line cooks work closely with the culinary director to create everything from traditional comfort food to unique and exciting culinary options from around the globe, as well as a seasonal menu ...

Cook

Potomac, MD · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Our line cooks work closely with the culinary director to create everything from traditional comfort food to unique and exciting culinary options from around the globe, as well as a seasonal menu ...

Cook - Part Time

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Our line cooks work closely with the culinary director to create everything from traditional comfort food to unique and exciting culinary options from around the globe, as well as a seasonal menu ...

Cook - Part Time

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Our line cooks work closely with the culinary director to create everything from traditional comfort food to unique and exciting culinary options from around the globe, as well as a seasonal menu ...

Cook

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Our line cooks work closely with the culinary director and Executive Chef to create everything from traditional comfort food to unique and exciting culinary options from around the globe, as well as ...

Sous Chef

Bethesda, MD

$53K - $72K/yr

Led by Culinary Director Omar Rodriguez and chef-owner Kyle Bailey, The Salt Line is committed to: ✔ Fresh, seasonal seafood and raw bar offerings ✔ Creative, balanced beverage programs ✔ A ...

PRN Cook

Potomac, MD · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Our line cooks work closely with the culinary director to create everything from traditional comfort food to unique and exciting culinary options from around the globe, as well as a seasonal menu ...

Sous Chef

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$53K - $72K/yr

Led by Culinary Director Omar Rodriguez and chef-owner Kyle Bailey, The Salt Line is committed to: ✔ Fresh, seasonal seafood and raw bar offerings ✔ Creative, balanced beverage programs ✔ A ...

Momofuku partners with culinary schools across the country to host required externship programs for students! All Externs will work alongside Momofuku's Line Cooks to learn every aspect of the ...

Sous Chef

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

Led by Culinary Director Omar Rodriguez and chef-owner Kyle Bailey, The Salt Line is committed to: ✔ Fresh, seasonal seafood and raw bar offerings ✔ Creative, balanced beverage programs ✔ A ...

Cafe Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

This individual will have the opportunity to collaborate with the Daily Provisions Executive Culinary Director and James Beard Award recipient Chef Claudia Fleming. What you'll do: * Consistently ...

Cafe Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

This individual will have the opportunity to collaborate with the Daily Provisions Executive Culinary Director and James Beard Award recipient Chef Claudia Fleming. What you'll do: * Consistently ...

This individual will have the opportunity to collaborate with the Daily Provisions Executive Culinary Director and James Beard Award recipient Chef Claudia Fleming. What you'll do: * Consistently ...

Cafe Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

This individual will have the opportunity to collaborate with the Daily Provisions Executive Culinary Director and James Beard Award recipient Chef Claudia Fleming. What you'll do: * Consistently ...

Dining Server

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$18/hr

Communicate resident feedback and requests to the Culinary Director or kitchen staff. * Follow all food safety and sanitation guidelines, including proper handling of food and beverages. * Ensure ...

Dining Server (PRN)

Potomac, MD · On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

Communicate resident feedback and requests to the Culinary Director or kitchen staff. * Follow all food safety and sanitation guidelines, including proper handling of food and beverages. * Ensure ...

Showing results 21-40

Culinary Director information

See Reston, VA salary details

$31.2K

$100.8K

$222.6K

How much do culinary director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for culinary director in Reston, VA is $100,791.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,400.00 and $128,000.00 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 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 Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Culinary jobs in Reston, VA are:

What are popular job titles related to Culinary Director jobs in Reston, VA?

For Culinary Director jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Culinary Director jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Culinary Director jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Culinary Director jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Culinary Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Culinary Director job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,791 per year, or $48.5 per hour.

$20 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Description

THE COMPANY

Cogir Senior Living, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, proudly oversees a network of senior living communities spanning 11 states nationwide. As a trusted leader in senior housing, we are dedicated to growth while maintaining our commitment to exceptional care for our residents and a supportive, growth-focused environment for our team members.


At The Virginian by Cogir, our culture is rooted in the core values of human focus, creativity, and excellence, which inspire us to continuously improve and achieve excellence in all we do. Join us in our mission to enrich the lives of our residents while building a meaningful and fulfilling career!

WHAT WE OFFER

  • Competitive wages, training, and growth opportunities.
  • Early access to paycheck (pay on demand).
  • Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance.
  • Paid Vacation, Holidays, and Sick Leave.
  • 401K with company match.
  • Free meals at work.
  • Employee Assistance Program.
  • Generous Employee Referral Program and more.

POSITION SUMMARY

As a Cook in our community restaurants, you will have the opportunity to connect with and positively impact the lives of our residents daily. You will prepare fresh, nutritious, appealing, and delicious meals for our residents, team members, prospective residents, families, and guests. Our line cooks work closely with the culinary director and Executive Chef to create everything from traditional comfort food to unique and exciting culinary options from around the globe, as well as a seasonal menu that changes quarterly using fresh local ingredients. We focus on cooking and baking almost everything from scratch. The ideal candidate is a skilled and passionate culinary professional committed to providing exceptional service to seniors.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Be a part of a compassionate and high-performing team to redefine senior living and deliver top-level results.
  • Prepare and cook meals following established menus, recipes, dietary, and sanitary guidelines.
  • Set up and break down work areas in a timely fashion. 
  • Keep all stations clean and sanitized.
  • Collaborate with the dining services team to ensure timely meal service.
  • Check and restock all foods for proper service.
  • Adhere to local, state, and federal health and safety regulations.
  • Participate in required training sessions, including food handling and safety certifications.
  • Ensure proper handling and storage of cleaning supplies and chemicals.
  • Aid in all kitchen operations as needed.


Requirements

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS

Education and certificates:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Culinary School is a plus, or the equivalent of education and experience.
  • Food Handler Card with an understanding of kitchen sanitation and food codes. 

Experience, Competencies, and Skills:

  • At least one (1) year of experience in full-service kitchen surroundings, including following recipes and cooking dishes from scratch.
  • Knowledge of kitchen equipment and knife handling skills.
  • Knowledge of dietary restrictions and meal modifications for seniors is a plus. 
  • Ability to read and execute a recipe.
  • Proficiency in preparing a variety of meals, including large-batch cooking.
  • Creative culinary and prep skills are a plus.
  • Previous experience in senior living, healthcare, or hospitality settings is highly desirable.
  • Availability to work flexible shifts, including weekends and holidays.