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Culinary Director Jobs in Rochester, MI (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 Service Manager (CSM) is responsible for overseeing and directing the community's culinary operations to ensure a high quality culinary experience for our residents. The CSM takes pride ...

Cook-Troy

Troy, MI

$13 - $17.50/hr

Other duties as assigned by Culinary Director or the Corporate Culinary Support Team Founded in 1979, American House Senior Living Communities' vision is to provide high-quality housing for senior at ...

Cook-Troy

Troy, MI · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Other duties as assigned by Culinary Director or the Corporate Culinary Support Team Company Overview Founded in 1979, American House Senior Living Communities' vision is to provide high-quality ...

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Culinary Director information

See Rochester, MI salary details

$27.6K

$89.2K

$197K

How much do culinary director jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for culinary director in Rochester, MI is $89,174.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,200.00 and $113,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Culinary jobs in Rochester, MI? The most popular types of Culinary jobs in Rochester, MI are:
What job categories do people searching Culinary Director jobs in Rochester, MI look for? The top searched job categories for Culinary Director jobs in Rochester, MI are:
What cities near Rochester, MI are hiring for Culinary Director jobs? Cities near Rochester, MI with the most Culinary Director job openings:
Culinary Director -Lakeshore

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


American House Senior Living rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

141st of 228 rated social care providers


Job description

Culinary Director***Full-Time Shift-$70-$74K***

Enriching the lives of those we serve, through innovative and wholesome culinary experiences!

Our Culinary Directors provide balanced nutrition through exceptional culinary experiences to our Residents and Guests on a daily basis. Culinary Directors are hands-on Chefs that are not only involved in the daily operation of the kitchen and dining room area, but also train, educate and coach their Teams to further their knowledge whilst ensuring quality and variety to their Residents. As a Culinary Director you get to do the things you love, creating nourishing and delicious meals and developing profound relationships with Residents and your Team.  

Qualifications and Required Experience for Culinary Director:

  • Excellent culinary skills and the ability to execute a variety of menu items
  • 4 years experience managing, training, and scheduling culinary staff
  • 3 years experience managing kitchen budgets
  • 2 years experience in dietary/food services preferred
  • Prominent interpersonal relationship skills
  • Evident problem solving and logistics skills
  • An open, positive and engaging personality
  • Excellent communication skills and a pronounced compassion for the elderly

Primary Responsibilities for Culinary Director:

  • Providing our Residents with superior restaurant quality meals and desserts
  • Active role in the creation, preparation, and presentation of Resident’s meals
  • Responsible for maintaining dietary operations to meet the monthly food, supplies and wage budgets
  • Responsible for the scheduling and posting of daily work assignments for culinary staff, insuring there are adequate personnel on duty for the preparation and serving of meals, while maintaining staffing guidelines
  • Responsible for maintaining and documenting proper/hygienic food handling techniques and the overall sanitation requirements set forth by the local Health Department for food service operations and its personnel
  • Responsible for interacting with Residents during meals to build personal relationships while assessing satisfaction levels
  • Working with Corporate Recruiters to source, interview, and hire qualified culinary staff
  • Ensure proper on-boarding of new Employees through documented Culinary Training program and three, monthly evaluations in person during the first 90 days
  • Leading the Culinary Team with fairness, discipline, and an inclusive working environment
  • Responsible for setting up food and supplies for special events in coordination with the Executive Director, Life Enrichment Director or Sales Department
  • Responsible for overseeing the proper use and maintenance of all Culinary equipment and reporting any equipment in need of repair or maintenance
  • Verifying daily, that Team members adhere to the grooming standards and are in proper uniform daily
  • Responsible for carrying out any emergency procedures required during shift
  • Partake in welcome orientations with new Residents and document any dietary requirements
  • Engage in prospective Resident visits
  • Maintain all regulatory compliance where applicable
  • Proficient with software applications/programs/tools used by American House for Culinary Director position
  • Responsible for the knowledge and enforcement of all information in the employee-handbook
  • Complies with other duties as assigned by Executive Director, or the Corporate Office
  • All Culinary Directors must obtain and maintain a Serve Safe Certification.

Founded in 1979, American House Senior Living Communities’ vision is to provide high-quality housing for senior at a price affordable for retirees and their families. That vision of excellence has endured for nearly 40 years and expanded to serve residents at a number of senior housing communities. Our mission is to enrich the lives of those we serve, providing an environment that fosters meaningful relationships. Our vision is to be an innovative senior housing company that created sustainable excellence and stakeholder value, with an unparalleled commitment to passionate care provided by compassionate people.


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