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Culinary Director Jobs in Rochester, MN (NOW HIRING)

EXECUTIVE CHEF IV

Rochester, MN · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

You will prepare or direct the preparation of meals in accordance with corporate programs and guidelines. This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, entrepreneurial Culinary professional. Key ...

Operations Director at Chick-fil-A Chick-fil-A Rochester is growing! On November 6th we opened our 2nd restaurant and are looking for leaders to join our team. Are you highly skilled and motivated to ...

Operations Director

Rochester, MN · On-site

$65K - $74K/yr

Operations Director at Chick-fil-A Chick-fil-A Rochester is growing! On November 6th we opened our 2nd restaurant and are looking for leaders to join our team. Are you highly skilled and motivated to ...

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Culinary Director information

See Rochester, MN salary details

$30.5K

$98.5K

$217.5K

How much do culinary director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for culinary director in Rochester, MN is $98,479.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,000.00 and $125,000.00 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 do culinary directors do?

A culinary director oversees the culinary operations of a restaurant, hotel, or food service organization, including menu development, staff management, and ensuring food quality and safety standards. They often collaborate with chefs and management, and may be involved in budgeting, training, and implementing culinary trends.

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 is the average salary for a Director of culinary in the US?

The average salary for a Culinary Director in the United States typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the establishment. Senior roles with extensive experience or in high-cost areas can earn higher compensation, often including benefits and bonuses.

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.

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 strategic planning, branding, and overall culinary standards. An executive chef usually manages daily kitchen operations and food quality within a specific establishment. The hierarchy can vary by organization, but generally, the culinary director has broader responsibilities and authority.

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 is the highest paying job in culinary?

The highest paying roles in the culinary field typically include Executive Chefs, Culinary Directors, and Food Service Executives, with salaries often exceeding six figures. These positions require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often advanced certifications or degrees in culinary arts or hospitality management.
What are the most commonly searched types of Culinary jobs in Rochester, MN? The most popular types of Culinary jobs in Rochester, MN are:
What cities near Rochester, MN are hiring for Culinary Director jobs? Cities near Rochester, MN with the most Culinary Director job openings:

$80K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Come join our awesome team as a Culinary Director at The Homestead at Rochester!
The Homestead at Rochester is part of Volunteers of America National Services which serves as the Housing and Healthcare affiliate of the Volunteers of America parent organization.

Job Highlights:
Career scholarships
Quality training, continuing career education and leadership programs
Employee discount program
Scenic Spaces to Recharge
A Team That Feels Like Family
Supportive Leadership
Meaningful Work with Lasting Impact
Predictable, Balanced Schedules
NetSpend-Earn 50% of your wages after payday

Compensation: $80,000-$90,000 based on years of experience.
Shift: M-F days with occasional on-call

To provide quality food service in accordance with all State and Federal regulations and to meet the nutritional and individual needs of the residents. To manage the operation of the Dietary department to include staffing, department purchasing, food preparation, food delivery and clean-up in accordance with facility policies, physician orders, resident care plans and appropriate regulations

  • Oversees Dietary department and ensures department is meeting the highest standard attainable in accordance with State and Federal regulations.
  • Directs and oversees all resident nutritional needs planning and programs.
  • Responsible for designated nutritional aspects of resident care planning, including attending and participating in resident care conferences, to include Quarterly, Annual, and Initial Assessments, completing MDS (nutritional section), nutritional assessments, and all documentation necessary for compliance with State and Federal Regulations.
  • Contacts designated residents through routine and special visits; documents all pertinent dietary information (i.e.: diet changes, eating habits and diet order changes).
  • Coordinates dietary services with Nursing Department goals concerning individual resident nutritional needs in accordance with physician orders.
  • Oversee and delegate the updating of all resident nutritional information, as needed.
  • Oversees food preparation and serving of regular and therapeutic meals on designated shifts; monitors food temperatures, portion control, palatability and attractiveness; inspects special diet trays for conformance to physician’s diet orders prior to delivery.
  • Oversee and/or delegate the observation of meal service dining areas; obtains resident feedback on food quality, taste, appearance, temperature and service.
  • Responsible for obtaining approval for Capital expenditures and approving any large equipment purchases for the department.
  • Administers personnel function of the Dietary Department.
  • Interviews, and hires department personnel; supervises orientation; counsels and/or disciplines employees on infractions of established rules; partners with Human Resources to terminate employees when needed.
  • Conducts performance evaluations and recommends wage changes.
  • Schedules Dietary Staff to maintain budgeted staff hours every two (2) weeks.
  • Oversee the development and maintenance of work routines.
  • Plans, develops and executes facility and individual resident menus in conjunction with Dietician Dietary Consultant in accordance with State and Federal regulations; implements substitutions of menu items dependent upon seasonal availability, individual preferences and principles of economy.
  • Oversees all department purchasing and maintains set budgets for the fiscal year.
  • Attends required in-services and complete assigned online modules.
  • Supplies input and/or information monthly concerning department functions, activities, needs, goals and objectives; completes annual reports.
  • Supervises and assists in workflow and food handling techniques of staff as needed on the designated shift.
  • Performs responsibilities of dietary department absent staff, as necessary.
  • Ensure equipment and work areas are clean, safe and orderly; and strict adherence to procedures regarding cleaners or hazardous materials or objects; ensure universal precautions and infection control, isolation, fire safety and sanitation practices and procedures are followed; and promptly address any hazardous conditions and equipment.
  • Supervise Food Preparation and Serving
  • Ensure food is nutritional appetizing, prepared as planned and served in a timely and pleasant manner.
  • Ensure appropriate meals/snacks are served to residents with special dietary needs.
  • Responsible for sanitation and safety procedures, practices and training of dietary department of conformance to quality standards and health regulations.
  • Ensure all utensils, dishes, equipment and work areas are cleaned on a timely basis.
  • Ensure proper storage of foods and supplies.
  • Understand, comply with and promote all rules regarding residents’ rights..

Educational Requirements and Experience:

  • Qualified Dietitian, or other nutrition-related Bachelor’s Degree, or successful completion of state-approved food service management course (Certified Dietary Manager or Dietary Technician).
  • Experience with food preparation in a long-term care setting. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities.