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Culinary Director Jobs in Rochester, MN (NOW HIRING)

Mayo Clinic

Cook - Historic Properties

Rochester, MN

$21.55 - $30.22/hr

Responsibilities Joining the Mayo Clinic Historic Properties culinary team offers a unique experience in the culinary world. In addition to being eligible for the full Mayo Clinic benefit package ...

Compass Group

HEALTHCARE EXECUTIVE CHEF I

Rochester, MN · On-site

$75K - $85K/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 ...

Morrison Healthcare

RETAIL CAFE MANAGER II

Rochester, MN · On-site

$51K - $57K/yr

Acts as the direct liaison with the client Preferred Qualifications: * Culinary degree preferred, or A.A. Degree plus related experience * Three or more years supervisory experience in food service ...

Compass Group

HEALTHCARE EXECUTIVE CHEF I

Rochester, MN

$75K - $85K/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 ...

The Waters

Chef/Cook Full Time

Rochester, MN · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

We recognize that every team member is a direct reflection of The Waters. Attracting and investing ... The Chef ensures that high quality culinary dishes are prepared and served to residents and guests ...

The Waters

Chef/Cook Full Time

Rochester, MN · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

We recognize that every team member is a direct reflection of The Waters. Attracting and investing ... The Chef ensures that high quality culinary dishes are prepared and served to residents and guests ...

Compass Group

RETAIL CAFE MANAGER II

Rochester, MN · On-site

$51K - $57K/yr

Acts as the direct liaison with the client Preferred Qualifications: * Culinary degree preferred, or A.A. Degree plus related experience * Three or more years supervisory experience in food service ...

Compass Group

RETAIL CAFE MANAGER II

Rochester, MN

$51K - $57K/yr

Acts as the direct liaison with the client Preferred Qualifications: * Culinary degree preferred, or A.A. Degree plus related experience * Three or more years supervisory experience in food service ...

Compass Group

RETAIL CAFE MANAGER II

Rochester, MN · On-site

$51K - $57K/yr

Acts as the direct liaison with the client Preferred Qualifications: * Culinary degree preferred, or A.A. Degree plus related experience * Three or more years supervisory experience in food service ...

Mayo Clinic

Cook - Historic Properties

Rochester, MN · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Joining the Mayo Clinic Historic Properties culinary team offers a unique experience in the culinary world. In addition to being eligible for the full Mayo Clinic benefit package (including: health ...

Compass Group

HEALTHCARE EXECUTIVE CHEF I

Rochester, MN · On-site

$75K - $85K/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 ...

Mayo Clinic

Cook - Historic Properties

Rochester, MN · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Joining the Mayo Clinic Historic Properties culinary team offers a unique experience in the culinary world. In addition to being eligible for the full Mayo Clinic benefit package (including: health ...

Mayo Clinic

Cook - Historic Properties

Rochester, MN · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Joining the Mayo Clinic Historic Properties culinary team offers a unique experience in the culinary world. In addition to being eligible for the full Mayo Clinic benefit package (including: health ...

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All JobsCulinary Director JobsCulinary Director Jobs in Rochester, MN

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.
More about Culinary Director jobs
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 job categories do people searching Culinary Director jobs in Rochester, MN look for? The top searched job categories for Culinary Director 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:
Culinary Director jobs near you

Operations Director

Sign In / Register - Job Candidate Account

Rochester, MN

$95K - $110K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Three Rivers Community Action is seeking a strategic, people-centered Operations Director to help power our mission of reducing poverty and strengthening communities across Southeast Minnesota. Serving thousands of families each year through programs such as Head Start, Energy Assistance, Housing, Transportation, Weatherization, and more, Three Rivers relies on strong operations to support our 150+ employees and $22 million annual budget. This newly created leadership role ensures consistency, compliance, and excellence across the agency's core operational functions.

About the Role
The Operations Director oversees Human Resources, Information Technology, Administrative Support, and key special projects. As a member of the Management Team, this role partners closely with the Executive Director and agency leaders to strengthen systems, support supervisors, guide policy implementation, and advance agency-wide initiatives.

This is an ideal role for a collaborative, detail-oriented leader who thrives on building strong teams, improving processes, and ensuring policies and practices align with mission, values, and regulatory requirements.

This full-time position will be primarily based in Rochester. The position may be located in Zumbrota, with the expectation of working in Rochester part of the week.

What You'll Do

  • Lead HR operations across the full employee lifecycle, supporting supervisors and staff with best practices, training, compliance, and culture-building
  • Oversee IT, administrative support, facilities coordination, and customer service strategy
  • Develop and maintain agency-wide policies, safety programs, and compliance efforts
  • Play a key leadership role in launching and overseeing a new thrift store operation
  • Represent the agency internally and externally, strengthening partnerships and community trust

What We're Looking For

  • Bachelor's degree in business, human resources, nonprofit administration, or a related field
  • At least 5 years of progressive leadership experience in operations, HR, or nonprofit management
  • Strong working knowledge of HR laws, systems, and best practices
  • Proven ability to lead teams, manage complex projects, and collaborate across departments
  • Ability to work effectively with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences

Compensation & Benefits

  • Salary range: $95,000-$110,000, depending on experience
  • Generous paid time off
  • Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance and retirement match

Why Three Rivers?
At Three Rivers Community Action, your work directly supports families, neighbors, and communities. We offer meaningful leadership opportunities, a mission-driven culture, and the chance to shape systems that help people thrive.

Join us and help build the operational foundation that makes our mission possible.

Full position description will be shared with applicants selected for in-person interviews; to request full description, call 507-316-0610.

**To be considered, applicants must submit both a resume and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and interest in the position.**

Three Rivers is an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer

Apply