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Culinary Director Jobs in Ruston, LA (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a Director to effectively, and professionally lead a culinary team by inspiring their confidence, educating, and motivating them to consistently provide dynamic and excellent service ...

Cook

Calhoun, LA

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Associates Culinary Degree and 2 years of Culinary Experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Other Qualifications: * Serv Safe Certified preferred. Must be ...

Cook

Calhoun, LA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Associates Culinary Degree and 2 years of Culinary Experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Other Qualifications: * Serv Safe Certified preferred. Must be ...

Part Time Cook

Ruston, LA

$11.25 - $15.25/hr

The advantage goes to candidates with a diploma from a culinary school. Responsibilities of a Cook: Maintaining a sanitized and well-organized kitchen. Preparing workstations for cooking. Preparing ...

Full Time Cook

Ruston, LA

$11.25 - $15.25/hr

The advantage goes to candidates with a diploma from a culinary school. Responsibilities of a Cook: Maintaining a sanitized and well-organized kitchen. Preparing workstations for cooking. Preparing ...

Full Time Cook

Ruston, LA

$11.25 - $15.25/hr

The advantage goes to candidates with a diploma from a culinary school. Responsibilities of a Cook: Maintaining a sanitized and well-organized kitchen. Preparing workstations for cooking. Preparing ...

Part Time Cook

Ruston, LA

$11.25 - $15.25/hr

The advantage goes to candidates with a diploma from a culinary school. Responsibilities of a Cook: Maintaining a sanitized and well-organized kitchen. Preparing workstations for cooking. Preparing ...

Hourly - Hourly Plan, 11.00 USD Hourly Work Shift: We're looking for friendly, compassionate, team players to join our culinary team! Under the guidance of the chef/production manager, cook meals and ...

Cook

Ruston, LA · On-site

$14.50/hr

Hourly - Hourly Plan, 11.00 USD Hourly Work Shift: We're looking for friendly, compassionate, team players to join our culinary team! Under the guidance of the chef/production manager, cook meals and ...

Culinary Services Group is hiring immediately for a COOK position. * Location :JONESBORO, LA * Schedule :Weekends, Breakfast and lunch shift, no late nights! * Requirement :Cook experience required

COOK

Jonesboro, LA · On-site

$18/hr

Culinary Services Group is hiring immediately for a COOKposition. * Location :JONESBORO, LA * Schedule :Weekends, Breakfast and lunch shift, no late nights! * Requirement :Cook experience required

Culinary Services Group is hiring immediately for a COOK position. * Location :JONESBORO, LA * Schedule :Weekends, Breakfast and lunch shift, no late nights! * Requirement :Cook experience required

Prep

West Monroe, LA · On-site

$13.75 - $17.25/hr

The Prep Cook completes basic food prepping tasks as directed by the Chef /Manager. Their main ... culinary use. • Tastes products, checks production, and keeps records to accurately plan ...

Cook

Ruston, LA · On-site

$11.25 - $15.25/hr

Cook Summary/Objective The cook is responsible for preparing and/or directing the preparation of food to be served, complying with all applicable sanitation, health and personal hygiene standards and ...

Cook

Jonesboro, LA · On-site

$11.25 - $15/hr

Cook Summary/Objective The cook is responsible for preparing and/or directing the preparation of food to be served, complying with all applicable sanitation, health and personal hygiene standards and ...

Culinary Director information

See Ruston, LA salary details

$24.2K

$78.2K

$172.7K

How much do culinary director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for culinary director in Ruston, LA is $78,205.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,400.00 and $99,300.00 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 cities near Ruston, LA are hiring for Culinary Director jobs?

Cities near Ruston, LA with the most Culinary Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Culinary Director job openings in Ruston, LA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,205 per year, or $37.6 per hour.

Culinary Director

Hhs

Ruston, LA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Location:

Northern Louisiana Medical Center - CNS

Pay Rate:

Salary - Salary Plan, 78,000.00 USD Annual

Work Shift:

Job Description

Harness the power of food to nurture healing, inspire well-being, and cultivate a thriving culinary program within the healthcare environment. We are seeking a Director to effectively, and professionally lead a culinary team by inspiring their confidence, educating, and motivating them to consistently provide dynamic and excellent service with a focus on local, sustainable, seasonal, and organic ingredients.
You will possess a strong culinary background, exceptional leadership skills, and a passion for enhancing the dining experience for patients, staff, and visitors.

Responsibilities

  • Manage the food service department to provide excellent service and quality

  • Communicate with department, facility, and company leadership to achieve goals

  • Collaborate with dietitians and chefs to develop menus that are in line with market trends and deliver nutritional value

  • Provide leadership that supports a team environment that fosters morale, passion, quality, and respect

  • Demonstrate continuous ability to maintain and/or improve customer and patient satisfaction through communication, integrity, and performance

  • Lead team member recruiting, training, development, scheduling, and assignments

  • Perform daily inspections and assessments and coach and counsel team members

  • Manage inventory, ordering, vendor relationships, planning, schedules, payroll, and supplies to ensure budget compliance

  • Implement team-building initiatives to create a positive and safe work environment

  • Drive compliance with health, safety, and industry regulatory agencies

Skills

  • Leadership: Effectively lead and manage a supportive, respectful, and inclusive team

  • Interpersonal Skills: Ability to interact with individuals at all levels of the organization

  • Communication: Effective written, spoken, and non-verbal communication as well as presentation skills

  • Customer Service: Service-oriented mentality with a focus on exceeding expectations

  • Professionalism: Maintain a positive and professional demeanor

  • Decision Making: Ability to quickly make sound decisions and judgments

  • Proactivity: Self-motivated with the ability to effectively prioritize projects and needs

  • Team Player: Willingness to collaborate and provide support where needed to achieve outcomes

  • Business Ethics: Demonstrate integrity, respect, and discretion in all business dealings

  • Organization: Attention to detail and ability to effectively manage tasks in a fast-paced environment

Requirements

  • ServSafe Food Service Manager Certification

  • 5+ years of food operations experience, including 3+ years of management

  • Experience with cash handling policies and procedures

  • Familiarity with various point of sales (POS)/register systems

  • Computer skills including word processing, spreadsheets, email, and ordering platforms

  • Must be willing to relocate for promotion opportunities

Not Required But a Big Plus

  • Certified Dietary Manager (CDM)

  • Experience working in a hospital environment

  • Proficiency in languages other than English, especially Spanish

What We Offer

  • Paid time off (vacation and sick)

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance

  • 401(k) with employer match

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

  • Career development and ongoing training

Important to Know

  • Many healthcare facilities require employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have an approved exemption in place.

  • Veterans and candidates with military experience are encouraged to apply.

  • HHS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer committed to workplace diversity and inclusion.

Who is HHS

HHS is a private, family-owned business dedicated to caring for its team members and providing honest, quality-driven customer service. Founded in 1975 as Hospital Housekeeping Systems, today HHS provides services including housekeeping, food, and facility management to nearly 1,000 customers across six industries.

We are growing rapidly and seeking motivated leaders to join us for the next stage of our journey. We support and encourage growth from within and believe that we have countless future leaders in our organization who are waiting for their next opportunity. Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Team supports a work environment where individuals of all backgrounds are heard, respected, and encouraged to grow.