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Culinary Experience Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Director of Culinary Experience

Cary, NC ยท On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

The Director of Culinary Experience partners closely with the General Manager and interdisciplinary team to align dining services with resident preferences, clinical needs, and Solera hospitality ...

Provides assessment of the culinary experience in order to outline the resident satisfaction ... E.D. Food Service Management Degree or commensurate work experience. ServSafe certification ...

Provides assessment of the culinary experience in order to outline the resident satisfaction ... E.D. Food Service Management Degree or commensurate work experience. ServSafe certification ...

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Culinary Experience Manager information

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$32K

$56.5K

$79K

How much do culinary experience manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for culinary experience manager in the United States is $56,507.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $65,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a culinary experience manager?

Culinary Experience Managers are professionals responsible for designing, coordinating, and enhancing the overall dining experience in restaurants, hotels, resorts, or food service businesses. They work to create memorable and engaging culinary events, ensure high standards of food quality and presentation, and manage service teams. Their role often involves collaborating with chefs, overseeing menu development, and integrating guest feedback to improve service. Culinary Experience Managers play a key part in delivering exceptional hospitality and ensuring customer satisfaction.

What are the typical challenges faced by a culinary experience manager when designing new dining concepts?

Culinary Experience Managers often encounter challenges such as balancing creativity with budget constraints, ensuring menu items meet dietary requirements, and maintaining consistency across different service teams. They must also collaborate closely with chefs, event planners, and front-of-house staff to deliver a seamless experience. Staying updated with food trends while meeting guest expectations can be demanding, but it also provides opportunities for innovation and professional growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a culinary experience manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Culinary Experience Manager, you need expertise in culinary arts, menu development, event planning, and hospitality management, often supported by a degree or certification in culinary or hospitality fields. Familiarity with POS systems, reservation software, and food safety certifications like ServSafe is typically required. Exceptional leadership, creativity, and customer service skills set top performers apart in this role. These skills ensure memorable guest experiences, operational efficiency, and consistent delivery of high-quality culinary events.

What is the difference between Culinary Experience Manager vs Food Service Supervisor?

AspectCulinary Experience ManagerFood Service Supervisor
CredentialsRelevant culinary certifications, hospitality experienceFood safety certifications, supervisory training
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, hotels, resorts focusing on guest experienceFast-paced food service settings, overseeing staff
Employer & Industry UsageHospitality, catering, fine diningCasual dining, cafeterias, quick-service restaurants

The Culinary Experience Manager focuses on enhancing guest dining experiences through culinary innovation and team leadership, often in upscale settings. In contrast, the Food Service Supervisor manages daily operations and staff in various food service environments. While both roles require food safety knowledge and leadership skills, the Culinary Experience Manager emphasizes culinary creativity and guest satisfaction, whereas the Food Service Supervisor concentrates on operational efficiency and staff management.

What cities are hiring for Culinary Experience Manager jobs?

Cities with the most Culinary Experience Manager job openings:

What states have the most Culinary Experience Manager jobs?

States with the most job openings for Culinary Experience Manager jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Culinary Experience Manager jobs?

For Culinary Experience Manager jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Culinary Experience Manager job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,507 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

Director of Culinary Experience

Cary, NC โ€ข On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Director of Culinary ExperienceLove to make a difference in the lives of seniors?

At Solera Senior Living, we are guided by our Core Values—Compassion, Communication, Commitment, and Creativity—in everything we do. We are seeking a Director of Culinary Experience who is passionate about hospitality, nutrition, and team leadership, and who is committed to delivering exceptional dining experiences that enhance residents’ quality of life.

What Solera Offers You
  • A growing company with opportunities for career advancement

  • Immediate pay access — no more waiting for payday

  • Tuition reimbursement to support your professional growth

  • Comprehensive medical benefits with discounted gym memberships

  • Dental, vision, life, and disability insurance

  • 401(k) retirement plan

  • Paid holidays and paid time off

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

  • Perks and employee discount programs

  • Supportive, team-oriented workplace culture

Position Overview

The Director of Culinary Experience leads all culinary operations for the community, ensuring high-quality, nutritious meals are prepared and served in a clean, safe, and welcoming environment. This role oversees menu planning, food preparation, sanitation, budgeting, inventory control, and team development while ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.

The Director of Culinary Experience partners closely with the General Manager and interdisciplinary team to align dining services with resident preferences, clinical needs, and Solera hospitality standards.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

  • Hire, train, schedule, supervise, and evaluate culinary team members

  • Provide coaching, performance feedback, and disciplinary recommendations as needed

  • Conduct in-service training and ongoing education for culinary staff

  • Ensure appropriate coverage and continuity of service at all times

Culinary Operations & Resident Experience

  • Plan, prepare, and oversee the delivery of all meals served in the community

  • Develop menus in accordance with regulatory requirements, nutritional standards, and resident preferences

  • Visit residents regularly to understand likes, dislikes, and dietary needs

  • Support therapeutic and special diets in coordination with care teams and physician orders

  • Assist with meal preparation as needed to support service excellence

Food Safety, Compliance & Sanitation

  • Maintain compliance with ServSafe, food handling, and sanitation standards

  • Ensure adherence to all federal, state, and local food service regulations

  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen and dining environment

  • Inspect food storage, supply areas, and equipment regularly

Budgeting, Inventory & Purchasing

  • Manage food, supply, and labor costs within approved budget guidelines

  • Order food and supplies; maintain accurate inventories and portion controls

  • Prepare annual budget requests and monitor monthly spending

  • Implement systems to ensure quality, consistency, and cost control

Operations, Documentation & Collaboration

  • Maintain accurate documentation including menus, evaluations, purchase orders, and policies

  • Participate in daily leadership stand-up meetings

  • Assist with resident care planning and attend care conferences as applicable

  • Support community marketing efforts through tours, events, and special programs

  • Plan and prepare food for activities, marketing events, and special occasions

  • Perform other duties as assigned by the General Manager

Required Qualifications & Experience
  • High school diploma or equivalent required; coursework or education in food service, hospitality, or leadership preferred

  • ServSafe / Food Handler’s Certification required (or ability to obtain)

  • Supervisory or leadership experience in culinary operations; healthcare or senior living experience preferred

  • Knowledge of quantity food production, nutrition, and therapeutic diets

  • Ability to manage budgets, inventory, and food cost controls

  • Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills

  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and make sound decisions under pressure

  • Passion for serving older adults and enhancing their daily dining experience

Solera Senior Living is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.


All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.