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Culinary Operations Manager Jobs in Novato, CA (NOW HIRING)

Kinder's

Culinary Development Manager

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

Collaborate with Culinary Operations, Sourcing, and R&D/PD to evaluate and qualify new ingredients ... Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, high variability ...

Kinder's

Culinary Development Manager

Walnut Creek, CA

$135K - $155K/yr

Collaborate with Culinary Operations, Sourcing, and R&D/PD to evaluate and qualify new ingredients ... Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, high variability ...

Mintex Technology

Executive Chef

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

Oversee daily culinary operations and safety/sanitation compliance * Manage cost controls, purchasing, and inventory * Design seasonal, culturally relevant menus (buffet + à la carte) * Lead and ...

Kinder's

Culinary Experience Specialist

Walnut Creek, CA

$38K - $52K/yr

... Management, Sales, and Operations through rotational learning experiences * Build a strong ... Support field culinary experiences at customer events, trade shows, retailer demos, consumer ...

Kinder's

Culinary Experience Specialist

Walnut Creek, CA

$38K - $52K/yr

... Management, Sales, and Operations through rotational learning experiences * Build a strong ... Support field culinary experiences at customer events, trade shows, retailer demos, consumer ...

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Culinary Operations Manager information

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$36.4K

$74.5K

$139.1K

How much do culinary operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for culinary operations manager in Novato, CA is $74,502.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,100.00 and $91,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Culinary Operations Managers?

Culinary Operations Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the daily operations of kitchens or food service establishments, ensuring quality, efficiency, and safety standards are met. They manage kitchen staff, coordinate food preparation and presentation, and handle inventory and budgeting. Additionally, they develop menus, enforce health regulations, and implement training programs for the culinary team. Their role is crucial in maintaining smooth kitchen operations and delivering excellent dining experiences.

What does a culinary operations manager do?

A culinary operations manager oversees the daily operations of a food service establishment, including managing staff, ensuring food quality and safety, controlling costs, and maintaining efficient kitchen workflows. They often coordinate with chefs, handle inventory, and implement policies to meet organizational standards and customer satisfaction.

What is the highest paying job in culinary?

The highest paying roles in culinary are executive chef and culinary director, often earning six-figure salaries. These positions require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often involve managing multiple restaurants or large food service operations.

What is the difference between Culinary Operations Manager vs Kitchen Supervisor?

AspectCulinary Operations ManagerKitchen Supervisor
CredentialsRelevant culinary certifications, management experienceFood safety certifications, culinary experience
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple kitchens or departments, strategic planningManages daily kitchen activities, supervises staff
Employer & IndustryHotels, restaurants, catering companiesRestaurants, institutional kitchens
Search & ComparisonOften compared for managerial roles in culinary settingsCommonly searched for operational oversight roles

The Culinary Operations Manager focuses on strategic management, overseeing multiple kitchens or departments, and ensuring overall operational success. In contrast, the Kitchen Supervisor handles daily kitchen activities and staff supervision. Both roles require culinary experience and certifications but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are some common challenges faced by a Culinary Operations Manager and how are they typically addressed?

Culinary Operations Managers often face challenges such as maintaining consistent food quality across multiple outlets, managing inventory costs, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. These challenges are typically addressed by implementing standardized operating procedures, conducting regular staff training, and utilizing technology for inventory and scheduling. Strong communication and collaboration with both kitchen staff and front-of-house teams are crucial to promptly resolve issues and maintain smooth operations. Staying adaptable and proactive in addressing feedback also helps ensure ongoing improvements.

How much does a chef manager get paid?

A Culinary Operations Manager typically earns between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the establishment. They oversee kitchen staff, manage food quality, and ensure compliance with safety standards, often requiring certifications like ServSafe.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Culinary Operations Manager, and why are they important?

To excel as a Culinary Operations Manager, you need strong expertise in culinary arts, food safety standards, and business management, often supported by a degree in hospitality or culinary management. Familiarity with inventory management systems, point-of-sale (POS) software, and certifications such as ServSafe are commonly required. Leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities are critical soft skills for managing teams and ensuring smooth operations. These competencies ensure consistent food quality, efficient workflows, and high levels of customer satisfaction in a competitive hospitality environment.

How much should an operations manager get paid?

The salary for a Culinary Operations Manager typically ranges from $50,000 to $85,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the establishment. Factors such as certifications, leadership skills, and operational complexity can influence compensation levels.
What are the most commonly searched types of Culinary Operations jobs in Novato, CA? The most popular types of Culinary Operations jobs in Novato, CA are:
What cities near Novato, CA are hiring for Culinary Operations Manager jobs? Cities near Novato, CA with the most Culinary Operations Manager job openings:
Culinary Operations Manager jobs near you

Culinary Development Manager

Kinder's

Walnut Creek, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

BUILT ON FLAVOR. FUELED BY PEOPLE.

What's it like to work at Kinder's? Well, there's a lot of snacking and geeking out over what we all cooked over the weekend. Beyond that, there's also plenty of hard work. Because we don't just like flavor, we're obsessed with it.

With over 100 products sold nationwide, we're now a top-five brand in multiple flavor categories at Costco, Walmart, Whole Foods, and more. We're not your typical CPG company. Privately held and founder-led, we like to think of ourselves as a pirate ship in a sea of cruise ships. Our crew is adventurous and fearless. We chart our own course and chase big ideas to make food unforgettable.

As we expand globally and approach $1 billion in revenue, we need more smart-and-scrappy, flavor-obsessed people to come aboard. If you're looking for a place where you can see the real impact of your work... this is it! Every day, you'll be part of a journey to add flavor to millions of meals and lives.

About the Role:

Kinder's is seeking an experienced and creatively driven Culinary Development Manager to join our team of passionate culinary professionals working hard to bring the future of flavor to consumers everywhere. This role is designed for a culinary leader who wants to grow inside an ambitious, fast-growing organization while representing Kinder's through exceptional food execution and operational excellence.

The Culinary Development Manager will be a critical leader in contributing to our culinary development engine. This is a high-impact role responsible for supporting innovation cycles and driving culinary gold-standard formulation through the creation, testing, and refinement of new products and flavor profiles. This role blends hands-on cooking, product testing, recipe development, field execution, and cross-functional partnership. You will partner regularly with other functions such as Innovation, R&D, Product Development, Commercialization, Brand, Sales, and Operations, to ensure quality and facilitate the scale-up of new flavors.

Key Responsibilities Include:Culinary Development & Innovation
  • Drive culinary development of new flavor profiles and products for assigned segments of the Kinder's portfolio (e.g., sauces, seasonings)
  • Translate consumer insights, market trends, and retailer needs into differentiated, flavor-forward concepts
  • Develop and iterate recipes from bench-top prototypes to culinary gold-standard formulations ready for scale-up and transition to R&D/Product Development
  • Ensure all formulations meet Kinder's standards for flavor, quality, and manufacturability
  • Support internal tastings, cuttings, and competitive benchmarking to inform product direction and refinement
  • Partner with R&D/Product Development to support product evaluation, sensory documentation, and readiness for commercialization
Cross-Functional Leadership & Collaboration
  • Serve as a culinary partner to Innovation, Product Development, and Commercialization to move products from concept to launch
  • Collaborate with Culinary Operations, Sourcing, and R&D/PD to evaluate and qualify new ingredients
Kitchen Operations & Culinary Excellence
  • Maintain detailed documentation of formulations, processes, and development learnings
  • Ensure adherence to food safety and regulatory requirements throughout development
  • Contribute to a highly organized, efficient culinary environment, including kitchen operations, sample management, and equipment readiness
  • Champion Kinder's culinary standards, brand voice, and commitment to exceptional flavor across all work
Customer/ Field Support (As Required)
  • If needed, support customer-facing culinary initiatives (e.g., onsite innovation sessions, product demos, key buyer presentations)
  • Prepare and execute high-quality samples for internal and external stakeholders
  • Represent Kinder's culinary perspective in interactions with customers, including buyers and other partners
What You Bring To The Table:

Education / Experience

  • 5+ years of professional culinary experience (restaurant, catering, or CPG/product development environments preferred)
  • Bachelor's degree in culinary arts, food science, or related field preferred (or equivalent hands-on experience)
  • Strong understanding of flavor systems, ingredient functionality, and food processing fundamentals
  • Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, high variability environment
  • Experience developing recipes from concept through execution, with attention to consistency and scalability
  • Familiarity with ingredient sourcing, efficient kitchen operations, and inventory management
  • Strong understanding of food safety principals and regulatory basics
  • ServSafe certification required (or ability to obtain within 60 days
  • Strong communication skills with ability to collaborate effectively across functions

Personal Characteristics

  • Growth mindset with an excitement to learn (and teach)
  • Low ego with a strong sense of humility
  • Energized by bringing brands to life through food and creating memorable flavor experiences
  • Collaborative and solutions-oriented, with a creative approach to problem solving
  • Comfortable leading when needed and supporting when it best serves the team
  • Passionate about delivering food experiences that feel authentic, thoughtful, and human
Location and Travel:

The position will be based at our headquarters in Walnut Creek, CA. The position could also require periodic travel to other locations for consumer events and customer meetings, often with advanced notice, but occasionally on short notice when required by business needs. All costs of travel will be reimbursed by the Company consistent with its established travel policies.

Pay Transparency:

The expected starting salary range for this role is $135,000- $155,000 per year. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range based on the location of the role. The amount a particular employee will earn within the salary range will be based on factors such as relevant education, qualifications, performance and business needs.

SEASONED FOR SUCCESS:
  • No two days here are the same.
  • We try to be good team members and good communicators, but we don't live by hierarchy and structure – everyone is a difference maker here.
  • We make a lot of decisions in the face of incomplete information – our team embraces ambiguity and tries to make good decisions fast rather than great decisions slow.
  • We believe our job is to take smart risk, not to eliminate risk.
  • We believe in growing our skills and becoming a better company with more managerial expertise, but we are an entrepreneurial company at heart.
  • We aren't trying to be average – we want to do exceptional things, and we are willing to work hard to achieve them.
BENEFITS THAT BRING MORE TO THE TABLE:

We offer a range of total rewards that may include paid time off, 401k, bonus / incentive eligibility, equity grants, competitive health benefits, and other family-friendly benefits, including parental leave. Kinder's benefits vary based on eligibility and can be reviewed in more detail during the interview process.

OUR RECIPE FOR BALANCE:

We believe great culture starts with people. We're a people-first company built on connection, collaboration, and balance. Most of our work happens in the office to spark creativity and community, but we also offer flexibility so team members have the autonomy to work outside the office when needed to support their work-life balance and personal commitments.

WHERE EVERY INGREDIENT MATTERS:

Kinder's is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, citizenship, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, veteran status, as well as any other legally-protected characteristic. If you have a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act or similar law, and you need any accommodation during the application process or to perform these job requirements, please reach out to us at careers@kinders.com