ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Culinary Operations Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CookUnity

Senior Culinary Operations Manager

New York, NY · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

The Role The Sr. Culinary Operations Manager is responsible for providing operational oversight and strong leadership to a growing team of associates and supervisors. This individual will have their ...

CookUnity

Senior Culinary Operations Manager

New York, NY · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

The Role The Sr. Culinary Operations Manager is responsible for providing operational oversight and strong leadership to a growing team of associates and supervisors. This individual will have their ...

CookUnity

Culinary Operations Supervisor

Seattle, WA

$24 - $30/hr

Culinary Operations Supervisor The Role The Culinary Operations Supervisor is a hands-on leader ... Ability to manage multiple priorities during live service Nice to Have * Experience auditing ...

Sodexo

Senior Manager, Culinary Operations

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$103K - $133K/yr

Role Overview Senior Manager, Culinary Operations | Sunnyvale, CA Lead the Future of Food Service Sodexo is seeking a Senior Manager, Culinary Operations to elevate high-end corporate dining across a ...

CookUnity

Culinary Operatons Lead

New York, NY · On-site

$18.75 - $24/hr

CookUnity is seeking a proactive and hands-on Culinary Operations Lead to help manage daily culinary activities, enforce food safety practices, and ensure recipe execution meets our established ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCulinary Operations JobsCulinary Operations Manager Jobs

Culinary Operations Manager information

See salary details

$31K

$63.5K

$118.5K

How much do culinary operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for culinary operations manager in the United States is $63,456.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,000.00 and $77,500.00 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.
More about Culinary Operations Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Culinary Operations Manager jobs? Cities with the most Culinary Operations Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Culinary Operations jobs? The most popular types of Culinary Operations jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Culinary Operations Manager jobs? The top employers for Culinary Operations Manager jobs are:
What states have the most Culinary Operations Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Culinary Operations Manager jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Culinary Operations Manager jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Culinary Operations Manager jobs are:
Culinary Operations Manager jobs near you
MANAGER CULINARY OPERATIONS

MANAGER CULINARY OPERATIONS

Lindblad Expeditions

Seattle, WA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

WHO WE ARE
Lindblad Expeditions is a true pioneer in Expedition Travel. From taking the first citizen explorers to Antarctica in 1966, opening the Galapagos and Easter Island to tourism in 1967, leading the first tourist expedition through the Northwest Passage in 1984, and launching our innovative partnership with National Geographic in 2004, we're now taking almost 30,000 guests a year to some of the world's most remote and pristine locations on our fleet of 20 ships, and are committed to ensuring our guests experience the "Exhilaration of Discovery".

Job Summary:  

The Manager of Culinary Operations is responsible for delivering exceptional culinary experiences across the Lindblad Fleet, while upholding the highest standards of quality, consistency, and innovation. This role plays a key part in administrative oversight, including reviewing and approving food orders, compiling and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and developing strategic provision plans for upcoming seasons and operational transitions. The manager will collaborate closely with the culinary trainer, purchasing team, onboard culinary staff, and hotel leadership to ensure seamless execution of culinary programs and initiatives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

This position will work alongside the Director of Culinary Operations to:

  • Develop season-specific menu matrices using standard product guides, while incorporating regional culinary trends and innovation.
  • Create and communicate strategic ordering plans based on vessel storage capacity and itinerary needs.
  • Monitor voyage food costs by vessel to ensure targets are met.
  • Review and approve general culinary food orders within established budgets.
  • Develop recipe costing and standardized recipes for menu items.
  • Support new initiatives directed by hotel leadership, advancing the culinary program through creativity and innovation.
  • Ensure onboard teams complete professional evaluations, track performance, and create individual development plans for galley staff.
  • Participate in interviews for potential culinary candidates.
  • Collaborate with the Culinary Trainer to develop training materials and programs.
  • Build season-specific order guides with general par levels, based on menu matrices and market product availability.
  • Support the Culinary Trainer during training sessions and operational transitions.
  • Provide subject matter expertise and operational guidance for training initiatives.
  • Ensure compliance with United States Public Health (USPH) standards across all vessels.
  • Contribute to hotel leadership initiatives that strengthen creativity, innovation, and operational excellence.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.
  • Serve as a temporary or relief chef, or support other culinary positions, as needed.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience
  • Degree in Culinary Arts or equivalent combination of culinary education and professional experience.
  • 5+ years of progressive culinary leadership experience, including Executive Chef, Corporate Chef, Culinary Manager, or similar leadership role.
  • Experience in cruise, maritime, luxury hospitality, resort, or large-scale food service operations strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated experience developing menus, recipe costing, food ordering, inventory planning, and provisioning.
  • Experience managing culinary budgets, food cost targets, and operational performance metrics.
  • Experience leading, coaching, and developing culinary teams.
  • Experience implementing food safety programs, HACCP, and United States Public Health (USPH) standards.
  • Experience supporting large, geographically dispersed or multi-unit culinary operations preferred.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
Other Skills & Abilities
  • Strong knowledge of culinary operations, provisioning, menu engineering, and inventory management.
  • Excellent financial acumen with experience managing food costs, recipe costing, forecasting, and budget performance.
  • Ability to analyze operational data and make recommendations to improve quality, efficiency, and profitability.
  • Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across shipboard and shoreside teams.
  • Ability to travel and support vessels as operational needs require.
$80,000 - $90,000 a year
Bonus 7.5%
OUR BENEFITS
Travel benefits for employees and their family 
Voyage of Discovery trips for employees to travel as guests  
Health insurance including Medical, Dental, Vision  
401(k) plan with employer match  
Long-Term Disability, Life & AD&D Insurance
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to be used for out-of-pocket medical and dependent care  
Pre-Tax Commuter Benefit  
7-8 Paid Holidays
1 Floating Holiday Options 
Up to 15 days of vacation (pro-rated per anniversary year)
Parental Leave
Sick/personal days per city & state ordinance
Pet Insurance discount
 
Communication Skills 
Using the English language, this person must have the ability to read, write, and comprehend policies, legal guidelines, correspondence, and memos.   Must also possess the ability to effectively communicate--both in writing and orally--with a professional demeanor. 
 
PHYSICAL DEMANDS 
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear.  The employee will also be required to write and type.  The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.  
 
COMPENSATION STATEMENT
Lindblad Expeditions determines the pay for positions using local, national, and industry-specific survey data. We evaluate external equity and the cost of labor/prevailing wage index in the relative marketplace for jobs directly comparable to jobs within our company. Our posted salary range is based on national data and may be refined for a candidate's region/town/cost of living.
 
For new hires, we strive to make competitive offers allowing the new employee room for future growth. Salaries will be based on the applicant's location, level of experience, education, and specialized knowledge and skills. An employee/candidate with a stronger skill set will receive higher pay.
 
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT
At Lindblad Expeditions, we simply could not do our work without the diverse kaleidoscope of humanity that creates and delivers our remarkable offerings across the planet. As a Company that respects and celebrates the inherent diversity in the places we explore, we recognize the need to mirror that same diversity and all the interconnected perspectives within our organization. We are committed to building a community of different genders, races, ages, sexual orientations, chosen identities, and countries of origin where every person brings their whole self to work and whose skills, talents, and abilities are valued. We believe we can explore further and in a more meaningful way by actively creating a more diverse and inclusive organization where everyone feels they belong.
 
Lindblad Expeditions is an equal opportunity employer. Individuals seeking employment at Lindblad Expeditions are considered without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetics, marital status, pregnancy, unemployment status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or veteran status.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
apply for this job

Apply