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Culinary Operations Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sodexo

Senior Manager, Culinary Operations

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$120K - $155K/yr

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

Hojokban LA

Culinary Manager

Los Angeles, CA

$70K - $85K/yr

Qualified Culinary Operations Manager candidates must work well with others, have a sense of urgency, and enjoy preparing thoughtfully created food. We emphasize a collaborative working environment ...

Resident - New York

Head Chef

New York, NY · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

The Culinary Operations Manager is a dynamic role that has several important components. Most importantly, our Culinary Operations Manager will spend the majority of their time ensuring the quality ...

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Culinary Operations Manager information

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How much do culinary operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 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.

How much is the salary of an operations manager?

The salary of a Culinary Operations Manager typically ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the establishment. Higher salaries are common in large or high-end restaurants, and additional benefits may include bonuses and health insurance.

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 functions of a food service operation, including managing staff, ensuring food quality and safety, controlling costs, and maintaining operational efficiency. They often coordinate with kitchen staff, implement policies, and may use management tools like inventory systems to ensure smooth restaurant or food service operations.

What is the highest paying job in culinary?

The highest paying roles in culinary include executive chefs, culinary directors, and food service executives, often earning six-figure salaries. These positions typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and advanced culinary or management certifications. Senior management roles in large hotel or restaurant chains tend to offer the highest compensation in the culinary field.

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.

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 leadership skills, culinary knowledge, and operational expertise influence compensation levels in this role.
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Culinary Operations Manager jobs near you
Senior Manager, Culinary Operations

Senior Manager, Culinary Operations

Sodexo

Menlo Park, CA • On-site

$120K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Sodexo rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 1,113 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

301st of 428 rated business services

Job description

Role Overview
Senior Manager, Culinary Operations | Menlo Park, CA
Lead the Future of Food Service
Sodexo is seeking a Senior Manager, Culinary Operations to elevate high-end corporate dining across a diverse client portfolio. In this role, you will be the district's culinary heartbeat-driving menu innovation, sustainable sourcing, and operational excellence while shifting standard corporate dining toward cutting-edge food trends and flawless execution.
As the leader of culinary strategy, you will drive the implementation, evaluation, and continuous enhancement of premium culinary offerings and signature in-house concepts. By leveraging market research, sales data, and vendor insights, you will deliver strategic recommendations to maximize profitability, quality, and guest satisfaction. Additionally, you will champion operational excellence by developing critical tools for training, evaluation, and quality assurance, while actively mentoring and developing kitchen teams to foster a high-performance, service-driven culture. At the core of this excellence is an unwavering commitment to food safety, where upholding the highest standards of sanitation ensures our guests enjoy every meal with absolute confidence and peace of mind.
Why This Role Matters
This is your opportunity to serve as the master architect behind a premier hospitality experience, bridging high-level culinary strategy with flawless daily execution. As Senior Manager, Culinary Operations, you will have the platform to transform workplace culture through food-shaping trend-forward menus, driving regional fiscal performance, and establishing next-level benchmarks for quality and compliance.
Beyond the data and menu engineering, your leadership will directly empower and elevate kitchen teams across the district, cultivating the next generation of culinary leaders and leaving a defining mark on the future of corporate hospitality.
What You'll Do
  • Drive Culinary Strategy: Oversee the development and implementation of premium, trend-forward culinary concepts and bespoke menus across the district portfolio.
  • Optimize Business Intelligence: Analyze market research, sales data, and vendor insights to deliver strategic recommendations that maximize regional profitability and guest satisfaction.
  • Lead and Mentor Teams: Train, inspire, and develop kitchen teams and culinary leaders to foster a high-performance, service-driven workplace culture.
  • Establish Operational Benchmarks: Create and execute critical tools for quality assurance, staff training, and rigorous performance evaluation.
  • Enforce Flawless Compliance: Champion a zero-compromise environment by upholding the highest standards of food safety, strict sanitation audits, and regulatory compliance.
  • Align Client Partnerships: Collaborate closely with corporate clients and general managers to ensure culinary programs perfectly reflect their workplace culture and vision.

What We Offer
Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
  • 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
  • Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
  • Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement

More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.
What You Bring
  • Culinary Leadership Excellence: Proven experience managing high-end culinary operations or multi-site portfolios within a premium hospitality or corporate dining environment.
  • Strategic Menu Engineering: A strong track record of developing innovative, sustainable, and fiscally sound food programs that align with modern food trends.
  • Analytical and Financial Acumen: Advanced skills in leveraging data, managing food and labor costs, and driving regional fiscal performance.
  • Talent Development Mindset: A passionate approach to mentoring, coaching, and building strong, cohesive back-of-house teams.
  • Rigorous Safety & Sanitation Credentials: Deep expertise in food safety management, strict sanitation standards, and HACCP protocols to ensure a pristine, fully compliant kitchen environment.
  • Relationship Management Skills: Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills used to build trust and collaborate effectively with high-profile corporate clients.

Who We Are
At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.
Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you're happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.
Qualifications & Requirements
Minimum Education Requirement - Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience
Minimum Functional Experience - 3 years

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