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Culinary Operations Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Shape how culinary operations run by developing the systems and standards that ensure consistency and excellence. * Design and implement workflows that drive efficiency and accuracy across menu and ...

Shape how culinary operations run by developing the systems and standards that ensure consistency and excellence. * Design and implement workflows that drive efficiency and accuracy across menu and ...

Executive Culinary Manager

San Jose, CA

$83K - $115K/yr

We'relooking for an Executive Culinary Manager who leads a culinary operation with both creativity and business discipline. Someone who develops their team drives quality and consistency atscale ...

Under the supervision of the Culinary Operations Manager, Restaurant Chef, and Sous Chefs, the Culinary Shift Supervisor focuses on the supervision of line cooks, daily culinary preparation and ...

Under the supervision of the Culinary Operations Manager, Restaurant Chef, and Sous Chefs, the Culinary Shift Supervisor focuses on the supervision of line cooks, daily culinary preparation and ...

This Culinary Manager will travel 75-100% to oversee our culinary operations across multiple locations throughout the country. Our airport lounges are dedicated spaces for passengers to relax and ...

Showing results 21-40

Culinary Operations information

See California salary details

$31.1K

$76.2K

$134.7K

How much do culinary operations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for culinary operations in California is $76,242.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,000.00 and $101,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a culinary operations professional typically collaborate with other departments in a hospitality setting?

Culinary Operations professionals frequently work closely with front-of-house teams, event coordinators, and procurement departments to ensure smooth service and high-quality food delivery. They participate in menu planning meetings, coordinate inventory needs, and address feedback to enhance guest satisfaction. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as these professionals bridge the gap between kitchen staff and management to streamline operations and resolve challenges efficiently.

What is the difference between Culinary Operations vs Culinary Supervisor?

AspectCulinary OperationsCulinary Supervisor
CredentialsFood safety certifications, culinary trainingFood safety certifications, supervisory training
Work EnvironmentKitchen, food service settingsKitchen, food service, overseeing staff
Employer & Industry UsageRestaurants, hotels, cateringRestaurants, hotels, food service establishments
Common Search/ComparisonFocus on food preparation, kitchen managementFocus on team supervision, daily operations

While Culinary Operations involves managing overall kitchen functions, including food prep and workflow, Culinary Supervisor focuses on overseeing staff and ensuring daily service runs smoothly. Both roles require culinary knowledge and certifications, but Culinary Operations has a broader scope, whereas Culinary Supervisors emphasize team management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in culinary operations?

To thrive in Culinary Operations, you need strong culinary expertise, knowledge of food safety standards, and experience in kitchen management, often supported by a culinary degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and certifications like ServSafe are commonly required. Excellent leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help you adapt to fast-paced environments and lead diverse teams. These skills ensure efficient kitchen operations, consistent food quality, and a safe, productive work environment.

What is culinary operations?

Culinary operations refers to the management and coordination of all activities related to food preparation, cooking, and service within a restaurant, hotel, or other food service establishment. Professionals in culinary operations oversee menu planning, inventory management, kitchen staff, and ensure food quality and safety standards are met. They play a vital role in delivering a positive dining experience by optimizing kitchen workflows and maintaining high standards of cleanliness and efficiency.
What are the most commonly searched types of Culinary Operations jobs in California? The most popular types of Culinary Operations jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Culinary Operations jobs? Cities in California with the most Culinary Operations job openings:
Infographic showing various Culinary Operations job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,242 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

Director, Culinary Services

Sodexo

Los Angeles, CA

$115K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Sodexo rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,134 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

337th of 482 rated business services


Job description

We are looking for a Regional Chef to support 17 accounts in our Stadiums & Arenas, Cultural Destinations, & Convention Center units in California, Washington, and Hawaii. Candidate must reside on the West Coast.

About the job

In this systems-focused culinary leadership role, you'll design and maintain the operational backbone that powers menu consistency, data accuracy, and recipe execution across the organization. You'll play a critical role in optimizing culinary systems, ensuring quality standards, and streamlining how food service data is created, managed, and applied in the field.

The role of an individual contributor within the organization focuses on completing specific tasks and projects; contributing directly through their skills and expertise. Performs specialized technical tasks to support operations. Work is primarily achieved independently, however may collaborate with a team.

Pay Range: $115940 - $150040

What's in it for you

  • Shape how culinary operations run by developing the systems and standards that ensure consistency and excellence.
  • Design and implement workflows that drive efficiency and accuracy across menu and recipe management.
  • Play a key role in aligning ingredient data, nutritional standards, and cost visibility across the organization.
  • Contribute directly to the development of high-impact SOPs that enhance execution at scale.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration between culinary vision and operational systems.
  • Lead efforts that influence food quality, guest satisfaction, and operational reliability.
  • Gain visibility as a systems expert who bridges culinary creativity with data-driven execution.


What you'll bring 

  • Proven experience in recipe development, standardization, and compliance across diverse food service environments.
  • Technical skills in culinary data systems, including menu management platforms and nutritional databases.
  • Skillset to create and implement scalable processes that ensure consistency, accuracy, and operational efficiency.
  • Experience monitoring and improving recipe performance through data analysis and continuous refinement.
  • Collaborative mindset with the skills to work cross-functionally to align culinary strategy with operational execution.


Requirements

  • Education Requirement: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
  • Management Experience: 5 years
  • Related Experience: 3-5 years


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.

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 completethis form. 


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