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Culinary Project Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

TriMark

Project Coordinator

Irvine, CA · On-site

$22.60 - $26.93/hr

... their culinary goals while upholding our I.C.A.R.E. values: Integrity, Customer Service ... Manage projects through all phases, including initial set-up, purchasing, customer communication ...

TriMark

Project Administrator

Irvine, CA · On-site

$22.60 - $26.93/hr

... their culinary goals while upholding our I.C.A.R.E. values: Integrity, Customer Service ... This individual assists in ensuring the smooth execution of projects by managing equipment ordering ...

TriMark

Project Coordinator

Irvine, CA · On-site

$22.60 - $26.93/hr

... their culinary goals while upholding our I.C.A.R.E. values: Integrity, Customer Service ... This position helps to ensure the execution of projects by managing equipment ordering, tracking ...

Compass Group

Portfolio Project Chef

Sunnyvale, CA

Portfolio Project Chef Salary: 135,000-150,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is Food! At ... Demonstrated experience managing culinary operations across multiple locations or a large-volume ...

Compass Group

Portfolio Project Chef

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Portfolio Project Chef Salary: 135,000-150,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is Food! At ... Demonstrated experience managing culinary operations across multiple locations or a large-volume ...

Compass Group

Portfolio Project Chef

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Portfolio Project Chef Salary: 135,000-150,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is Food! At ... Demonstrated experience managing culinary operations across multiple locations or a large-volume ...

Bon Appetit

Portfolio Project Chef

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Portfolio Project Chef Salary: 135,000-150,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is Food! At ... Demonstrated experience managing culinary operations across multiple locations or a large-volume ...

Quarters Korean BBQ

Chef de Cuisine

Los Angeles, CA

$38.46 - $48.08/hr

Travel as needed for restaurant openings and special culinary projects Qualifications * 5+ years of ... Strong leadership and team management skills * Strong knowledge of food cost control and kitchen ...

Quarters Korean BBQ

Chef de Cuisine

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Travel as needed for restaurant openings and special culinary projects Qualifications * 5+ years of ... Strong leadership and team management skills * Strong knowledge of food cost control and kitchen ...

Quince & Co.

Purchase Manager

San Francisco, CA

Support culinary R&D projects, preservation programs, guest gifting initiatives, and special events ... Experience managing vendor relationships and negotiating pricing agreements * Financial acumen ...

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Culinary Project Manager information

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$43.9K

$95.3K

$152.5K

How much do culinary project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for culinary project manager in California is $95,295.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,000.00 and $111,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the highest paid project manager roles?

Senior project management roles such as Program Manager, Portfolio Manager, and Director of Project Management tend to have the highest salaries, especially in industries like technology, finance, and construction. These positions often require extensive experience, certifications like PMP, and strong leadership skills, with salaries reaching six figures or more depending on the industry and location.

What is the highest paying job in culinary?

The highest paying roles in the culinary field often include executive chefs, culinary directors, and food service executives, with salaries reaching six figures in some cases. These positions typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often advanced certifications or degrees in culinary arts or hospitality management.

What is a Culinary Project Manager job?

A Culinary Project Manager oversees food-related projects, ensuring they meet quality, budget, and timeline expectations. They work with chefs, suppliers, and stakeholders to develop menus, coordinate kitchen operations, and launch culinary initiatives. Responsibilities may include sourcing ingredients, managing food safety compliance, and optimizing workflow efficiency. This role requires strong project management skills, culinary expertise, and the ability to coordinate teams effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Culinary Project Manager position, and why are they important?

A Culinary Project Manager requires a solid background in culinary arts, project management, and operations, often supported by a culinary degree and project management certification (like PMP or CAPM). Familiarity with project management software (such as Asana or Trello), budgeting tools, and food safety regulations is highly valuable. Outstanding organizational skills, leadership, and effective communication are essential soft skills for coordinating teams and stakeholders. These competencies ensure successful planning, execution, and delivery of culinary initiatives while maintaining quality and compliance.

What are the main responsibilities of a Culinary Project Manager on a day-to-day basis?

On a typical day, a Culinary Project Manager oversees the planning, execution, and monitoring of various food-related projects—such as menu launches, kitchen renovations, or special events. They coordinate with chefs, suppliers, and cross-functional teams to ensure project timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met. Additionally, they may be responsible for sourcing ingredients, managing logistics, and ensuring all food safety requirements are followed. Collaboration and adaptability are key, as priorities can shift quickly based on guest feedback, operational challenges, or leadership direction. This dynamic role is ideal for those who enjoy blending creativity with organizational strategy.

What is a culinary project manager?

A culinary project manager oversees food-related projects, such as menu development, kitchen renovations, or event planning, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget. They coordinate between chefs, suppliers, and stakeholders, often using project management tools and requiring knowledge of culinary operations and management skills.
What are popular job titles related to Culinary Project Manager jobs in California? For Culinary Project Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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Culinary Project Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Culinary Project Manager job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, and 42% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $95,295 per year, or $45.8 per hour.
DIRECTOR OF CULINARY OPERATIONS

DIRECTOR OF CULINARY OPERATIONS

Mendocino Farms

El Segundo, CA • On-site, Remote

$140K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Mendocino Farms rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Title: Director of Culinary R&D
Reports to: Chief Operations Officer
Location: Looking for candidates that live in Dallas, TX but would also consider LA based candidates
FLSA Status: Exempt
Compensation: $140,000 - $180,000 per year plus a 15% annual bonus
Summary:
At Mendocino Farms, we don't just sell sandwiches - we Sell Happy!
The Director of Culinary R&D will be responsible for leading menu innovation and product development at Mendo, ensuring that every new item reflects our brand values and delights our guests. This role requires a strong balance of creativity, project management, and cross-functional collaboration. Working closely with the COO and CMO, this individual will oversee tastings, consumer insights, and menu launches to drive culinary relevance and differentiation across our locations.
Responsibilities:
Menu Development & Innovation
  • Research, develop, and test new menu items that align with Mendo's food philosophy and brand strategy.
  • Collaborate with our R&D Chef to refine recipes, ensuring they are operationally executable at scale.
  • Balance innovation with practicality, considering cost, supply chain, and execution feasibility.

Consumer Insights & Market Research
  • Analyze guest feedback, sales data, and market trends to inform culinary innovation.
  • Work with Marketing to conduct guest panels, surveys, and competitive analysis.
  • Identify emerging food trends and adapt them into Mendo's menu while maintaining our unique culinary identity.

Product Testing & Optimization
  • Plan and coordinate internal and external tastings, ensuring structured feedback loops.
  • Partner with Operations to test and refine new products in select stores before system-wide rollout.
  • Ensure all new items meet Mendo's high standards for quality, taste, and consistency.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work closely with Marketing, Operations, and Supply Chain to ensure smooth menu launches.
  • Partner with Supply Chain to source high-quality, cost-effective ingredients that align with new menu innovations.
  • Collaborate with Supply Chain on vendor selection and procurement strategies to support new product development.
  • Provide clear documentation and communication on new menu items to ensure proper execution.
  • Support Training teams in educating restaurant teams on the story and execution of new dishes.

Strategic Planning & Budget Management
  • Develop a long-term menu innovation roadmap aligned with business goals.
  • Manage the R&D budget, balancing cost-effectiveness with innovation.
  • Optimize supplier relationships to support new product development.

Requirements:
  • Deep understanding of food trends, ingredient sourcing, and consumer preferences.
  • 5+ years of experience in culinary R&D, menu development, or product innovation.
  • Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
  • Experience working cross-functionally with Marketing, Operations, and Supply Chain.
  • Data-driven approach to innovation, using insights to guide decision-making.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills.
  • Passion for culinary innovation and bringing food to life in a way that excites both guests and operators.
  • Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts, Food Science, Marketing, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

Benefits:
At Mendocino Farms, we believe Selling Happy starts from within. That's why we offer:
  • Competitive Salary
  • Annual Bonus
  • Meal Privileges-because food should make people feel good!
  • Comprehensive Health Benefits & 401k Plan with Company Match
  • Paid Vacation to recharge and fuel your best self

Physical Requirements:
  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
  • Sitting / standing 8-14 hours.
  • Hand use: single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling
  • Work requires the following motions: bending, twisting, squatting, and reaching

There is no "I" in Mendo Mendocino Farms is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. Mendocino Farms will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories for employment in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring. * Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

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