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Culinary Project Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Marcus Hotels

Executive Sous Chef

Coralville, IA

$60K/yr

... projects as assigned What We're Looking For We're looking for a strong culinary leader who thrives ... Ability to manage multiple priorities and remain calm under pressure * Professional appearance and ...

Marcus Hotels

Executive Sous Chef

Coralville, IA · On-site

$60K/yr

... projects as assigned What We're Looking For We're looking for a strong culinary leader who thrives ... Ability to manage multiple priorities and remain calm under pressure * Professional appearance and ...

Grey Dog Media LLC

Food Stylist

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

Bachelor's degree in culinary arts, Food Sciences, Graphic Design, or related field. * 5+ years of ... Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.

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Culinary Project Manager information

What is a culinary project manager?

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 as a culinary project manager?

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 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 are popular job titles related to Culinary Project Manager jobs in Iowa? For Culinary Project Manager jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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Culinary Project Manager jobs near you

Associate Director of Culinary

Lunchtime Solutions

Storm Lake, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Lunchtime Solutions rating

4.1

Company rating: 4.1 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

64th of 68 rated caterers

Job description

Associate Director of Culinary - Lunchtime Solutions
Location: Hybrid role with a home-base close to one of our larger school districts in Sioux Falls, SD, Aberdeen, SD, South Sioux City, NE, Hastings, NE, Storm Lake, IA or Columbus, NE. The successful candidate would be expected to be based out of one of these locations while supporting culinary initiatives.
Lunchtime Solutions is seeking an innovative and strategic Associate Director of Culinary to lead culinary excellence across our K-12 food service programs. This leadership role is responsible for menu development, food quality, recipe standardization, culinary training, and operational support. The Associate Director of Culinary will collaborate with Operations, Purchasing, Marketing, Compliance, and Executive Leadership to create high-quality dining experiences that support student satisfaction, customer retention, and company growth.
In this strategic leadership role, you'll influence the dining experience of thousands of students, partner with key business leaders, and help shape the future of school nutrition programs at Lunchtime Solutions. We're looking for someone who can balance creativity with operational practicality while ensuring programs are financially responsible, compliant, and aligned with Lunchtime Solutions' mission and values.
What You'll Do
Culinary Leadership & Innovation
  • Lead menu development, seasonal offerings, and culinary innovation.
  • Research food trends and introduce student-friendly menu concepts.
  • Develop, test, and standardize recipes to ensure quality and consistency.
  • Evaluate new products, ingredients, and preparation methods.
  • Create programs that enhance student engagement and participation.

Food Quality & Brand Standards
  • Establish and maintain company-wide culinary standards.
  • Conduct site visits to assess food quality and provide coaching.
  • Ensure consistent presentation, flavor, and execution across locations.
  • Drive continuous improvement through quality-focused initiatives.

Financial & Operational Excellence
  • Partner with Purchasing on product sourcing and vendor relationships.
  • Monitor food costs, waste, and product utilization.
  • Recommend menu and product enhancements that support financial goals.
  • Ensure culinary programs are practical and operationally efficient.

Training & Team Development
  • Develop culinary training materials and operational resources.
  • Coach and mentor Area Directors, Food Service Directors, and culinary teams.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, learning, and professional growth.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Support promotions, customer presentations, and marketing efforts.
  • Ensure compliance with USDA regulations and company standards.
  • Lead the Culinary Committee and drive strategic culinary priorities.

Customer & Business Support
  • Support new business presentations and growth initiatives.
  • Enhance customer satisfaction through innovative dining solutions.
  • Provide culinary expertise for account openings, transitions, and operational challenges.
  • Respond to customer concerns and implement effective solutions.

What We're Looking For
  • Associate's degree in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, Nutrition, Food Science, or related field required; Bachelor's degree preferred.
  • 5+ years of culinary leadership experience in K-12, contract food service, or institutional dining.
  • Experience with menu development, recipe standardization, and multi-unit operations.
  • ServSafe Certified Food Protection Manager (or equivalent).
  • Strong leadership, collaboration, communication, and project management skills.
  • Ability to balance food quality, nutrition requirements, operational efficiency, and financial performance.

Why You'll Love Working With Us
  • Enjoy your evenings and weekends our Monday-Friday daytime schedule means no late nights, no weekends, and no holidays spent in a kitchen.
  • Plan for your future with our 401(k) retirement plan
  • Enjoy work life balance with paid time off and paid holidays
  • Invest in your health with comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for eligible team members.

Our Values
At Lunchtime Solutions, our success comes from team members who:
  • Take pride in what you do
  • Focus on customer success
  • Be a person of integrity
  • Drive to improve
  • Do it with passion
  • Express gratitude
  • Work as a team
  • Pursue lasting partnerships
  • Embrace a healthy work-life balance

If these values resonate with you and you're passionate about culinary innovation, we'd love to meet you!
Lunchtime Solutions performs post offer background investigations prior to starting employment with our company. This background investigation may involve verifying or reviewing any of the following relevant information: criminal convictions and DMV record if appropriate for the position.
Lunchtime Solutions Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. EOE-M/F/Disabled/Vet. View Policy

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