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Culinary Jobs in Oklahoma (NOW HIRING)

State of Oklahoma

Culinary Manager

Norman, OK · On-site

$65K/yr

Job Posting Title Culinary Manager Agency 650 DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Supervisory Organization Norman Veterans Center Job Posting End Date Refer to the date listed at the top of this posting ...

Hhs

Culinary Supervisor

Luther, OK · On-site

$17.50/hr

Support the culinary director to lead the food and nutrition team at a hospital. Ensure patient meals are accurate and are delivered in a timely fashion. Provide excellent customer service to ensure ...

Tulsa Tech

Part-time Instructor, Culinary

Owasso, OK · On-site

$35/hr

Provide hands-on instruction in a classroom/kitchen setting to adult students covering introductory culinary arts topics. * Must hold or be willing to obtain ServSafe certification upon employment.

Maury County Public Schools

Culinary Specialist

Jay, OK · On-site

$56K - $65K/yr

The job of the School Nutrition Culinary Specialist was established for the purpose of assisting and supporting theSchool Nutrition Director in ensuring the efficient and effective operation of the ...

Hhs

Culinary Supervisor

Ada, OK · On-site

$17/hr

Support the culinary director to lead the food and nutrition team at a hospital. Ensure patient meals are accurate and are delivered in a timely fashion. Provide excellent customer service to ensure ...

HHS LLC

Culinary Supervisor

Ada, OK · On-site

$17/hr

Support the culinary director to lead the food and nutrition team at a hospital. Ensure patient meals are accurate and are delivered in a timely fashion. Provide excellent customer service to ensure ...

State of Oklahoma

Assistant Culinary Manager

Norman, OK · On-site

$40K/yr

Job Posting Title Assistant Culinary Manager Agency 650 DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Supervisory Organization Norman Veterans Home Job Posting End Date Refer to the date listed at the top of this ...

Hhs

Culinary Director

Durant, OK · On-site

We're looking for a friendly, compassionate leader to join our culinary team! Support the healing journey for patients and their loved ones by delivering high-quality food service in a healthcare ...

HHS LLC

Culinary Director

Durant, OK · On-site

We're looking for a friendly, compassionate leader to join our culinary team! Support the healing journey for patients and their loved ones by delivering high-quality food service in a healthcare ...

CSC Generation

Culinary Lead (Sur La Table)

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

$16 - $20.50/hr

Position Overview As a Culinary Lead at Sur La Table, you play a key role in the success of the store by inspiring customers throughout every stage of their culinary experience by combining culinary ...

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Culinary information

See Oklahoma salary details

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$31

How much do culinary jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for culinary in Oklahoma is $17.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a culinary professional?

A culinary professional is someone who works in the food service industry, typically preparing, cooking, and presenting food. This can include roles such as chefs, cooks, pastry chefs, and kitchen assistants. Culinary professionals work in various settings like restaurants, hotels, bakeries, and catering companies. They are skilled in food safety, recipe development, and often specialize in different cuisines or techniques. Training can include formal education at culinary schools or hands-on experience in kitchens.

Are jobs in the culinary industry in demand?

Anytime the economy is up, jobs in culinary industries are in higher demand. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics predicts culinary jobs to grow by 10% by 2026, which is faster than the average career. There is a high rate of turnover in lower level culinary jobs like line and prep cooks, so those jobs almost always have a high demand, especially in areas where the restaurant and tourism industries are big. However, the same person usually holds head cook and chef jobs for quite some time, so they can be more difficult to attain.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a culinary career, and why are they important?

Thriving in a culinary career requires strong cooking techniques, knowledge of food safety, and often a culinary degree or certification such as ServSafe. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, recipe management systems, and inventory software is also valuable. Creativity, attention to detail, teamwork, and resilience under pressure set standout culinary professionals apart. These skills and qualities ensure consistent food quality, operational efficiency, and a positive dining experience for guests.

What are the most common challenges faced by culinary professionals in a fast-paced kitchen environment?

Culinary professionals often encounter challenges such as managing time efficiently during busy service periods, maintaining high-quality standards under pressure, and coordinating effectively with team members. Adapting quickly to last-minute menu changes or special dietary requests is also common. Successful chefs and kitchen staff rely on strong communication skills and a collaborative attitude to overcome these hurdles and ensure smooth kitchen operations.

What is the difference between Culinary vs Chef?

AspectCulinaryChef
CredentialsOften no formal certification required; culinary training or courses commonFormal culinary education or apprenticeship typically required
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, catering, food service, culinary schoolsRestaurants, hotels, private kitchens, culinary competitions
Industry UsageBroad term for food preparation skills and knowledgeSpecific role as a professional responsible for kitchen operations
Search & Comparison IntentPeople exploring culinary skills or careers in food serviceIndividuals seeking chef roles or culinary leadership positions

While 'Culinary' refers broadly to the skills, knowledge, and industry related to food preparation, a 'Chef' is a specific professional role within that industry, often with formal training and leadership responsibilities. Understanding this difference helps job seekers and employers clarify roles and expectations in the food service industry.

What are the different careers in culinary?

Careers in culinary include roles such as executive chef, sous chef, pastry chef, line cook, kitchen manager, and food service manager. These positions require skills in food preparation, kitchen management, and often certification or training in culinary arts. Opportunities exist in restaurants, hotels, catering, and institutional food services.

What jobs can I get with culinary?

With a culinary background, you can pursue roles such as chef, sous chef, pastry chef, line cook, kitchen manager, or food service supervisor. These jobs typically require cooking skills, knowledge of food safety, and sometimes certifications like ServSafe, and they are often found in restaurants, hotels, catering companies, and institutional food services.
More about Culinary jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Culinary jobs in Oklahoma?

The most popular types of Culinary jobs in Oklahoma are:

What are popular job titles related to Culinary jobs in Oklahoma?

For Culinary jobs in Oklahoma, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Culinary jobs in Oklahoma look for?

The top searched job categories for Culinary jobs in Oklahoma are:

What cities in Oklahoma are hiring for Culinary jobs?

Cities in Oklahoma with the most Culinary job openings:

Culinary jobs near you
Infographic showing various Culinary job openings in Oklahoma as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,398 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Culinary Manager

State of Oklahoma

Norman, OK • On-site

$65K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Oversee all aspects of food service operations within the veteran nursing home, ensuring quality and compliance.

  • Implement quality control checks for taste, temperature, presentation, and dining environment to meet high standards.

  • Coordinate with facility staff to ensure a seamless, veteran-centered dining experience and address any dietary or service concerns.

Job description

Job Posting Title
Culinary Manager
Agency
650 DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Supervisory Organization
Norman Veterans Center
Job Posting End Date
Refer to the date listed at the top of this posting, if available. Continuous if date is blank.
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above.
Estimated Appointment End Date (Continuous if Blank)
Full/Part-Time
Full time
Job Type
Regular
Compensation
Job Description
Culinary Manager
This position is for a Culinary Manager for the Norman Veterans Home.
Norman Veterans Home
1776 E. Robinson Street
Norman, OK 73071
Annual Salary: $65,000.00
Position Summary
The Culinary Manager oversees all aspects of food service operations within the veteran nursing home. This role is the "Executive Chef" and "Director of Hospitality" combined, providing our veterans with a dining experience that moves beyond "institutional feeding." The Culinary Manager is the face of the culinary department, owning the quality of every plate, the cleanliness of every dining space, and the professional coordination with facility staff to ensure a seamless, veteran-centered operation.
Required Qualifications & Certifications
  • Professional Credentialing: Must hold a current Certified Dietary Manager (CDM®) or Certified Food Protection Professional (CFPP®) credential.
  • State of Oklahoma Requirements: Must meet "Qualified Dietary Manager" standards per OAC 310:675-9-1.
  • Food Safety: Current ServSafe® Food Protection Manager certification.
  • Experience: Minimum of 3 years of management experience. Healthcare/LTC experience is preferred, but high-volume, fast-paced restaurant management experience is highly valued for its focus on speed, presentation, and service standards.
  • Communication Skills: Demonstrated ability to lead high-level coordination between departments (Nursing, Administration, Facilities) and serve as a professional representative to veterans and their families. Candidates must possess sufficient proficiency in the English Language to perform the essential functions of the position.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities
1. Quality Control & Veteran Experience (Product Ownership)
  • The "Final Check": Own the end product. Implement rigorous quality control checks for taste, temperature, and presentation. No tray or plate reaches a veteran without meeting the "5-star" visual and culinary standard.
  • Veteran-Facing Leadership: Regularly enter the dining areas during service to solicit feedback from veterans. Own the "Point-of-Service" experience, ensuring hospitality is as important as nutrition.
  • Therapeutic Excellence: Ensure texture-modified diets (IDDSI) and therapeutic restrictions are executed with the same culinary care as regular meals.

2. Cafeteria & Dining Environment Ownership
  • Ambience & Amenities: Take full ownership of the cafeteria and dining room environments. Ensure these spaces are inviting, well-organized, and stocked with appropriate amenities.
  • White-Glove Cleanliness: Oversee the cleaning schedules for not just the kitchen, but all veteran-facing dining areas. Ensure floors, tables, and service stations are pristine at all times.

3. Strategic Communication & Coordination
  • Departmental Face: Serve as the primary liaison between Dietary and the rest of the facility (Nursing, Logistics, and Administration).
  • Team Coordination: Lead daily/weekly "huddles" to ensure nursing staff and dietary aides are perfectly aligned at mealtimes, resident changes, and special events.
  • Problem Resolution: Act as the first point of contact for staff or family concerns regarding dietary services, resolving issues with a hospitality-first mindset.

4. Survey Readiness & Regulatory Mastery
  • Regulatory Lead: Maintain 100% compliance with OSDH, CMS, and USDVA standards. Lead the department to successful "deficiency-free" results in yearly surveys.
  • Safety Oversight: Monitor all sanitation logs, equipment maintenance, and food safety protocols (HACCP) daily.
  • The "14-Hour Rule": Strictly manage meal timing so no more than 14 hours pass between the evening meal and breakfast.

5. Operational Leadership
  • Staff Development: Train staff in both technical culinary skills and restaurant-style service techniques.
  • Inventory & Budget: Manage procurement of high-quality ingredients while adhering to budgetary constraints; ensure strict FIFO (First-In, First-Out) rotation.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned consistent with the responsibilities of the position and agency operations.

Selection Process: "The Kitchen Audition"
We hire leaders who lead from the front.
Stage 1: Initial interview regarding management philosophy, communication style, and regulatory expertise.
Stage 2 (The Demonstration): Candidates will be invited to a paid on-site audition. You will be expected to demonstrate culinary proficiency (knife skills/flavor profiling), direct a team during a live meal service, and perform a quality-control walkthrough of the dining facility.
Required Standards Summary
Education: ANFP-approved Dietary Manager course-CMS §483.60
Certification: Active CDM, CFPP credential -OAC 310:675
Safety: Current ServSafe Food Protection Manager-Oklahoma Health Code
Experience: Quality Control & Facility Coordination-Facility Standard
Surveys: Pass Yearly USDVA / OSDH Survey-38 CFR Part 51
Physical Requirements
  • Endurance: Ability to stand/walk for extended periods (8+ hours) in a high-energy environment.
  • Strength: Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 50 lbs.
  • Agility: Comfort working in varying temperatures (walk-in freezers to hot kitchen lines).

Special Requirements
Some agencies may have determined positions in this job family to be safety sensitive as defined by 63 O.S. § 427.8.
Equal Opportunity Employment
The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.
Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions internally through the Workday Jobs Hub.
If you are needing any extra assistance or have any questions relating to a job you have applied for, please click the link below and find the agency for which you applied for additional information:
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