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Culinary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This role oversees all culinary programming, standardization, and execution across the Salute portfolio, ensuring alignment with mission requirements, operational excellence, and the evolving ...

This role oversees all culinary programming, standardization, and execution across the Salute portfolio, ensuring alignment with mission requirements, operational excellence, and the evolving ...

This role oversees all culinary programming, standardization, and execution across the Salute portfolio, ensuring alignment with mission requirements, operational excellence, and the evolving ...

This role oversees all culinary programming, standardization, and execution across the Salute portfolio, ensuring alignment with mission requirements, operational excellence, and the evolving ...

Location - Seattle, WA Salary - $115k-$120k Benefits - PTO, MDV The Culinary Director is responsible for leading the culinary vision and execution across all restaurant concepts within the group ...

Culinary Coordinator

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

ABOUT THE ROLE The Culinary Coordinator plays a key support role within the Culinary team, helping bring Roland Foods' products and culinary vision to life through handson preparation, organization ...

Culinary Director

Redmond, WA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Culinary Director Location: Redmond / Renton, WA | Company Wide | Full-Time Pay Range: $110,000 - $130,000 annually** Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, skills, and internal ...

The Culinary Manager may be responsible for day-to-day line operations or events execution. They supervise the kitchen team, manage inventory and product ordering, enforce safety and sanitation ...

Culinary Emergency Response

Katy, TX

$14.75 - $18.25/hr

Key Responsibilities Bring your culinary knowledge and experience to a new career with Cotton. Positions available: * Kitchen Utility Helpers * Cooks * Culinary Project Manager Preferred locations:

Culinary Director Location: Remote (Must live within a 25-mile radius of a venue) Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer Role Overview The Culinary Director is responsible for leading the food ...

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Culinary information

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How much do culinary jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for culinary in the United States is $18.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $18.75 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 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 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 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 cities are hiring for Culinary jobs? Cities with the most Culinary job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Culinary jobs? The most popular types of Culinary jobs are:
What states have the most Culinary jobs? States with the most job openings for Culinary jobs include:
Infographic showing various Culinary job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $39,420 per year, or $19 per hour.
Culinary Director

Culinary Director

Aramark

Helotes, TX • On-site

Other

Posted 13 days ago


Aramark rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 1,236 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

345th of 437 rated business services


Job description

Job Description

Salute Hospitality delivers dining solutions for the military. American owned and mission ready, we support service members, families, and base communities each day, with wellness built into everything we do: menus designed for strength, energy, and endurance, from chefs who treat every meal as part of the job. Capability Built. Mission Ready. Here for the Full Journey.

Reporting to the Vice President of Culinary Strategy and Innovation, the Director of Culinary Development serves as the senior culinary leader for Aramark?s Salute program ? our military and defense food service brand operating across U.S. military installations nationwide. This role oversees all culinary programming, standardization, and execution across the Salute portfolio, ensuring alignment with mission requirements, operational excellence, and the evolving expectations of the Service Members and personnel we serve. 

The Director leads a team of Executive Chefs embedded at installations nationwide, shaping the culinary vision that supports mission readiness, enhances quality of life, and advances the modernization of military dining. This position partners closely with Aramark operations, marketing, procurement, and business development teams to deliver innovative culinary solutions that balance creativity, cost stewardship, and compliance with military and Aramark standards. 

The Director is also responsible for developing top culinary talent, supporting enterprise growth, strengthening industry partnerships, and championing the future of military food service. 

Job Responsibilities

Culinary Leadership & Team Development 

Lead and develop a nationwide team of Executive Chefs across multiple installations, driving consistent culinary and operational excellence. 

Recruit, mentor, and build a strong culinary talent pipeline, preparing current team members for future leadership roles across the enterprise. 

Empower team members to make decisions that deliver the highest level of service and dining experience to the populations we serve. 

Foster a culture of culinary passion, continuous improvement, and pride in the Salute brand. 

Plan and execute team meetings, coaching sessions, and recognition programs that celebrate performance and build engagement. 

Culinary Programming & Innovation 

Design and implement culinary programs aligned with Salute program objectives, customer preferences, and installation-specific needs. 

Drive consistency in food quality, production, presentation, and service across all dining facility (DFAC) operations. 

Monitor culinary trends and innovations, translating relevant insights into practical improvements across the portfolio. 

Champion authentic, on-trend, and precisely executed culinary standards and techniques throughout all installations. 

Develop unique and diverse program elements ? including local sourcing partnerships where applicable ? that elevate the dining experience. 

Training & Operational Standards 

Oversee training standards across the Salute culinary team, including HACCP, knife skills, food code alignment, and menu execution. 

Ensure compliance with the TriService Food Code, Aramark food safety policies, and applicable installation and federal requirements. 

Conduct field audits, operational reviews, and performance assessments to validate readiness, quality, and safety. 

Lead corrective action planning, root-cause analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives across the portfolio. 

Leverage technology to streamline daily culinary operations and enable a consistent, high-quality hospitality experience. 

Financial Performance & Procurement 

Ensure procurement compliance, vendor adherence, SKU standardization, and cost control across the Salute culinary portfolio. 

Reduce non-compliant spend while improving product utilization and operational efficiency. 

Forecast, plan, and execute against budget parameters established for the portfolio. 

Drive margin improvement through focused management of food costs, production efficiency, and resource utilization. 

Growth & Business Development Support 

Support growth and new business opportunities within the Salute program as a culinary subject matter expert. 

Partner with business development teams to provide culinary strategy, program design, and proposal support for new installation pursuits. 

Represent the Salute brand at industry events and forums, building relationships that strengthen Aramark?s position in the military food service market. 

Qualifications

Required 

Minimum 10 years of culinary experience, with 3?5 years in a multi-site or enterprise culinary management role. 

Culinary background required; formal culinary training or degree preferred. 

Bachelor?s degree in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, or equivalent professional experience. 

Military experience required ? active duty, reserve, or direct experience working in a military food service or installation environment. Familiarity with DFAC operations, military dining standards, and the TriService Food Code is strongly preferred. 

Demonstrated success leading and developing geographically dispersed culinary teams. 

Strong knowledge of food safety standards, HACCP principles, and federal food service compliance requirements. 

Willingness to travel up to 70% of the time to installations across the U.S. 

Preferred 

Experience with Department of Defense (DoD) food service contracts or Government Food Service (GFS) programs. 

Familiarity with military dining modernization efforts and installation-based food service operations. 

Prior experience with Aramark, Sodexo, Compass, or a large managed services food service company. 

Experience supporting new site openings, mobilizations, or contract transitions in a military or institutional food service context. 

Education
About Aramark

Our Mission

Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet.

At Aramark, we believe that every employee should enjoy equal employment opportunity and be free to participate in all aspects of the company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by applicable law.

About Aramark

The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food and facilities in 15 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at http://www.aramarkcareers.com or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.


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About Aramark

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food, facilities, and uniform services in 19 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Industry

Hospitality services and facilities support services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Philadelphia, PA, US