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Director Culinary Development Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Wind Creek Hospitality

Property Executive Chef

Atmore, AL · On-site

$47K - $65K/yr

Acts as the main catalyst in training and development of culinary personnel, including chefs and ... Responsible for the timely evaluation of all direct reports and conducting introductory period and ...

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Director Culinary Development information

See Alabama salary details

$14.5K

$86.7K

$161.3K

How much do director culinary development jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for director culinary development in Alabama is $86,749.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,100.00 and $103,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of culinary development do?

A Director of Culinary Development oversees the creation and enhancement of menu items, recipes, and food concepts for a restaurant, hospitality group, or food company. They work closely with chefs, product developers, and marketing teams to ensure that new dishes align with brand standards and customer preferences. Their responsibilities often include trend research, menu innovation, quality control, and managing culinary teams. This role requires a blend of creativity, leadership, and a deep understanding of culinary techniques and market trends.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of culinary development?

To thrive as a Director of Culinary Development, you need extensive culinary expertise, menu innovation experience, and a background in food service management, often supported by a culinary degree or equivalent professional certifications. Familiarity with recipe management software, food costing tools, and industry-standard kitchen equipment is essential. Strong leadership, creativity, and excellent communication skills help drive team performance and foster collaboration across departments. These skills are vital for developing successful culinary programs, ensuring operational efficiency, and maintaining a competitive edge in the food industry.

What are some common challenges faced by a director of culinary development, and how can they be addressed?

A Director of Culinary Development often encounters challenges such as keeping up with rapidly changing food trends, ensuring consistency across multiple locations, and managing cross-functional collaboration between culinary teams and other departments like marketing and operations. To address these, it's important to stay informed about industry innovations, implement clear training protocols, and foster open communication with stakeholders. Building a strong team culture and establishing regular feedback mechanisms also help in overcoming obstacles and driving continuous improvement.

What are popular job titles related to Director Culinary Development jobs in Alabama?

For Director Culinary Development jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Director Culinary Development jobs in Alabama look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Culinary Development jobs in Alabama are:

What cities in Alabama are hiring for Director Culinary Development jobs?

Cities in Alabama with the most Director Culinary Development job openings:

Director Culinary Development jobs near you

Lucy's Auburn - Executive Sous Chef

Auburn, AL

Lucy's
See more jobs at Lucy'sexternal

$65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Executive Sous Chef - Lucy's Modern American Eatery

Location: Auburn, Alabama

Pay: $65,000 Base Salary + Bonus (Bonus Based on Financial Performance)

Job Type: Full-Time / Salary

Apply directly at https://lucys.talentplushire.com/jobs/

About Lucy's: https://www.instagram.com/eatatlucys/

Lucy's is a modern American neighborhood eatery serving seasonal, contemporary cuisine crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Our shared plates, award-winning cocktails, and curated wine program create an experience rooted in hospitality and "good vibes only." We believe our team is our greatest asset and are committed to cultivating an environment where culinary creativity and operational excellence go hand in hand.

Position Overview:

The Executive Sous Chef is a senior culinary leader who partners closely with the Executive Chef to direct all kitchen operations with precision, creativity, and consistency. This role is a blend of hands-on culinary execution and strategic oversight-driving menu innovation, cost control, team development, and operational efficiency. As the Executive Sous Chef, you'll serve as the second-in-command in the kitchen, with full leadership responsibilities in the absence of the Executive Chef. You'll set the tone for culinary excellence, ensure operational standards are met, and foster a culture that inspires and empowers your team to perform at their highest level.

Key Responsibilities:

- Oversee daily culinary operations, ensuring excellence in flavor, presentation, and consistency

- Collaborate with the Executive Chef on menu development and seasonal innovation

- Lead and mentor the BOH team, providing clear direction and professional growth opportunities

- Manage labor costs, scheduling, inventory, and vendor relationships

- Maintain the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, and compliance with health regulations

- Drive cost control strategies, monitoring food and labor expenses to achieve budget targets

- Assist in developing and implementing systems for efficiency, consistency, and quality control

- Represent the Executive Chef in their absence, leading kitchen operations and decision-making

- Foster a collaborative, positive work culture aligned with Lucy's brand values

What We're Looking For:

- 3+ years in a senior culinary leadership role (Sous Chef or similar) in a high-volume, quality-driven kitchen

- Proven ability to lead, train, and inspire a culinary team - Strong operational and financial management skills

- Creative and passionate about seasonal, locally driven menus

- Calm and decisive under pressure

- Professional appearance and demeanor in line with Lucy's brand - Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Preferred:

- Serve Safe certification

- Experience in modern American cuisine or upscale casual dining Benefits (Full-time, after waiting period)

- Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

- Life Insurance

Why Join Us?

As Executive Sous Chef at Lucy's, you'll have the opportunity to shape the culinary vision while leading an exceptional team in an environment that values creativity, leadership, and work-life balance. This is your chance to make an impact-not just on the plate, but on the entire guest experience.

Apply Today:

Apply directly at https://lucys.talentplushire.com/jobs/

or

Send your resume and a brief cover letter highlighting your leadership achievements and culinary philosophy to Matt@LucysAuburn.com.

*Waiting period required for all new employees / Waiting period varies by benefit / Benefits offering may vary


Conditions of Employment

All offers of employment with Lucy's Modern American Eatery are contingent upon the successful completion of:

1. Background Check – A satisfactory background investigation, which may include verification of employment history, education, and any other information relevant to the position.

2. Drug Screening – A pre-employment drug test with negative results. Failure to successfully complete or pass either requirement may result in the withdrawal of an employment offer or termination of employment if results are received after the start date.

By accepting an offer of employment, the candidate acknowledges and agrees to these conditions as a requirement for hiring and continued employment.

Apply