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Director Culinary Development Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Food Service Director

Madison, IN · On-site

$60 - $70/hr

Ensuring that staff meet all culinary, safety, and sanitation standards and regulations ... We take pride in supporting the development of our employees and their skills at all levels and in ...

Ensuring that staff meet all culinary, safety, and sanitation standards and regulations ... We take pride in supporting the development of our employees and their skills at all levels and in ...

... and beverage/culinary operation ensuring resident and client satisfaction by providing a ... You will oversee the development and implementation of departmental strategies and ensures ...

... and beverage/culinary operation ensuring resident and client satisfaction by providing a ... You will oversee the development and implementation of departmental strategies and ensures ...

... and beverage/culinary operation ensuring resident and client satisfaction by providing a ... You will oversee the development and implementation of departmental strategies and ensures ...

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Director Culinary Development information

See Indiana salary details

$15.2K

$91.1K

$169.4K

How much do director culinary development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for director culinary development in Indiana is $91,073.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,400.00 and $109,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Culinary Development, and why are they important?

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 does a culinary director do?

A culinary director oversees the development and execution of menu concepts, ensuring quality and consistency across food offerings. They manage culinary teams, collaborate with suppliers, and often have expertise in food safety, kitchen operations, and culinary trends to maintain high standards in a food service environment.

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 jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

In the culinary field, executive chef and culinary director roles at high-end restaurants or hotel chains can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and profit sharing. These positions require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often involve managing large teams and budgets in a fast-paced environment.

What is the highest paying job in culinary?

The highest paying roles in culinary are often executive chef, culinary director, or food service director, with salaries reaching into six figures. These positions typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often advanced certifications or degrees in culinary arts or hospitality management.

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.

Is CDP higher than sous chef?

A CDP (Certified Dietary Manager or Chef de Partie) is generally a specialized culinary role, often focused on a specific station or section in a kitchen, while a sous chef is a senior leadership position responsible for managing kitchen operations and supporting the executive chef. Typically, a sous chef holds a higher position in the kitchen hierarchy than a CDP, with more managerial responsibilities and experience requirements. However, titles and responsibilities can vary by organization.
What are popular job titles related to Director Culinary Development jobs in Indiana? For Director Culinary Development jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Director Culinary Development jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Director Culinary Development jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Director Culinary Development jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Director Culinary Development job openings:
Infographic showing various Director Culinary Development job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,073 per year, or $43.8 per hour.
Director of Dining Services - Heritage Christian School

Director of Dining Services - Heritage Christian School

Compass Group

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,079 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

316th of 454 rated business services


Job description

Salary: $85000 - $90000 / year
Other Forms of Compensation: N/A
Flik Independent School Dining has been leading the way in transforming private and independent school foodservice across 300 communities for over four decades. Our passionate team of associates is fully committed to delivering exceptional foodservice experiences every single time. Our meals are crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, supporting sustainable agricultural practices that benefit our communities. But we don't stop at just foodservice - we take it to the next level by offering cutting-edge nutrition education programs that empower students to make smart, healthy choices daily. By combining nutritious meals with comprehensive education, we equip students with the essential tools they need to lead a healthy and thriving life. We believe in nourishing the whole person, creating community through great food and programming, and doing what's right, every time.
We are Nourishing a Brighter Future.
Job Summary
The Director of Dining Services is responsible for leading all aspects of dining operations at Heritage Christian School, ensuring outstanding service, food quality, and client happiness. This role involves leading all aspects of daily operations, handling financial performance, leading a team with dynamic strengths, and building positive relationships with school partners. The ideal candidate is a strategic, hands-on leader with a passion for food service excellence, team development, and creating a welcoming dining experience for students, faculty, and guests. Heritage Christian School is a private, college-preparatory Christian day school serving approximately 1,600 students from preschool through 12th grade.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Provide leadership and direction for all food service operations, including student dining, catering, and special events.
  • Maintain strong relationships with clients, school administrators, students, and guests, ensuring exceptional service and satisfaction.
  • Collaborate with the Executive Chef and culinary team to design and implement seasonal menus and new culinary programs.
  • Lead all financial aspects of the account including budgeting, forecasting, invoice processing, daily sales reporting, catering invoicing, and period-end closing.
  • Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and allergen protocols; champion a culture of safety for associates and guests.
  • Conduct daily pre-service meetings to align the team on expectations, service standards, and key updates.
  • Lead recruiting, onboarding, scheduling, training, and performance management for dining associates.
  • Conduct mid-year and annual performance reviews; provide mentorship, feedback, and professional development opportunities.
  • Drive participation and customer engagement through marketing, menu innovation, promotional events, and catering showcases.
  • Ensure high standards of service, cleanliness, and presentation across all dining areas.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Hospitality, Culinary Arts, Business, or a related field preferred.
  • 3-5 years of dynamic food service management experience, preferably in school dining, contract services, or high-volume hospitality.
  • Confirmed experience leading budgets, financial reporting, and cost controls.
  • Strong background in catering, special events, and high-volume food production.
  • Proven ability to lead and develop teams, handle deadlines, and implement critical initiatives.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams).
  • ServSafe Certification preferred.
  • Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Passion for continuous improvement, innovation, and delivering an outstanding dining experience.

Apply to Flik today!
Flik Independent School Dining is a member of Compass Group USA
Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story
Associates at Flik Independent School Dining are offered many fantastic benefits.
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Personal Leave

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information. https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_FISD.pdf
Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.
Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Flik Independent School Dinning maintains a drug-free workplace.
Req ID: 1531712
FISD
STEPHANIE FREER
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