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Director Culinary Development Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Executive Chef

Chattanooga, TN

$65K - $89K/yr

Hire, coach, train, inspire and direct culinary staff. Maintain proper scheduling, employee reviews ... We have developed an environment that attracts dreamers, adventurers, creators, givers and ...

Executive Chef

Chattanooga, TN

$65K - $90K/yr

Hire, coach, train, inspire and direct culinary staff. Maintain proper scheduling, employee reviews ... We have developed an environment that attracts dreamers, adventurers, creators, givers and ...

Executive Chef

Jackson, TN · On-site

$59K - $82K/yr

Hire, coach, train, inspire and direct culinary staff. Maintain proper scheduling, employee reviews ... We have developed an environment that attracts dreamers, adventurers, creators, givers and ...

Executive Chef

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$65K - $90K/yr

Hire, coach, train, inspire and direct culinary staff. Maintain proper scheduling, employee reviews ... We have developed an environment that attracts dreamers, adventurers, creators, givers and ...

Director of Banquets

Midtown, TN · On-site

$145K - $160K/yr

... development in a spectacular, world-class setting. Position Summary The Director of Banquets is ... Working closely with the General Manager, Sales and Culinary teams, the Director of Banquets ...

Director of Banquets

Midtown, TN · On-site

$145K - $160K/yr

... development in a spectacular, world-class setting. Position Summary The Director of Banquets is ... Working closely with the General Manager, Sales and Culinary teams, the Director of Banquets ...

Executive Chef

Jackson, TN

$67K - $93K/yr

Hire, coach, train, inspire and direct culinary staff. Maintain proper scheduling, employee reviews ... We have developed an environment that attracts dreamers, adventurers, creators, givers and ...

Showing results 21-40

Director Culinary Development information

See Tennessee salary details

$14.5K

$86.9K

$161.6K

How much do director culinary development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for director culinary development in Tennessee is $86,867.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,200.00 and $103,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

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 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 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 Tennessee? For Director Culinary Development jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Director Culinary Development jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Director Culinary Development jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Director Culinary Development jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Director Culinary Development job openings:

Dining Services Director

Charter Senior Living

Gallatin, TN • On-site

$51K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Charter Senior Living rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

149th of 239 rated social care providers


Job description

) Dining Services Director
Charter Senior Living- Gallatin, TN
Pay: $45,000-$51,000/yr
Looking for our next all-star Dining Services Director / Executive Chef with senior living, culinary leadership, and hospitality experience!
At Charter Senior Living, dining is a meaningful part of our residents' daily experience. We believe meals should nourish not only the body, but also the spirit through hospitality, connection, and exceptional service.
We are seeking a passionate culinary leader who takes pride in creating high-quality dining experiences while leading and developing a strong, service-driven team.
If you are a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys making a meaningful impact in the lives of seniors, we would love to meet you!
Why Join Charter Senior Living?
We've Got You Covered
  • Get paid today with ZayZoon
  • Free medical insurance plan options
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid training
  • Paid time off and holiday pay
  • Career growth and advancement opportunities
  • Reliable hours and stable scheduling
  • Supportive leadership and engaged company support team
  • Environment where your voice is heard and appreciated
  • Opportunity to make a meaningful difference every day

Our Mission
To Enhance the Human Spirit
Our Core Values
  • Serve with Heart
  • Serve with Purpose
  • Serve with Courage
  • Have Fun While Serving

Position Summary
The Dining Services Director / Executive Chef is responsible for leading all operations within the Dining Services Department while ensuring exceptional food quality, hospitality, cleanliness, safety, and resident satisfaction.
This leadership role oversees culinary operations, dining service standards, staffing, inventory management, budgeting, and team development while helping create a dining experience that enhances the quality of life for residents and families.
The ideal candidate is an organized, hospitality-focused leader with strong culinary skills, operational knowledge, and a passion for serving seniors.
Responsibilities
  • Lead and oversee all daily Dining Services operations
  • Ensure high standards of food quality, presentation, sanitation, and customer service
  • Develop and maintain positive dining experiences for residents and guests
  • Manage staffing schedules, hiring, training, coaching, and team development
  • Maintain food and supply inventory levels within budget guidelines
  • Monitor purchasing, receiving, storage, and portion control practices
  • Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and infection control standards
  • Collaborate with leadership teams to support resident satisfaction and community goals
  • Prepare and accommodate special dietary needs and therapeutic diets
  • Promote a positive, respectful, and team-oriented kitchen culture
  • Support continuous improvement in culinary operations and resident dining experiences

Qualifications
  • Previous Dining Services Director, Executive Chef, Culinary Manager, or Food Service leadership experience preferred
  • Senior living, healthcare, hospitality, hotel, or restaurant management experience strongly preferred
  • Strong culinary, budgeting, and operational management skills
  • Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and dietary regulations
  • Experience managing staff schedules, labor, and inventory
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational abilities
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced and service-focused environment
  • Culinary certification or food safety certification preferred

What Makes a Great Fit
We are looking for someone who:
  • Leads with professionalism, positivity, and accountability
  • Has a passion for culinary excellence and hospitality
  • Enjoys mentoring and developing team members
  • Thrives in a resident-focused environment
  • Brings creativity, organization, and strong leadership to the kitchen every day
  • Understands the important role dining plays in residents' quality of life

What Our Associates Say About Charter
"It truly feels like family at Charter."
"The residents become an extension of my family."
"They truly live out their mission and values."
"I love working for a company that genuinely puts people first."
If you are a culinary leader looking for a rewarding opportunity where you can combine hospitality, leadership, and purpose while making a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors, apply today to join Charter Senior Living!

What Charter Senior Living employees say

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