Director Culinary Development Jobs in Washington

Regional Culinary Director Job Description

maman is a french bakery, café and leading lifestyle brand founded in 2014 by owners elisa marshall & benjamin sormonte, with locations across north america and canada. inspired by family traditions, and the highest quality ingredients, maman offers a selection of delicious baked goods {including their famous nutty chocolate chip cookie}, coffee, fresh breakfast, and lunch options spanning from hearty salads & sandwiches to savory quiches. in addition to hosting intimate events, maman has partnered with leading brands for partnerships and activations. from baby showers and birthday parties to engagements, we’re able to help celebrate customers & make new beautiful memories. in september 2021, maman founders elisa marshall & benjamin sormonte released the highly anticipated maman: the cookbook.

our ideal candidate is an experienced culinary leader who brings energy, respect, and passion into their everyday interactions. you are a mentor and problem solver who effectively develops high-performing teams and fosters a collaborative, four-walls culture in every location. you have extensive experience with multi-unit leadership and maintain operational excellence by upholding the highest standards of quality, consistency, safety and brand integrity. you have strong culinary expertise in french, mediterranean, and american cuisines, and are fluent in both english and spanish.

Position Summary

The Regional Culinary Director oversees all Back of House operations across maman’s DMV locations, leading the Culinary Management team and partnering closely with the VP of Operations to ensure alignment between culinary execution and overall business strategy. The Regional Culinary Director drives culinary excellence, operational consistency, financial performance, and team development across the DMV region. Through hands-on leadership, strategic oversight, and strong mentorship, the Regional Culinary Director ensures each kitchen operates efficiently and profitably while upholding maman’s standards, brand identity, culture and values.

Essential Responsibilities

Culinary Leadership & Standards

• Oversee all kitchen operations across multiple locations to ensure consistency, quality, and execution of brand standards
• Maintain rigorous food quality, presentation, and portion control standards ● Train and coach BOH teams to ensure proper execution of all culinary initiatives
• Drive successful menu rollouts and ensure seasonal updates are executed flawlessly, ensuring brand standards are met and portioning and control is consistent across all markets
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation regulations as directed by State and local governments
• Audit ServSafe Food Handler certifications for management at all locations Operational Excellence
• Oversee the performance and accountability of each region by reviewing weekly reports, conducting store visits, and holding weekly team meetings as needed
• Lead, coach, and inspire Culinary Management team and onsite Kitchen Leaders
• Conduct performance reviews, provide ongoing coaching and foster career development conversations
• Partner with VP of Operations to foster a collaborative, four-walls environment in each location
• Ensure Kitchen Leaders uphold training, service, and culinary standards and drive alignment between store-level operations and company-wide goals

Inventory, Cost Control & Financial Performance

• Enforce best practices for inventory management, ordering procedures, and portion control
• Oversee COGS guidelines and food cost targets to protect and improve margins ● Analyze P&L statements and implement corrective action plans where necessary ● Optimize labor scheduling and productivity across all locations
• Manage regional vendor relationships and purchasing strategies to ensure cost efficiency and product quality
• Utilize various technologies and tools to analyze and strategize financial performance Clear Communication & Hands-On Support
• Maintain open communication with Kitchen Leaders, DMV Regional Managers and the VP of Operations regarding progress, challenges, and opportunities
• Support cross-functional projects and activations, ensuring alignment with brand standards
• Provide insights to leadership regarding staffing needs, market trends, and operational improvements

Qualifications & Skills

• 10+ years of progressive culinary leadership experience, including 3+ years in a multi-unit or regional leadership role
• Strong financial acumen with proven ability to manage budgets, labor, and costs effectively
• Proficiency in Google Workspace expected; experience with third-party delivery platforms, MarginEdge, and Harri preferred
• Extensive knowledge of State and local food safety regulations across DC, Maryland and Virginia ● Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently throughout the DMV area
• Energetic, approachable, adaptable with experience building and leading high-performing teams
• Bi-lingual in English and Spanish

What We Offer

At maman, we’re proud to provide a supportive and people-first environment where leaders can thrive and grow. Our Regional Culinary Directors enjoy:

• A collaborative culture that values teamwork, initiative, and continuous improvement
• Competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and growth opportunities within a fast-growing brand
• Comprehensive healthcare options, 401k and commuter benefits
• Paid time off and a flexible, supportive work environment
• Ongoing professional development, training, and opportunities for internal mobility ● Sweet perks cookies, coffee, and in-store discounts
• Transport stipend.
• A company culture where we roll up our sleeves, support one another, and celebrate shared success