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Director Culinary Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Contribute directly to the development of high-impact SOPs that enhance execution at scale. * Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration between culinary vision and ...

Contribute directly to the development of high-impact SOPs that enhance execution at scale. * Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration between culinary vision and ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Director Culinary Development information

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$16K

$95.7K

$178K

How much do director culinary development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for director culinary development in the United States is $95,708.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,000.00 and $114,500.00 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.
More about Director Culinary Development jobs
What cities are hiring for Director Culinary Development jobs? Cities with the most Director Culinary Development job openings:
What states have the most Director Culinary Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Culinary Development jobs include:
Infographic showing various Director Culinary Development job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,708 per year, or $46 per hour.

Director, Culinary Services

Sodexo

Greenville, SC • On-site

$115K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Sodexo rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 1,142 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

333rd of 488 rated business services


Job description

We are looking for a Regional Chef to support 17 accounts in our Stadiums & Arenas, Cultural Destinations, & Convention Center units in California, Washington, and Hawaii. Candidate must reside on the West Coast.

About the job

In this systems-focused culinary leadership role, you'll design and maintain the operational backbone that powers menu consistency, data accuracy, and recipe execution across the organization. You'll play a critical role in optimizing culinary systems, ensuring quality standards, and streamlining how food service data is created, managed, and applied in the field.

The role of an individual contributor within the organization focuses on completing specific tasks and projects; contributing directly through their skills and expertise. Performs specialized technical tasks to support operations. Work is primarily achieved independently, however may collaborate with a team.

Pay Range: $115940 - $150040

What's in it for you

  • Shape how culinary operations run by developing the systems and standards that ensure consistency and excellence.
  • Design and implement workflows that drive efficiency and accuracy across menu and recipe management.
  • Play a key role in aligning ingredient data, nutritional standards, and cost visibility across the organization.
  • Contribute directly to the development of high-impact SOPs that enhance execution at scale.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration between culinary vision and operational systems.
  • Lead efforts that influence food quality, guest satisfaction, and operational reliability.
  • Gain visibility as a systems expert who bridges culinary creativity with data-driven execution.


What you'll bring 

  • Proven experience in recipe development, standardization, and compliance across diverse food service environments.
  • Technical skills in culinary data systems, including menu management platforms and nutritional databases.
  • Skillset to create and implement scalable processes that ensure consistency, accuracy, and operational efficiency.
  • Experience monitoring and improving recipe performance through data analysis and continuous refinement.
  • Collaborative mindset with the skills to work cross-functionally to align culinary strategy with operational execution.


Requirements

  • Education Requirement: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
  • Management Experience: 5 years
  • Related Experience: 3-5 years


What we offer 

Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include: 

  • Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs 

  • 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions 

  • Paid Time Off and Company Holidays 

  • Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement 

More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.

Who we are 

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide. 

Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you're happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please completethis form. 


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