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Director Culinary Innovation Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

American Dining Creations

Prep Cook

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$13 - $16.50/hr

Follow standards to prepare meal ingredients and simple dishes as directed by management, or other ... and innovation of an industry leader. We pair superior culinary offerings with outstanding ...

New

Naked Farmer Careers

Chef Operator (GM)

Nashville, TN · On-site

$64K - $87K/yr

Our restaurants celebrate the seasonality of vegetables and the spirit of innovation, striving to ... Collaborating with our Culinary Director, Controller, and other key restaurant leaders, you ensure ...

Naked Farmer Careers

Chef Operator (GM)

Nashville, TN · On-site

$64K - $87K/yr

Our restaurants celebrate the seasonality of vegetables and the spirit of innovation, striving to ... Collaborating with our Culinary Director, Controller, and other key restaurant leaders, you ensure ...

Naked Farmer Careers

Chef Operator (GM)

Nashville, TN · On-site

$64K - $87K/yr

Our restaurants celebrate the seasonality of vegetables and the spirit of innovation, striving to ... Collaborating with our Culinary Director, Controller, and other key restaurant leaders, you ensure ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsCulinary Innovation JobsDirector Culinary Innovation JobsDirector Culinary Innovation Jobs in Tennessee

Director Culinary Innovation information

See Tennessee salary details

$22K

$79.5K

$174.9K

How much do director culinary innovation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for director culinary innovation in Tennessee is $79,497.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,800.00 and $102,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of culinary innovation do?

A Director of Culinary Innovation leads the development of new food concepts, recipes, and menu items within a restaurant group, food company, or hospitality organization. They research food trends, collaborate with chefs and product developers, and oversee the testing and implementation of new culinary offerings. This role combines creativity with business strategy to ensure that new menu items are both appealing to customers and aligned with the brand's goals. Additionally, they may work closely with marketing, supply chain, and operations teams to ensure successful product launches and consistent quality.

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

To thrive as a Director of Culinary Innovation, you need extensive culinary expertise, menu development experience, and a degree in culinary arts or a related field. Familiarity with food safety standards, R&D processes, and kitchen management systems is typically required, along with certifications such as ServSafe. Creativity, leadership, and strong communication skills set standout candidates apart by enabling effective team collaboration and trend-setting ideation. These skills are crucial to successfully leading culinary teams, developing market-responsive menus, and ensuring operational excellence.

How does a director of culinary innovation typically collaborate with other departments within a food service organization?

A Director of Culinary Innovation frequently partners with teams such as marketing, supply chain, and operations to ensure new menu items align with brand strategy, ingredient availability, and kitchen workflows. This role often leads cross-functional meetings to gather feedback, address operational concerns, and refine recipes based on input from chefs, nutritionists, and customer insights teams. Effective collaboration is essential to successfully launch innovative concepts that are both exciting for customers and feasible for large-scale implementation.

What is the difference between Director Culinary Innovation vs Executive Chef?

AspectDirector Culinary InnovationExecutive Chef
Primary FocusDeveloping new culinary concepts, product innovation, and culinary strategyOverseeing kitchen operations, menu creation, and food preparation
Work EnvironmentCorporate kitchens, R&D labs, product development settingsRestaurant kitchens, hotel kitchens, culinary establishments
CredentialsOften requires culinary degree, experience in innovation or R&DCulinary degree, extensive kitchen experience, culinary certifications
Industry UsageCommon in food manufacturing, hospitality chains, and corporate food servicesPrimarily in restaurants, hotels, and culinary establishments

The main difference is that the Director of Culinary Innovation focuses on creating new culinary concepts and product development within a corporate or industry setting, while the Executive Chef manages daily kitchen operations and menu execution in a restaurant or hospitality environment. Both roles require culinary expertise, but their responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Director Culinary Innovation jobs in Tennessee?

For Director Culinary Innovation jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Director Culinary Innovation jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Culinary Innovation jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Director Culinary Innovation jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Director Culinary Innovation job openings:

Director Culinary Innovation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Culinary Innovation job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $79,497 per year, or $38.2 per hour.

Prep Cook

American Dining Creations

Chattanooga, TN • On-site

$13 - $16.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted yesterday

New

American Dining Creations rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 68 rated caterers

Job description

Pay: - Pay varies by location



Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee

Summary:

A Prep Cook with American Dining Creations prepares meal ingredients, simple dishes, condiments, and other related items as required to meet daily production needs. As a pivotal member of the culinary staff our Prep Cooks are a “go to” and reliable resource to the team to ensure we are providing an optimal dining experience to our guests.  


Responsibilities:  

  • Follow standards to prepare meal ingredients and simple dishes as directed by management, or other staff. 
  • Prepare cooking ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables, cutting meat, and other meal prep. Mixes or prepares condiments, dressings, and sauces. 
  • Undertake basic cooking duties, such as reducing sauces and parboiling food.
  • Stores foods in designated areas following standard wrapping, dating, food safety, and rotation procedures. 
  • Adhere to all state and local food production, safety, and sanitation regulations.
  • Keep supplies replenished, may restock coolers, and take inventory as directed.
  • Assists with unloading, inspection, and proper storage of raw ingredients and supplies.
  • Maintain a clean and orderly kitchen by washing dishes, sanitizing surfaces, and taking out trash. 
  • Listen well and communicate in a professional and friendly manner. 
  • Be efficient and organized. 
  • May be assigned other duties and responsibilities as needed.  


Qualifications:  

  • Previous experience in a related role. 
  • Understanding of proper food handling, preparation, and cooking procedures.
  • Understanding of sanitation and regulations for workplace safety.
  • Basic knife skills.  
  • Ability to learn quickly in a fast-paced, high-volume, high-quality environment.
  • Self-motivated achiever, eager to learn and interested in taking on additional roles and responsibilities. 
  • Must be dedicated to excellence in hospitality and have a desire to offer a great dining experience. 
  • Ability to cross train and cross utilize skills. 
  • Safety and detail oriented. 
  • This position requires lifting 50lbs, bending, walking, climbing stairs, and standing for scheduled shifts.  


About Us:

American Dining Creations is a division of American Food & Vending and one of the largest privately held hospitality service partners in the United States.


At American Dining Creations, we recognize that all corporate and education dining partners are unique. We pride ourselves on creating programs and providing dining services with the strength of a national program and the flexibility and innovation of an industry leader.


We pair superior culinary offerings with outstanding management practices, providing every client with the highest operation standards and flexibility and responding quickly with creative menus, comprehensive concepts, and top-notch service.


Our full range of dining and catering amenities elevates the guest experience by providing outstanding and memorable dining solutions for students, guests, and faculty. 


We currently operate nationwide dining accounts, employing over 2,000 people and serving hundreds of thousands daily. Our services include full café dining emphasizing our Fresh Difference culinary philosophy, mobile ordering, catering, events and our grab-and-go program, My Fresh Market. We stand committed to providing true partnership, customization, and 24/7 support.


American Dining Creations Offers: 

  • Weekly Pay 
  • 401K with match  
  • Delicious employee meal and beverage during your shift 
  • Employee Referral Bonus Program  
  • Employee Assistance Program 
  • Some positions may include flexible hours and shifts. 
  • Eligible employees offered Medical, Prescription, Dental, and Vision Plans 
  • Uniforms and Safety Shoes provided.  
  • Learning and advancement opportunities 


American Food & Vending is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 


Chat with Scout, our virtual hiring assistant to apply for this position right from your mobile device. Text JOB to (315) 803-6049 to get started!

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