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Director Culinary Operations Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

McLoughlin Place

Director of Culinary Services

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$32/hr

Voluntary benefits options About the Role We're seeking a skilled Director, Culinary Services to lead all aspects of our Culinary Service Department and dining room operations. Reporting to the ...

Avenir Behavioral Health Center

Cook

Surprise, AZ · On-site

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

Maintain clear communication with kitchen staff and management, reporting operational issues directly to the Director of Culinary Services. Qualifications * Education: High School Diploma or ...

Avenir Behavioral Health Center

Cook

Surprise, AZ · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Maintain clear communication with kitchen staff and management, reporting operational issues directly to the Director of Culinary Services. Qualifications * Education: High School Diploma or ...

The Restaurant Zone

Be Seen First

Regional Executive Chef - Fine Dining

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Oversee culinary operations across multiple locations * Lead, mentor, and develop Executive Chefs ... Executive Chef, Regional Executive Chef, Corporate Chef, or Culinary Director experience * Strong ...

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Director Culinary Operations information

See Arizona salary details

$31.7K

$100.3K

$167.3K

How much do director culinary operations jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for director culinary operations in Arizona is $100,346.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,400.00 and $126,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a director culinary operations?

A Director of Culinary Operations oversees the strategic and operational aspects of a food service or hospitality organization. They are responsible for menu development, kitchen efficiency, cost control, quality assurance, and staff management. This role ensures that culinary standards align with brand goals, customer expectations, and industry regulations. Additionally, they collaborate with executive leadership to drive innovation, optimize processes, and enhance profitability.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a director culinary operations?

A Director Culinary Operations typically oversees multiple kitchen teams, manages food and labor costs, ensures compliance with safety regulations, and develops menus that align with company goals and customer preferences. They often collaborate with executive chefs, vendors, and management to streamline processes and maintain quality standards. Daily tasks also include monitoring inventory, training staff, and troubleshooting operational challenges. Balancing administrative duties with hands-on kitchen oversight is essential for achieving both culinary excellence and operational efficiency.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the director culinary operations position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director Culinary Operations, you need extensive experience in food service management, menu development, budgeting, and team leadership, typically supported by a culinary degree and progressive supervisory roles. Familiarity with inventory management systems, food safety certifications (like ServSafe), and proficiency in kitchen equipment and scheduling software are crucial. Exceptional organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills help you lead diverse teams and deliver high-quality guest experiences. These abilities ensure the efficient operation of culinary departments, maintain compliance with industry standards, and drive business success.

How much does a Director Culinary Operations make in the US?

A Director of Culinary Operations in the US typically earns between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the organization. This role often requires strong leadership skills, culinary expertise, and experience managing large teams and budgets.

What does a director of culinary operations do?

A director of culinary operations oversees the planning, development, and management of food service activities within an organization. They ensure quality standards, manage kitchen staff, develop menus, control budgets, and implement safety and sanitation protocols to deliver consistent dining experiences.

What are the most commonly searched types of Culinary Operations jobs in Arizona?

The most popular types of Culinary Operations jobs in Arizona are:

What are popular job titles related to Director Culinary Operations jobs in Arizona?

For Director Culinary Operations jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Director Culinary Operations jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Culinary Operations jobs in Arizona are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Director Culinary Operations jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Director Culinary Operations job openings:

Infographic showing various Director Culinary Operations job openings in Arizona 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 $100,346 per year, or $48.2 per hour.

Culinary Operations Associate

Flagstaff, AZ • On-site

Flagstaff Family Food Center
1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Flagstaff Family Food Centerexternal

$19/hr

Part-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Important notes:
  • Food Handler's Certification must be obtained within 30 days of hire.
  • This position involves operating a company vehicle or conducting deliveries. Our insurance provider requires drivers to meet specific eligibility criteria, which includes being at least 25 years of age.
  • Because our mission requires serving the community every day of the year, including major holidays, team members share holiday coverage on a scheduled rotation.
  • Previous restaurant experience preferred.

Position Summary
The Culinary Operations Associate plays an essential role in the daily operations of a high-volume, community-based nonprofit kitchen. Reporting to the Assistant Kitchen Manager, this position supports meal production, sanitation, food storage, delivery, and volunteer engagement. Culinary Operations Associate ensures the kitchen remains clean, organized, and efficient while contributing to the preparation and delivery of meals that uphold the organization's mission of dignity, access, and nourishment.
Culinary Operations Associate is a foundational role that helps keep the kitchen running smoothly and safely. By assisting with prep, cleaning, storage, delivery, and volunteer readiness, this team member plays a critical part in delivering consistent, dignified food service to the community.
Core Responsibilities:
Food Preparation Assistance
  • Support kitchen staff and volunteers with basic food prep tasks such as washing, peeling, chopping, portioning, and packaging ingredients as directed.
  • Help set up prep stations with tools, PPE, and ingredients to support efficient workflow.
  • Ensure all food is handled, stored, and prepared in accordance with safety and sanitation standards.
  • Refill ingredients or supplies at workstations as needed to maintain production momentum.

Cleaning & Sanitation
  • Perform dishwashing duties, including operating commercial dish machines and hand-washing cookware, utensils, and equipment.
  • Maintain clean work areas throughout the shift, including floors, counters, sinks, and food contact surfaces.
  • Follow assigned daily and weekly cleaning schedules, including deep cleaning tasks as directed by the Assistant Kitchen Manager.
  • Use appropriate cleaning chemicals and sanitation procedures in accordance with food safety guidelines.
  • Cleaning and sanitizing of any/all vehicles utilized by kitchen staff in the course of operations.

Food Storage & Delivery Support
  • Receive, unbox, label, and store dry, refrigerated, and frozen food products in appropriate locations.
  • Ensure storage areas are kept clean, organized, and in compliance with FIFO (First In, First Out) rotation standards.
  • Deliver hot dinner meals to community partners and assist with lunch deliveries when volunteer drivers are unavailable, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and safe food handling.
  • Accept and weigh incoming food donations, document totals accurately, and communicate updates to kitchen leads.
  • Sort and stage donated food items for transfer to the warehouse based on type, storage requirements, and intended use.

Volunteer Support
  • Assist in setting up volunteer prep stations with necessary supplies, tools, and ingredients.
  • Provide friendly, clear guidance to volunteers under the supervision of the Assistant Kitchen Manager.
  • Help restock volunteer snacks, drinks, and PPE, and maintain a clean and welcoming check-in space.
  • Contribute to a positive and inclusive volunteer experience by promoting teamwork, patience, encouragement, professionalism and mission connection throughout entirety of volunteer shift.
  • Assist with stocking and maintaining the lunch window service area to support volunteers during to-go meal distribution; provide direct coverage of the lunch window when volunteers are unavailable.

General Kitchen Duties
  • Maintain awareness of shift activities and regularly check in with the Assistant Kitchen Manager for next steps or new assignments.
  • Assist with end-of-shift kitchen closing responsibilities, including final cleaning, organizing stations, and prepping for the following day.
  • After completing hot meal deliveries, return to support remaining dinner service tasks such as plating, packaging, and final counts.
  • Notify kitchen leads of any safety issues, low stock, equipment concerns, or workflow bottlenecks.
  • Adjust to shifting kitchen priorities and take initiative to support team needs wherever possible.
  • Support in maintenance of resource wall, kitchen garden, and any other area assigned by organization leadership

Benefits:
  • Paid Vacation and Sick time
  • Workers Comp
  • Small Dollar community loan program
  • 401k after 6 months of employment
  • Opportunities for professional development

Apply