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Director Culinary Operations Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Salem's Fresh Eats

Culinary Operations Partner

Tampa, FL · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Proven success leading kitchen operations as an Executive Chef, Chef Partner, Culinary Director, or comparable leadership role. * Strong seafood knowledge and experience preferred. * Demonstrated ...

Benchmark

The Director of Culinary is responsible for the leadership, quality, consistency, and financial ... culinary operations. This role oversees multiple restaurant concepts and focuses on guest ...

SALEM

Culinary Operations Partner (Tampa)

Tampa, FL · On-site

$62K - $86K/yr

Proven success leading kitchen operations as an Executive Chef, Chef Partner, Culinary Director, or comparable leadership role. * Strong seafood knowledge and experience preferred. * Demonstrated ...

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Director Culinary Operations information

See Florida salary details

$25.4K

$80.5K

$134.1K

How much do director culinary operations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for director culinary operations in Florida is $80,469.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,400.00 and $101,300.00 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 Florida?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Director Culinary Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Culinary Operations job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,469 per year, or $38.7 per hour.

DIRECTOR CULINARY OPERATIONS - K-12 FOOD SERVICE, JACKSONVILLE, FL

Compass Group

Jacksonville, FL • On-site

$145K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,093 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

347th of 495 rated business services

Job description

Position Title: DIRECTOR CULINARY OPERATIONS - K-12 FOOD SERVICE, JACKSONVILLE, FL
Pay Grade: 18
Reports To: Regional Director of Operations
Salary: $145,000 - 160,000
Other Forms of Compensation: Medical, Dental & Vision insurance, 401K, PTO
Chartwells K12's goal is to make sure students leave the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 16,000 associates in 4,500 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small charter and private schools, Chartwells K12 is built on decades of food, education and operational experience driven by top culinary, nutrition, wellness, and sustainability talent. For more information, visit www.ChartwellsK12.com.
This position is eligible for an Employee Referral Bonus! If you know someone that is qualified for this role, please use the 'job search' in PeopleHub to refer your referral and email them a link to apply. Your referral will be able to apply by clicking the link in the email. You can check the status through your profile, accessible via Careers in PeopleHub, by clicking on 'referral tracking.' For Employee Referral guidelines, FAQs and the Compass Employee Referral Policy, email MyReferral@compass-usa.com.
Job Summary
Working as the Director of Culinary Development you will be responsible for the research, testing, development, documenting, training, implementing, monitoring, evaluating and making necessary adjustments to innovative new dishes, concepts and/or food programs.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Serves as Department Head to provide leadership and set standards of culinary excellence
  • Works with Division leadership in planning, implementing and supporting new food concepts or programs at their locations
  • Develops and mentors senior chefs in various Company divisions and geographical regions
  • Creates training opportunities for chefs and managers through manufacturer and vendor resources and sharing / promoting internal best practices
  • Stays current with market trends and customer demands
  • Participates in and attends trade shows and continuing education opportunities
  • Plans menus for daily offerings, seasonal or limited time specials, daily and special event catering for a wide variety of locations and applications
  • Conducts food tastings and evaluate food presentation
  • Establishes food specifications
  • Works with food manufacturers and vendors to select best product / value for needs
  • Ensures that food products and handling procedures adhere to local, state and federal regulations
  • Contributes expertise in kitchen and servery design and / or remodeling projects
  • Leads culinary teams in planning, training, set-up and opening new and / or remodeled accounts
  • Collaborate with other departments such as Purchasing, Marketing and Business Development on special projects and Company initiatives
  • Direct sustainability initiatives throughout Company locations
  • Oversee Nutrition staff and programs
  • Updates senior management, supervisory managers and account management teams on industry trends and new food programs

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Degree in Culinary Arts or equivalent professional experience
  • Minimum of five years of progressive culinary experience in high volume, complex service and catering operations
  • Minimum of two years of menu development
  • Knowledge of budgets, food and labor costs, inventory controls
  • Comprehensive knowledge of international cuisines and catering trends
  • Thorough understanding of food equipment and safety standards
  • Strong organizational, leadership, coaching and training skills
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Flexible and adaptable to rapidly changing priorities and work demands
  • Self-starter, innovative and ability to multitask
  • Ability to travel extensively
  • Capable of representing the Company in food service industry events and public relations appearances
  • Strong computer skills; including MS office, recipe management and nutrition programs

Apply to Chartwells Schools today!
Chartwells Schools is a member of Compass Group USA
Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story
Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.
Chartwells K-12 maintains a drug-free workplace.
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Associates at Chartwells K-12are offered many fantastic benefits.
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Personal Leave

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.
https://www.compass-usa.com/wpcontent/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_ChartwellsK12.pdf
Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

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