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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 ...

New

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 ...

Sodexo

Culinary Supervisor

Leesburg, FL · On-site

$21.67 - $26/hr

The Culinary Supervisor actively participates in food preparation while directing workflow and reinforcing operational standards. Responsibilities may vary by account based on kitchen structure ...

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All JobsCulinary Operations JobsDirector Culinary Operations JobsDirector Culinary Operations Jobs in Florida

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 2, 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 the highest paying job in culinary?

The highest paying roles in culinary operations are often executive chef, culinary director, or food service director, with salaries reaching six figures in high-end establishments or corporate settings. These positions typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and culinary expertise, often supported by advanced certifications or degrees.

Is a director of operations a high position?

A director of culinary operations is a high-level leadership role responsible for overseeing culinary strategies, staff management, and operational efficiency within a food service organization. It typically requires extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and often involves managing multiple teams or locations, making it a senior position in the industry.

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.

What does a director of culinary operations do?

A director of culinary operations oversees the planning, development, and management of culinary activities within an organization, ensuring quality, consistency, and efficiency. They coordinate kitchen staff, develop menus, manage budgets, and implement standards to meet business goals, often requiring leadership skills and culinary expertise.

How much does a culinary director make in the US?

A culinary director in the US typically earns between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the organization. They oversee kitchen operations, menu development, and staff management, often requiring strong leadership and culinary skills.

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 is a Director Culinary Operations job?

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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $80,469 per year, or $38.7 per hour.

Culinary Operations Partner

Salem's Fresh Eats

Tampa, FL • On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Location: St. Petersburg, FL 
Job Type: Full-Time | Managing Partnership Opportunity 

About Salem's Restaurant Group:
We are seeking an experienced, entrepreneurial Culinary Operations Partner to help launch and grow an exciting new seafood-focused fast-casual restaurant concept. 

Built around fresh, flavorful, made-to-order food, this innovative concept combines quality, convenience, and value. The menu will feature seafood favorites designed for dine-in, drive-thru, takeout, and delivery. 

This is more than a chef position. It's an opportunity to become a key partner in launching and scaling a restaurant brand from day one. 

Why Join Us? 
This concept is designed for long-term growth, multiple revenue streams, and future expansion. As a Culinary Operations Partner, you will have the unique opportunity to influence the culinary vision, operational systems, customer experience, and overall growth strategy of the business. 

If you are passionate about seafood, restaurant innovation, and building something special, we'd love to meet you. 

Position Summary: 
The Culinary Operations Partner will lead all culinary operations while playing an active role in strategic business growth. This hands-on leader will develop a high-quality seafood menu optimized for dine-in, drive-thru, and takeaway, ensuring exceptional taste, consistency, speed, and profitability. 

The ideal candidate is a strong operator who can balance culinary creativity with operational excellence while building and developing a high-performing team. 

Key Responsibilities:
Culinary Leadership: 
  • Create and develop a scalable seafood-focused menu for dine-in, drive-thru, and takeaway. 
  • Design menu offerings that leverage our state-of-the-art equipment and give the customer an amazing experience at a great value. 
  • Standardize recipes, portioning, presentation, and preparation methods. 
  • Maintain exceptional food quality, consistency, and customer satisfaction. 
  • Partner on future menu innovation and product development.

Operations Management: 
  • Establish kitchen systems, workflows, and procedures to maximize efficiency. 
  • Develop operational processes that support high-volume dine-in, drive-thru, and takeaway sales. 
  • Monitor food costs, labor costs, inventory, and profitability. 
  • Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and health regulations. 
  • Oversee purchasing, vendor relationships, and product sourcing. 

Team Leadership: 
  • Recruit, train, develop, and mentor kitchen team members. 
  • Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and excellence. 
  • Create scheduling strategies that support business demands while controlling labor costs. 
  • Lead by example through active participation in daily operations. 

Strategic Partnership:
  • Collaborate on business planning, marketing initiatives, and growth strategies. 
  • Contribute ideas for menu expansion, and operational scalability. 
  • Support the development of brand standards and company culture. 
  • Act as a key stakeholder in the long-term success of the concept. 

What You Bring:
  • Proven success leading kitchen operations as an Executive Chef, Chef Partner, Culinary Director, or comparable leadership role. 
  • Strong seafood knowledge and experience preferred. 
  • Demonstrated ability to create profitable menus and manage food cost controls. 
  • Experience in fast-casual, casual dining, high-volume, or multi-channel restaurant operations. 
  • Passion for food quality, customer satisfaction, and management. 
  • Proven ability to recruit, train, and develop high-performing teams. 
  • Strong knowledge of restaurant systems, processes, and operational best practices. 
  • Stable employment history demonstrating career growth and leadership success. 
  • Entrepreneurial mindset with a desire to help build and scale a restaurant brand. 

What We Offer:
  • Unique Managing Partnership opportunity. 
  • Ability to influence and shape a new restaurant concept. 
  • Leadership role with significant growth potential. 
  • Competitive compensation package. 
  • Performance-based incentives and partnership opportunities. 
  • Opportunity to help build a future multi-unit restaurant brand. 

Join the Ground Floor of Something Special:
If you're a passionate culinary leader with a vision for seafood innovation and the drive to help build a successful restaurant concept, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity. 

Perks & Benefits:
  • Competitive salary.
  • Growth opportunities within a dynamic and expanding brand.
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid time off and holiday pay.
  • Continuous leadership and development training.
  • A vibrant, collaborative culture that celebrates success and promotes from within.

Benefits:
  • Dental insurance.
  • Employee discount.
  • Health insurance.
  • Paid time off.
  • Paid training.
  • Vision insurance.