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Director Culinary Operations Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

Kitchen Manager

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$31 - $35/hr

Lead daily culinary operations across breakfast, lunch, brunch, dinner, banquets, meetings ... Direct, but respectful. * Focused on both food quality and operational execution. * Comfortable ...

Job Summary The Culinary Assistant, under the direct supervision of the Culinary Lead, assists in ... Demonstrated understanding of proper procedure for kitchen operation, sanitation procedures and ...

New

Responsibilities * Accountable for leading, guiding & directing functional responsibilities ... operations consistency * Measure & report KPIs/metrics & value delivery * Maintain knowledge of ...

CHEF MANAGER

Bridgeton, MO · On-site

$70K - $73K/yr

In this role, you will support the Food Service Director in managing day-to-day foodservice ... Your experience in culinary operations, staff training, and resource management will be essential ...

CHEF MANAGER

Bridgeton, MO · On-site

$70K - $73K/yr

In this role, you will support the Food Service Director in managing day-to-day foodservice ... Your experience in culinary operations, staff training, and resource management will be essential ...

CHEF MANAGER

Bridgeton, MO · On-site

$70K - $73K/yr

In this role, you will support the Food Service Director in managing day-to-day foodservice ... Your experience in culinary operations, staff training, and resource management will be essential ...

You will work closely with our culinary team to develop menus that meet the dietary needs and ... Oversee food service operations, including ordering, preparation, and service * Ensure compliance ...

Showing results 21-40

Director Culinary Operations information

See Missouri salary details

$31.9K

$101K

$168.4K

How much do director culinary operations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for director culinary operations in Missouri is $101,005.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,800.00 and $127,100.00 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 popular job titles related to Director Culinary Operations jobs in Missouri?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Director Culinary Operations job openings in Missouri as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,005 per year, or $48.6 per hour.

Regional Director of Operations

Compass Group

Kansas City, MO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 5 days ago


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: Regional Director of Operation (Kansas City)
Pay 17
Reports To:
Salary: 120,000 - 130,000
Other Forms of Compensation:
The Strategic Dining difference is in the support we deliver, not only focusing on successful systems, techniques, and tools, but improving the community's dining experiences, community cost savings and increased resident satisfaction. We accomplish this by being a true partner to our clients and communities and focus our efforts on meeting those goals, that are unique to each location.
The Strategic Dining difference is in the support we deliver, not only focusing on successful systems, techniques, and tools, but improving the community's dining experiences, community cost savings and increased resident satisfaction. We accomplish this by being a true partner to our clients and communities and focus our efforts on meeting those goals, that are unique to each location.
  • 75% travel
  • Manage SENIOR LIVING Dining accounts in and around Missouri and surrounding states
  • Track record of ensuring high-quality services, financial success, and client satisfaction within the region while providing strong leadership.
  • Experience in multi-unit management in contract food services, required
  • Culinary experience and a culinary degree is preferred, as it contributes to our commitment to excellence.
  • Is proficient in Compass Group systems like OMS, MUS, efinance, and myorders, ensuring seamless operations, not required but preferred
  • Excels in written and verbal communication with internal teams and external partners.
  • Demonstrates exceptional leadership, training skills, and the ability to influence effectively.
  • Is adept at cultivating strong relationships, influencing and inspiring teams.
  • Embodies a hands-on leadership style, believing that building robust relationships leads to success.

Job Summary:
As the Regional Director of Operations, you will be responsible for the overall operation, growth, and profitability of the region. You will provide the vision and strategic leadership to drive resident and client satisfaction through the delivery of best-in-class dining and hospitality experiences. In this hands-on leadership role, you must have the ability to travel to regional communities to provide ongoing training and support to culinary, hospitality and service leadership teams. This role requires a strong background in food production and service management, exceptional financial management skills, building and leading diverse teams, and a passion for delivering outstanding resident experiences.
Account Management & Client Relations:
  • Balance company/community goals and regulatory agency requirements with individual client objectives to create a customized program that meets resident needs.
  • Schedule regular on-site, hands-on visits to coach, train, and follow-up on assigned goals.
  • Send a site-visit summary to the Executive Director, Chef, Dining Service Director, and applicable corporate team members.
  • Conduct quarterly business reviews with client to make certain community objectives are being met, communicate industry trends, and ensure client has opportunity to share critical feedback.
  • Actively participate in food service-related committees within assigned communities, or otherwise be involved in and visible at special events within each assigned location, to demonstrate the company's team approach and commitment to the community.
  • Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced multi-site environment.
  • Flexibility to travel between communities within your region. Develop priority-focused consultation agendas in advance of visits. Ensure that community staff are given ample opportunity to schedule themselves to attend.
  • Drive guest satisfaction by maintaining product and service quality standards; Periodic property inspections, ensuring completion of company training programs and initiating corrective action as necessary.
  • Review resident surveys for service concerns and work with Executive Directors and the Director of Dining Services to address and resolve going forward.
  • Understand and leverage company support teams and systems to meet region Key Performance Indicators.
  • Collaborate with department heads, executive chefs, sous chefs, dining room managers, and other team members to create innovative menus and dining concepts that meet and exceed guest expectations.

Business and Financial Acumen:
  • Ensure responsible financial management of assigned communities. In partnership with leadership team, develop annual budgets to accurately forecast financial performance, monitor financial reports to ensure budgetary compliance, and implement policies to deliver financial results in accordance with those budgets.
  • Timely completion of all daily, weekly, or monthly reports as outlined by the SDS Director of Operations.
  • Conduct monthly budget reviews with each location on or about the 15th of each month to ensure the dining expenses are on track or need an action plan to meet monthly budget targets.
  • Participate in the sales process by assisting with new opening services for new business accounts.
  • Collaborate with marketing team to develop and implement promotional initiatives, special events, and marketing campaigns to drive revenue and enhance resident experiences.
  • Coach and support operations team to effectively manage wages and controllable expenses.

Team Building & Management:
  • Provide the vision, strategy, and tools to all team members to successfully execute their community dining program in order to exceed resident and client satisfaction.
  • Exceptional leadership abilities, with a demonstrated ability to motivate, develop, and manage a diverse team.
  • Provide both positive and negative feedback to department, team or individual staff members, identifying areas for improvement and implementing training programs, as needed, through onsite meetings, virtual meetings, telephone calls, one on one coaching.
  • Recruit, train, mentor, and motivate a high-performing team of culinary, hospitality and service professionals, fostering a hospitality culture of excellence and teamwork.
  • Utilize an "open door policy" to solicit employee feedback and address team member problems or concerns.

Job Summary
Apply to Strategic Dining today!
Strategic Dining is an equal opportunity employer. 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. We encourage applicants with a criminal history (and driving history) to apply.
Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Associates at Strategic Dining are offered many fantastic benefits.
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Flexible Time Off
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Personal Leave
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Strategic Dining maintains a drug-free workplace.
Req ID: 1542210
Strategic Dining Services
LYN PELLEGRINI
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