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Director Of Culinary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The National Director of Culinary provides strategic leadership for all culinary front-of-house and heart-of-house operations across Grand Living communities. This executive leader is responsible for ...

We're hiring a Director of Culinary Services - a passionate and experienced leader who brings excellence, creativity, and heart to our dining experience. This role blends hospitality, leadership, and ...

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Help Build the Culinary Future of a Growing Hospitality Group We're seeking an experienced Culinary Director to help lead the next chapter of our growing hospitality group. Today, our portfolio ...

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Director Of Culinary information

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$30K

$96.9K

$214K

How much do director of culinary jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for director of culinary in the United States is $96,881.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $123,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of culinary do?

A Director of Culinary is responsible for overseeing the culinary operations of a restaurant, hotel, or food service organization. This includes menu development, managing kitchen staff, ensuring quality and consistency of food, and maintaining food safety standards. They often collaborate with other departments, control budgets, and help shape the overall dining experience. Their leadership ensures that culinary teams deliver exceptional dishes while meeting business goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of culinary, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Culinary, you need extensive experience in culinary arts, menu development, and kitchen operations management, often supported by a culinary degree or equivalent professional background. Familiarity with inventory management software, food safety certifications (such as ServSafe), and budgeting systems is typically required. Leadership, creativity, and strong communication skills are crucial for inspiring teams and maintaining high culinary standards. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure operational efficiency, consistent food quality, and innovative dining experiences that drive business success.

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

AspectDirector Of CulinaryExecutive Chef
Primary FocusOversees culinary operations, menu development, and strategic planning across multiple outlets or locationsManages kitchen staff, food preparation, and daily kitchen operations
CredentialsOften requires culinary management experience, certifications, and leadership skillsTypically requires culinary certifications and extensive kitchen experience
Work EnvironmentCorporate kitchens, hotel chains, restaurant groupsRestaurant kitchens, hotels, resorts
Industry UsageCommonly used in large organizations with multiple culinary outletsCommonly used in individual restaurants or hotel kitchens

The main difference between a Director Of Culinary and an Executive Chef is their scope of responsibility. The Director Of Culinary focuses on strategic oversight and managing multiple culinary operations, while the Executive Chef handles daily kitchen management and food preparation. Both roles require culinary expertise, but the Director Of Culinary typically has a broader, more strategic role within larger organizations.

What are some common challenges faced by a director of culinary when leading a large kitchen team?

A Director of Culinary often manages diverse teams with varying skill levels, which can create challenges in maintaining consistent food quality and meeting service standards. Coordinating communication across multiple departments, such as purchasing and front-of-house, is crucial for smooth operations. Additionally, adapting menus to changing trends and dietary restrictions while controlling costs requires strong leadership and creative problem-solving. Overcoming these challenges involves fostering a positive team culture, implementing effective training programs, and staying current with industry best practices.
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What cities are hiring for Director Of Culinary jobs? Cities with the most Director Of Culinary job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Of Culinary jobs? The most popular types of Of Culinary jobs are:
What states have the most Director Of Culinary jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Of Culinary jobs include:
Infographic showing various Director Of Culinary job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $96,881 per year, or $46.6 per hour.

Director of Culinary Operations

Folino Estate

Reading, PA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Location: Corporate Office-2213 Quarry Drive, West Lawn, PA

Must be able to travel to all locations.

Brands: Vintner's Table, Folino Estate, Vintner's Inn, Retail & Event Concepts

About the Role

At MAF Hospitality, we believe food is more than something served on a plate-it is storytelling, culture, craftsmanship, and connection.

We are seeking a visionary Director of Culinary Experience to lead the culinary direction across our growing portfolio of hospitality brands. This is not a traditional back-of-house leadership role. We are looking for a culinary entrepreneur, educator, and innovator who can elevate our guest experience, inspire our teams, and help define the future of our brands.

From creating memorable seasonal menus and wine-paired experiences to teaching hands-on cooking classes for guests, this role sits at the intersection of hospitality, entertainment, education, and culinary excellence.

What You'll DoCulinary Leadership
  • Develop and oversee culinary strategy across all MAF Hospitality concepts.
  • Create and execute seasonal menu changes that align with each brand's identity.
  • Ensure consistency, quality, presentation, and profitability across all food offerings.
  • Lead recipe development, testing, documentation, and implementation.
  • Stay ahead of culinary trends while honoring our Italian-inspired roots.
Guest Experience & Programming
  • Design immersive culinary experiences that drive guest engagement and loyalty.
  • Host and teach cooking classes, demonstrations, and culinary workshops for guests.
  • Collaborate on wine dinners, tasting events, private experiences, and special programming.
  • Serve as a culinary ambassador for the company at events, media appearances, and community engagements.
  • Create experiences that transform dining into memorable moments.
Team Development
  • Mentor and develop teams.
  • Establish culinary standards, training programs, and operational best practices.
  • Foster a culture of creativity, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Business & Operations
  • Manage food costs, labor efficiency, and menu profitability.
  • Partner with leadership on budgeting, forecasting, and growth initiatives.
  • Evaluate vendor relationships and sourcing opportunities.
  • Support new concept development and future location openings.
What We're Looking For
  • 7+ years of culinary leadership experience, preferably overseeing multiple locations or concepts.
  • Proven ability to develop successful menus and guest experiences.
  • Strong teaching and presentation skills with a passion for engaging guests through cooking classes and demonstrations.
  • Deep understanding of Italian cuisine and hospitality traditions preferred.
  • Experience leading and developing high-performing culinary teams.
  • Strong financial acumen and understanding of restaurant operations.
  • Creative thinker with an entrepreneurial mindset.
  • Ability to travel between locations and support special events.
What Success Looks Like
  • Guests rave not only about what they ate, but what they experienced.
  • Cooking classes become sought-after events that build community and loyalty.
  • Menus remain fresh, profitable, and aligned with our brand vision.
  • Culinary teams are inspired, trained, and consistently executing at a high level.
  • Food becomes a defining pillar of the MAF Hospitality story.
Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to shape the culinary vision of a growing hospitality company that blends restaurants, wine, retail, events, and immersive experiences. You'll have the freedom to innovate, the platform to influence multiple brands, and the opportunity to create experiences that guests remember long after the meal is over.

If you're passionate about food, hospitality, education, and creating unforgettable experiences, we'd love to meet you.