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Executive Chef Culinary Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sweet Lawn Farm

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Executive Chef & Culinary Director

Lexington, KY · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

We are seeking an Executive Chef & Culinary Director to lead all culinary operations and help define the food culture of the property from the ground up. This is a rare opportunity for a chef who ...

Omei Restaurant Group

Executive Chef

Tampa, FL

$67K - $93K/yr

Significant experience as an Executive Chef, Corporate Chef, Culinary Director, or Multi-Unit Chef. * Advanced knowledge of sushi preparation, sashimi, seafood fabrication, Japanese knife skills ...

the Chef Agency

Culinary Director

Seattle, WA · On-site

$115K - $120K/yr

Lead, mentor, and develop Executive Chefs, Sous Chefs, and kitchen teams * Monitor food cost, labor ... Proven success as an Executive Chef or Culinary Director in a high-volume or upscale restaurant ...

Stella of New Hope

Executive Chef

New Hope, PA · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Reporting directly to the Culinary Director, the Executive Chef will lead the restaurant kitchen, develop the culinary team, drive financial performance, and execute a refined, seasonal culinary ...

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Executive Chef Culinary Director information

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$40K

$86.9K

$130K

How much do executive chef culinary director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive chef culinary director in the United States is $86,886.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Executive Chef Culinary Director?

An Executive Chef Culinary Director is a senior culinary professional responsible for overseeing the entire culinary operations of a restaurant, hotel, or hospitality group. This role combines creative menu development, kitchen management, and strategic leadership to ensure high-quality food and efficient service. The Culinary Director manages kitchen staff, controls budgets, and maintains food safety standards, while also collaborating with other departments to deliver an exceptional dining experience. They often play a key role in setting the culinary vision and driving innovation within the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Executive Chef Culinary Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Executive Chef Culinary Director, you need advanced culinary expertise, leadership experience, and often a degree in culinary arts or hospitality management. Mastery of kitchen management systems, menu development software, and food safety certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Outstanding creativity, team leadership, and communication skills set top professionals apart in this role. These competencies ensure high-quality cuisine, efficient operations, and a positive dining experience that supports business success.

How does an Executive Chef Culinary Director typically balance creative menu development with administrative leadership duties?

An Executive Chef Culinary Director often splits their time between hands-on culinary innovation and overseeing the broader operational aspects of the kitchen. While menu development and food quality are core responsibilities, they also manage budgets, staff training, and vendor relationships. Collaboration with other department heads, such as restaurant managers and event coordinators, is common to ensure cohesive service delivery. The ability to delegate effectively and foster a strong kitchen team is essential for success, as it allows the director to focus on both creative and strategic tasks. This balance offers both creative satisfaction and opportunities to develop vital leadership skills.

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

AspectExecutive ChefCulinary Director
CredentialsCulinary degree, certifications, extensive kitchen experienceSimilar credentials, often with leadership or management certifications
Work EnvironmentKitchen management, food preparation, staff supervisionOversees multiple kitchens or culinary programs, strategic planning
Employer & Industry UsageHotels, restaurants, resortsLarge hospitality groups, culinary organizations, corporate dining
Search & Comparison IntentFocus on kitchen leadership rolesFocus on culinary strategy and organizational oversight

While both roles require culinary expertise and leadership skills, the Executive Chef primarily manages kitchen operations and food quality, whereas the Culinary Director oversees broader culinary strategies across multiple venues or organizations. The Culinary Director often has a more strategic, organizational focus, while the Executive Chef is more hands-on with daily kitchen management.

More about Executive Chef Culinary Director jobs
What cities are hiring for Executive Chef Culinary Director jobs? Cities with the most Executive Chef Culinary Director job openings:
What states have the most Executive Chef Culinary Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Executive Chef Culinary Director jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Executive Chef Culinary Director jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Executive Chef Culinary Director jobs are:
Executive Chef Culinary Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Executive Chef Culinary Director job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,886 per year, or $41.8 per hour.

EXECUTIVE CHEF / CULINARY DIRECTOR

Harry's Hospitality Group

Wilmington, DE

$85K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Harry’s Hospitality Group
EXECUTIVE CHEF / CULINARY DIRECTOR
$85,000.00 - $110,000.00/year salary plus bonus potential and benefits.
Lead a multi-unit AWARD-WINNING culinary team that uses fresh seasonal artisanal items in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
Southern Living - The South's Most Legendary Restaurants - Harry's Savoy Grill
Harry's Savoy Grill named one of USA Today Restaurants of the Year 2024
Bring your culinary expertise and join our team!
HHG locations include:
Harry’s Savoy Grill amp; Ballroom (Wilmington, DE)
Kid Shelleen’s Trolley Square (Wilmington, DE)
Kid Shelleen’s Branmar Plaza (Wilmington, DE)
ABOUT HHG:
Dating to 1988, Harry’s food and service has become renowned, starting with the legendary Harry’s Savoy Grill in North Wilmington, the elegant Harry’s Savoy Ballroom adjacent to Harry’s Savoy Grill and the neighborhood favorite Kid Shelleen’s Charcoal House amp; Saloon in Trolley Square and our 2nd Kid Shelleen's location in Branmar Plaza.
HHG is a promise of great food, excellent service, and a fun atmosphere. We’re dedicated to offering our guests the finest hospitality experience and strive to exceed expectations every time.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Executive Chef / Culinary Director is responsible for the overarching culinary operations and initiatives to support multiple restaurant and ballroom locations. This position will lead and directly oversee all aspects of Harry’s Hospitality Group’s culinary planning and service to ensure the highest levels that maximizes profits through outstanding guest experiences. This is an operational position that will oversee the culinary program at multiple locations. Duties include menu planning and costs, preparation and presentation of food that implements effective controls of food and labor costs that results in achieving the required results of the business. Drives adherence to quality and safety standards. This role is also expected to represent HHG thru community engagement.
REQUIREMENTS:
Education
Degree from post-secondary culinary school/program.
Experience
Executive Chef, Culinary Director and/or F amp;B Director experience preferred.
Progressive culinary leadership experience, preferably in a chef-driven, a la carte and banquet setting.
Experience overseeing high-volume multi-unit operations.
Skills
Strong leadership and inter-department collaboration skills that motivates teams and creates a culture of engagement.
Experience designing, developing and maintaining standardized recipes.
Effective budgeting and financial experience.
Knowledge, effective implementation of and adherence to health codes and food safety.
Exceptional ability to multi-task.
Proven ability to conceptualize and execute initiatives in agreed upon time periods.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
Strong attention to detail.
Excellent written and communication skills.
Physical
Must be able to speak clearly and listen attentively to employees, dining room staff and guests.
Must be able to stand and exert well-paced mobility for periods up to eight hours in length. Must have the ability to lift up to 50 pounds in weight. Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to travel between all locations on a daily/weekly basis.
Availability must include days, nights, weekends and holidays.
BENEFITS include medical, dental, vision, supplemental, basic life and AD amp;D, vacation, dining discounts, professional development.
Job Type: Full-time

Learn more about HHG at https://www.harryshospitalitygroup.com

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