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Executive Chef Culinary Director Jobs in Rochester, NY

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Executive Chef Culinary Director information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$39.5K

$85.7K

$128.3K

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

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive chef culinary director in Rochester, NY is $85,728.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,500.00 and $97,200.00 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.

How does an executive chef culinary director 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 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.

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.

What are popular job titles related to Executive Chef Culinary Director jobs in Rochester, NY?

For Executive Chef Culinary Director jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Executive Chef Culinary Director jobs in Rochester, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Executive Chef Culinary Director jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Executive Chef Culinary Director jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Executive Chef Culinary Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Executive Chef Culinary Director job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,728 per year, or $41.2 per hour.

$38.46 - $43.27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Schedule: Full time
Availability: Morning, Afternoon, Evening (Includes Weekends).
Age Requirement: Must be 18 years or older
Location: Pittsford, NY
Address: 3220 Monroe Ave
Pay: $80,000 - $90,000 / year
Job Posting: 08/17/2026
Job Posting End: 09/16/2026
Job ID:R0290861

Earn a $5,000 sign-on bonus!
Note: This position is based in Rochester, NY. Candidates not currently based in the Rochester area would be required to relocate. Relocation assistance is available; additional details will be provided during the interview.

The executive sous chef at Next Door serves as the culinary leader the kitchen, supporting the executive chef in the planning, preparation, and delivery of high-quality menu offerings that create an exceptional guest experience. This role helps ensure efficient and profitable kitchen operations while leading and developing culinary team members. In partnership with the executive chef and development chefs, the executive sous chef supports the testing and introduction of new recipes and brings them to life through daily menu offerings and the Tasting Menu.

Click here to get a taste of the role!

What You'll Do

  • Manage and develop a team of employees, engage in meaningful conversations, build trustedrelationshipsand provide the resources, feedback, and development opportunities they need to be successful

  • Lead and work alongside culinary team members in daily food preparation and service, ensuring exceptional quality, consistency, and presentation standards

  • Create and refine seasonal menu offerings and specials informed by guest feedback, culinary trends, market insights, and business objectives.

  • Lead the execution of private events, special dinners, and other unique dining experiences

  • Develop culinary talent through hands-on coaching, skill building, and feedback while ensuring recipe standards, job aids, and culinary best practices are consistently followed

  • Foster strong collaboration between front-of-house and back-of-house teams to deliver an exceptional guest experience and efficient restaurant operations

  • Oversee daily kitchen operations, including staffing, food quality, inventory, ordering, food safety, and human safety standards

  • Monitor financial performance, product trends, and operational metrics to drive sales, control costs, and improve profitability

  • Address operational challenges, resolve issues effectively, and lead the team through changing priorities while maintaining a smooth and productive operation

Required Qualifications

  • 2or more years of experience as a sous chef

  • Experience working in a variety of positions in upscale or fine dining restaurant

  • Experience in food service profit & loss management

  • Experienceworkinga variety of positions in an upscale or fine dining restaurant

  • Collective internal and/or external managerial/supervisory experience living our values and achieving results in our 5 measures, including interviewing, selection, performance management, employeedevelopmentand managing financials

Preferred Qualifications

  • Diverse culinary experience, including working with a variety of food in a variety of regions and/ or cultures

  • Bachelor's degree in culinary arts


At Wegmans, weve always believed we can achieve our goals only if we first fulfill the needs of our people. Putting our people first and offering competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits and a wide range of meaningful perks is just the beginning of what defines a rewarding career at Wegmans.

Comprehensive benefits*

  1. Paid time off (PTO) to help you balance your personal and work life
  2. Higher premium pay rates for working overtime, on Sundays, or on a recognized holiday
  3. Health care benefits that provide a high level of coverage at a low cost to you
  4. Retirement plan with a 401(k) match
  5. A generous scholarship program to help employees meet their educational goals
  6. LiveWell Employee & Family program to support your emotional, work-life and financial wellness

Our employees have put us high on Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list every year since it was first produced in 1998. Discover what it means to work for a mission-driven, values-based company where YOU make the difference.

*Certain eligibility requirements must be satisfied, and offerings may differ based upon area or the company and/or position.

+

At Wegmans, weve always believed we can achieve our goals only if we first fulfill the needs of our people. Putting our people first and offering competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits and a wide range of meaningful perks is just the beginning of what defines a rewarding career at Wegmans.

Comprehensive benefits*
  1. Paid time off (PTO) to help you balance your personal and work life
  2. Higher premium pay rates for working overtime, on Sundays, or on a recognized holiday
  3. Health care benefits that provide a high level of coverage at a low cost to you
  4. Retirement plan with a 401(k) match
  5. A generous scholarship program to help employees meet their educational goals
  6. LiveWell Employee & Family program to support your emotional, work-life and financial wellness

Our employees have put us high on Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list every year since it was first produced in 1998. Discover what it means to work for a mission-driven, values-based company where YOU make the difference.

*Certain eligibility requirements must be satisfied, and offerings may differ based upon area or the company and/or position.

Required
    Preferred
      Job Industries
      • Retail