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Executive Culinary Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

the Chef Agency

Culinary Director

Seattle, WA

$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 ...

Motek New York

Culinary Director

New York, NY

$160K - $200K/yr

Oversee Executive Chefs and kitchen leadership, providing mentorship and accountability. * Partner ... a Culinary Director or similar role; Mediterranean cuisine experience strongly preferred.

Bon Appetit

Culinary Director

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Culinary Director Salary: 130,000-140,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is Food! At Bon ... At least five years of experience in an Executive Chef or equivalent senior culinary leadership ...

Aramark

Culinary Director

San Antonio, TX · On-site

The Director leads a team of Executive Chefs embedded at installations nationwide, shaping the culinary vision that supports mission readiness, enhances quality of life, and advances the ...

Aramark

Culinary Director

Austin, TX · On-site

The Director leads a team of Executive Chefs embedded at installations nationwide, shaping the culinary vision that supports mission readiness, enhances quality of life, and advances the ...

Aramark

Culinary Director

San Antonio, TX · On-site

The Director leads a team of Executive Chefs embedded at installations nationwide, shaping the culinary vision that supports mission readiness, enhances quality of life, and advances the ...

Aramark

Culinary Director

Schertz, TX · On-site

The Director leads a team of Executive Chefs embedded at installations nationwide, shaping the culinary vision that supports mission readiness, enhances quality of life, and advances the ...

Westmont of Pinole

Culinary Director

Pinole, CA

$80K - $90K/yr

We are looking for compassionate and committed Culinary Director/Executive Chef. Westmont of Pinole is an Assisted Living and Memory Care senior living community that offers our employees and ...

Aramark

Culinary Director

Helotes, TX · On-site

The Director leads a team of Executive Chefs embedded at installations nationwide, shaping the culinary vision that supports mission readiness, enhances quality of life, and advances the ...

Aramark

Culinary Director

San Antonio, TX · On-site

The Director leads a team of Executive Chefs embedded at installations nationwide, shaping the culinary vision that supports mission readiness, enhances quality of life, and advances the ...

Compass Group

Culinary Director

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Culinary Director Salary: 130,000-140,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is Food! At Bon ... At least five years of experience in an Executive Chef or equivalent senior culinary leadership ...

Compass Group

Culinary Director

San Francisco, CA

Culinary Director Salary: 130,000-140,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is Food! At Bon ... At least five years of experience in an Executive Chef or equivalent senior culinary leadership ...

Aramark

Culinary Director

San Antonio, TX

The Director leads a team of Executive Chefs embedded at installations nationwide, shaping the culinary vision that supports mission readiness, enhances quality of life, and advances the ...

Aramark

Culinary Director

Somerset, TX · On-site

The Director leads a team of Executive Chefs embedded at installations nationwide, shaping the culinary vision that supports mission readiness, enhances quality of life, and advances the ...

Aramark

Culinary Director

New Braunfels, TX · On-site

The Director leads a team of Executive Chefs embedded at installations nationwide, shaping the culinary vision that supports mission readiness, enhances quality of life, and advances the ...

Aramark

Culinary Director

La Vernia, TX · On-site

The Director leads a team of Executive Chefs embedded at installations nationwide, shaping the culinary vision that supports mission readiness, enhances quality of life, and advances the ...

Emery Place

Culinary Director

Robins, IA · On-site

$50K - $52K/yr

Participate in monthly budget review with Executive Director. * Contribute to NOI improvement through operational efficiency. Team Leadership * Recruit, hire, onboard, and train culinary staff.

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Executive Culinary Director information

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$40K

$86.9K

$130K

How much do executive culinary director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive 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 culinary director?

An Executive Culinary Director is a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing the culinary operations of a restaurant group, hotel chain, or food service organization. They develop menu concepts, set culinary standards, manage kitchen teams, and ensure consistency and quality across multiple locations. This role often involves strategic planning, budgeting, and collaborating with other departments to enhance the guest dining experience. Executive Culinary Directors also stay current with food trends and are instrumental in driving innovation within the organization.

How does an executive culinary director typically collaborate with other departments to ensure a cohesive dining experience?

An Executive Culinary Director works closely with departments such as operations, marketing, procurement, and front-of-house management to align culinary offerings with overall business objectives. They participate in menu planning meetings, coordinate with purchasing teams to source quality ingredients, and partner with marketing to promote new dishes or concepts. Regular communication with restaurant managers and staff ensures that culinary standards are maintained and guest feedback is addressed promptly. This cross-functional collaboration is vital for delivering a unified and exceptional dining experience.

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

To thrive as an Executive Culinary Director, you need advanced culinary expertise, strong leadership abilities, and significant experience in kitchen management, often supported by a degree from a culinary school and several years in progressively responsible roles. Familiarity with menu development software, inventory management systems, and food safety certifications like ServSafe is typically required. Exceptional communication, creativity, and organizational skills set standout candidates apart by enabling them to inspire teams and consistently deliver innovative dining experiences. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining high culinary standards, efficient operations, and customer satisfaction in a competitive food service environment.

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

AspectExecutive Culinary DirectorExecutive Chef
CredentialsTypically requires culinary degree and extensive leadership experienceRequires culinary training, certifications, and culinary skills
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple restaurants or culinary operations at a strategic levelManages kitchen operations and culinary staff in a specific restaurant or facility
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in large hospitality groups, hotel chains, and corporate culinary settingsCommon in restaurants, hotels, and culinary establishments
Primary FocusStrategic culinary vision, brand development, and operational oversightFood quality, kitchen management, and culinary execution

The Executive Culinary Director focuses on strategic leadership and overseeing multiple culinary operations, while the Executive Chef concentrates on daily kitchen management and food quality. Both roles require culinary expertise, but their scope and responsibilities differ significantly.

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What cities are hiring for Executive Culinary Director jobs?

Cities with the most Executive Culinary Director job openings:

What states have the most Executive Culinary Director jobs?

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What job categories do people searching Executive Culinary Director jobs look for?

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Executive Culinary Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Executive Culinary Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,886 per year, or $41.8 per hour.

Culinary Director

Seattle, WA

the Chef Agency
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about the Chef Agencyexternal

$115K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Vision, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Location - Seattle, WA
Salary - $115k-$120k
Benefits - PTO, MDV

The Culinary Director is responsible for leading the culinary vision and execution across all restaurant concepts within the group's pacific northwest. This role oversees menu development, kitchen operations, food quality, and culinary team leadership, ensuring consistency, innovation, and profitability across multiple locations.
 
Key Responsibilities:
  • Develop and execute the overall culinary strategy for the restaurant group
  • Oversee menu creation, costing, and seasonal updates across all concepts
  • Ensure consistency in food quality, presentation, and execution at every location
  • Lead, mentor, and develop Executive Chefs, Sous Chefs, and kitchen teams
  • Monitor food cost, labor, and kitchen efficiency to meet financial targets
 
Qualifications:
  • 8-12+ years of progressive culinary leadership experience, including multi-unit oversight
  • Proven success as an Executive Chef or Culinary Director in a high-volume or upscale restaurant group
  • Strong background in menu development, food costing, and kitchen operations
  • Demonstrated ability to lead and scale culinary teams across multiple locations
  • Deep knowledge of food trends, global cuisines, and modern cooking techniques
  • Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills
  • Culinary degree or equivalent experience preferred
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About Chef Agency

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THE MOST TALENTED RECRUITING TEAM IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY. With our support, you’ll have exclusive access to top-tier clients, a robust candidate database, insight from industry experts, and the necessary training and tools needed to build your book of business. Reach out today, and create your own work-life balance while achieving success in the recruiting world.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

2013

Social media

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