Assistant Director of Culinary Operations

Brown University; Rhode Island; On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Brown University is seeking an Assistant Director of Culinary Operations to oversee daily administrative, operational, and culinary tasks for the Residential and Retail Dining production, serving thousands of meals daily. The role leads staff, ensures sanitation and safety, and directs catering for events.

The position develops menus and recipes, manages food presentation and production for special events, and reports to the Director of Culinary Operations.

Qualifications

• Degree from accredited culinary school or equivalent.
• 3-5 years leading a culinary staff in high-volume or union environments.
• RI Food Safety Certification is required; willingness to obtain within one year of hire.
• Strong customer service orientation and leadership skills.
• Experience with menu and recipe management and production for events is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily administrative, operational, and culinary tasks for Residential and Retail Dining and Catering, serving ~3,500 meals daily and $6M in catering sales.
• Lead and develop culinary staff, emphasizing safety, sanitation, and high service standards.
• Develop menus and recipes, ensure attractive food presentation, and manage production for special events and catering.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Customer service

Communication

Budgeting

Teamwork

Sustainability

MS Office

Time management

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

Web ordering systems

Job description

Job Description:This Assistant Director of Culinary Operations manages the daily administrative, operational, and culinary tasks, sanitation and safety of the Residential and Retail Dining production team serving approximately 3500 meals daily, as well as $6 million in Catering sales. This position also motivates, trains, develops, and directs all residential culinary employees to accomplish the objectives of the operation to the satisfaction of the customers. The Assistant Director of Culinary Operations will be responsible for menu and recipe development, food presentation, and production for special events and Catering. This position reports directly to a Director of Culinary Operations.Job QualificationsEducation and ExperienceDegree from accredited culinary school or program, or equivalent combination of education and culinary experience.Demonstrated understanding of culinary principles and techniques.3-5 years of experience leading a culinary staff, preferably in a high-volume operation and/or in a union environment.Job CompetenciesPossesses general hospitality knowledge and interest in sustainability and sustainable food practices.Has the ability to operate Web based ordering systems, process customer requests, changes to orders, menu updates and client profiles.Strong customer service orientation.Demonstrated effective communication, leadership, conflict resolution and training skills.Demonstrated ability to adhere to budgetary guidelines.Ability to prioritize, problem-solve, and work independently.Ability to work as an integral member of a management team.Sensitivity to a diverse population.\Ability to work a flexible schedule which may include early mornings, evenings, and weekends.Working knowledge of MS Office suite including Word and Excel.Experience with menu and recipe management and/or automated time tracking system preferred.RI Food Safety Certification is required; willingness to obtain within one year of hire.Possesses a willingness and ability to support and promote a diverse and inclusive campus community.Please include a cover letter with the resume attachments when submitting the application.All offers of employment are contingent upon a records check satisfactory to Brown University.Benefits of Working at Brown:Please review additional information on the Benefits of Working at Brown.Recruiting Start Date:2026-07-21Job Posting Title:Assistant Director of Culinary OperationsDepartment:Dining ServicesGrade:Grade 10Worker Type:EmployeeWorker Sub-Type:RegularTime Type:Full timeScheduled Weekly Hours:40Position Work Location:OnsiteSubmission Guidelines:The designated Position Work Location for each position determines the approved modality of work. Positions are classified based on the operational and business needs of the department and may be designated as on-site, hybrid, or remote.Employees with a designated position work location as remote must reside and perform their work in a state where Brown University is registered to do business. Brown University is a registered employer in the following states: Rhode Island, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Washington, D.C.Please note that to be considered for a staff position at Brown University, you must submit a separate application for each position you wish to be considered for. Applications are reviewed only for the specific position to which they are submitted and are not automatically considered for future openings.This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.Still Have Questions?If you have any questions you may contact [e-mail] is an E-Verify Employer.EEO Statement:Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.