Assistant Director of Culinary Operations

Brown University; United States; On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Brown University seeks an Assistant Director of Culinary Operations to lead daily administration, operations, and culinary activities for Residential and Retail Dining, serving thousands daily and overseeing catering for events. You will guide menu and recipe development, food presentation, and production for special occasions, reporting to the Director of Culinary Operations.

The role requires 3–5 years of leadership in high-volume kitchens, strong budget and safety knowledge, and a commitment

Qualifications

• Degree from accredited culinary school or program, or equivalent combination of education and culinary experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of culinary principles and techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily administrative, operational, and culinary activities for Residential and Retail Dining.
• Oversee sanitation, safety, and production for ~3500 meals daily and Catering events.
• Develop menus and recipes, oversee food presentation, and manage special event production.
• Supervise and develop residential culinary staff; enforce budgetary guidelines.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary operations

Menu development

Food safety

Training & mentoring

Budgeting

Communication

Customer service

Schedule management

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent

Tools

MS Office

POS 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 Qualifications

• Degree 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 Competencies

• Possesses 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.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

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

2026-07-21

Job Posting Title

Assistant Director of Culinary Operations

Department

Dining Services

Grade

Grade 10

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Regular Time

Time Type

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Position Work Location

Onsite

Work Modality (Policy)

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.

Brown 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.

About Brown

Welcome! Founded in 1764, Brown is a leading institution for education, discovery, and global intellectual progress as well as one of the largest employers in Rhode Island.

Working at Brown brings more than just a paycheck and generous benefits; it offers an opportunity to contribute to a greater good.

Join us in supporting the pursuit of knowledge and individual growth that defines higher education and enriches our community.

Additional Information

You can find detailed information about our salary ranges on our website.

Attachments

A resume is required as part of your job application.