Culinary Director - High-Volume Dining & Innovation

Restaurant Associates; Miami (FL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Restaurant Associates is seeking a growth-minded Chef Manager to lead the culinary and food service operation for a premier client account. This hands-on role combines a passion for exceptional food with strong business and people leadership to inspire a high-performing team and exceed client expectations.

You will drive culinary excellence, manage inventory, costs, procurement, and sustainability initiatives, while delivering innovative menus and first-class hospitality.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of culinary management in high-volume settings.
• Strong knowledge of cost controls, purchasing, and inventory.
• Experience with menu development and presentation.
• Ability to lead and motivate a culinary team.
• Commitment to quality, sustainability, and local sourcing.
• ServSafe certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee full culinary management including inventory, purchasing, and receiving.
• Sets clear expectations, develops the team, and holds people accountable.
• Delivers consistent food quality, presentation, and menu creativity.
• Manages food cost, labor, waste, and vendor relationships to meet client expectations.
• Lead menu development with a focus on local sourcing and sustainability.

Skills

Culinary management

Team leadership

Food cost control

Menu development

Local sourcing

Sustainability

HACCP knowledge

Coaching and feedback

Tools

ServSafe certification

Job description

Restaurant Associates is seeking a growth-minded Chef Manager to lead the culinary and food service operation for a premier client account. This hands-on role combines a passion for exceptional food with strong business and people leadership to inspire a high-performing team and exceed client expectations.

You will drive culinary excellence, manage inventory, costs, procurement, and sustainability initiatives, while delivering innovative menus and first-class hospitality.