Culinary Director: Lead Multi‑Unit Kitchen Innovation

Compass Group USA; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Vision

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Holiday Time Off

Employee Assistance Program

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Job summary

Bon Appetit Management Company, part of Compass Group USA, seeks a Culinary Director to provide strategic culinary leadership across multiple locations. You will lead teams, develop innovative menus, and drive operational excellence in a fast-paced, guest-focused environment.

The role emphasizes hands-on leadership, trend awareness, and continuous improvement to deliver world-class food, beverage, and service standards across a growing portfolio.

Qualifications

• Minimum of four (4) years in an Executive Chef or equivalent senior culinary leadership role.
• Experience leading high-volume and complex foodservice operations.
• Strong knowledge of menu development, recipes, cost controls, and culinary standards.
• Ability to work extended hours based on business needs.
• Working knowledge of kitchen design, layouts, and foodservice construction practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead and cook by example while guiding culinary teams to deliver high‑quality dishes.
• Develop recipes, portion specs, and standard preparation procedures for all items.
• Hire, train, and mobilize kitchen and service teams to ensure superior guest experiences.
• Monitor food cost, labor, inventory, and procurement to meet budgets.
• Lead culinary leadership across multiple locations and support new openings.

Skills

Executive leadership

Menu development

Team building

Budgeting

Food safety

Culinary operations

Education

Culinary degree or certificate

ServSafe / Food Safety Handler certifications

Degree in Culinary Arts preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Outlook

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Bon Appetit Management Company, part of Compass Group USA, seeks a Culinary Director to provide strategic culinary leadership across multiple locations. You will lead teams, develop innovative menus, and drive operational excellence in a fast-paced, guest-focused environment.

The role emphasizes hands-on leadership, trend awareness, and continuous improvement to deliver world-class food, beverage, and service standards across a growing portfolio.