Culinary Manager: Menu Innovation & Team Leadership

Compass Group USA; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Vision

Life Insurance/ AD

Disability Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state

Associate Shopping Program

Health and Wellness Programs

Discount Marketplace

Identity Theft Protection

Pet Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Personal Leave

Job summary

Bon Appetit Management Company in Santa Clara is seeking an experienced Chef Manager to lead our culinary operation with a focus on menu innovation, operational excellence, and guest satisfaction. This hands-on role requires culinary leadership in a fast-paced market environment.

Responsibilities include daily kitchen operations, menu development, inventory and food cost controls, staff scheduling and training, and HACCP compliance.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of Chef Manager or culinary management experience in a high-volume restaurant, market, or food service environment.
• Culinary degree or Associate's degree in Culinary Arts preferred; relevant experience will be considered.
• Demonstrated experience with menu development, recipe creation, and seasonal menu planning.
• Experience leading teams in fast-paced restaurant operations.
• Strong knowledge of food costing, purchasing, inventory management, and budget accountability.
• Working knowledge of HACCP principles and food safety regulations.
• Experience using CM+ or a comparable menu management platform preferred.
• ServSafe Certification preferred.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills with a passion for developing others and delivering exceptional dining experiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead all daily kitchen operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, consistency, and execution.
• Develop and refresh menus that align with guest preferences, seasonal ingredients, and business objectives.
• Manage inventory, purchasing, ordering, receiving, and food cost controls to achieve financial goals.
• Oversee scheduling, staffing, training, and development of culinary team members.
• Maintain compliance with food safety, sanitation, and HACCP standards.
• Monitor labor costs, productivity, and overall kitchen performance.
• Utilize menu management systems, including CM+ or similar menu-building platforms, to develop recipes, menus, and production documentation.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, innovation, and outstanding customer service.
• Support sustainability initiatives through responsible sourcing and minimizing food waste.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Food cost controls

Team coaching

Education

Culinary degree or Associate's degree in Culinary Arts

ServSafe Certification

Tools

CM+

Job description

Bon Appetit Management Company in Santa Clara is seeking an experienced Chef Manager to lead our culinary operation with a focus on menu innovation, operational excellence, and guest satisfaction. This hands-on role requires culinary leadership in a fast-paced market environment.

Responsibilities include daily kitchen operations, menu development, inventory and food cost controls, staff scheduling and training, and HACCP compliance.