Culinary Operations Manager

Socket.dev; Allentown (Lehigh County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with matching contributions

Paid time off and company holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Premier Global Links LLC in Allentown seeks a Culinary Operations Manager to lead culinary operations, develop teams, plan menus, and oversee purchasing and food quality in a high-volume environment.

The role emphasizes safety, HACCP compliance, and continuous improvement, with collaboration across stakeholders to deliver innovative dining programs.

A ServSafe certification and a degree in culinary arts or hospitality are preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience leading culinary teams in a high-volume operation.
• Proven ability to plan menus balancing nutrition, flavor, and cost.
• Experience with purchasing, inventory, and food cost management.
• ServSafe certification and HACCP knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day culinary operations and uphold standards.
• Coach and develop culinary teams; support growth.
• Plan menus based on customer needs and trends.
• Oversee purchasing and inventory; manage cost.
• Ensure food safety and HACCP compliance.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to improve processes.

Skills

Culinary management

Leadership

Menu planning

Food safety

Procurement

Team development

ServSafe certification

HACCP knowledge

Education

Associate's degree in Culinary Arts or related

Bachelor's degree in Culinary or Hospitality

Tools

Microsoft Office

Inventory management software

Job description

About the Role

Premier Global Links LLC is seeking a Culinary Operations Manager to lead culinary operations, team development, menu planning, purchasing, food quality, and continuous improvement in a high-volume food service environment.

This role is responsible for building efficient culinary systems, developing teams, maintaining food safety standards, and creating dining programs that balance quality, creativity, nutrition, and customer needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day culinary operations and establish consistent operating standards.
• Manage, coach, and develop culinary teams while supporting employee growth.
• Participate in hiring, performance management, and team development.
• Plan and develop menus based on customer preferences, nutrition, quality, and culinary trends.
• Introduce innovative culinary concepts that improve the dining experience.
• Oversee purchasing and procurement to support ingredient quality and cost efficiency.
• Monitor food quality, preparation standards, portion control, and operational consistency.
• Build strong relationships with customers and internal stakeholders.
• Identify operational challenges and implement practical process improvements.
• Manage resources effectively to support culinary performance and business objectives.
• Maintain compliance with food safety, sanitation, HACCP, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Use computer systems and operational tools to improve planning, reporting, and efficiency.

Required Qualifications

• 1–3+ years of culinary management or supervisory experience.
• 1–3+ years of relevant culinary or food service experience.
• Extensive culinary experience in a high-volume, fast-paced kitchen or food service environment.
• Strong experience with menu planning, food preparation, and culinary operations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and develop culinary teams.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with purchasing, procurement, inventory, or food cost management.
• ServSafe certification.
• Working knowledge of HACCP principles and food safety practices.
• Associate's degree, Bachelor's degree, or equivalent relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading culinary operations across multiple programs or service areas.
• Knowledge of current culinary trends and diverse menu concepts.
• Experience with process improvement and operational standardization.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and culinary/food service management systems.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation is based on relevant experience, skills, education, and qualifications.

Benefits may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Wellness programs
• 401(k) with matching contributions
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Career development opportunities
• Tuition reimbursement

Work Environment

This is a leadership role in a high-volume culinary and food service environment. The position requires regular interaction with culinary teams, customers, vendors, and internal stakeholders.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Premier Global Links LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, skills, experience, and business needs without regard to legally protected characteristics.