Regional Culinary Manager

Dartcor; Lake Hiawatha (NJ); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Dartcor Food Services is seeking a Regional Culinary Operations Manager to lead culinary and operational excellence across a diverse portfolio. This role focuses on enhancing guest satisfaction, driving performance, and fostering an innovative workplace culture. Ideal candidates should possess strong leadership skills and a guest-first mentality while ensuring the delivery of high-quality dining experiences.

Qualifications

• Exceptional leadership and communication skills required.
• Strong operational acumen and guest-first mentality needed.
• Experience in training and developing culinary teams essential.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily culinary operations and achieve financial goals.
• Ensure high-quality food delivery that meets company standards.
• Recruit, train, and retain top culinary talents.

Skills

Leadership

Interpersonal Communication

Operational Acumen

Strategic Problem-Solving

Organizational Skills

Time Management Skills

Tools

Microsoft Office

Toast POS

Restaurant365

Job description

Join Dartcor Food Services — a premier regional boutique hospitality company celebrated for its innovation, world-class service, and commitment to exceptional sourcing. AsRegional Culinary Operations Manager, you will be a key leader overseeing culinary and operational excellence across a dynamic portfolio that includes corporate and conference dining, workplace pantries, coffee and juice bars, and premium catering services.

Reporting directly to the Regional Director, you will drive guest satisfaction, operational performance, and team culture — ensuring every experience embodies Dartcor’s high standards of hospitality, innovation, and execution.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Culture

• Inspire, mentor, and lead diverse culinary and operational teams to create a hospitality-driven environment where expectations are consistently exceeded.

• Serve as a visible, hands-on leader, fostering collaboration, accountability, and a commitment to excellence at every level.

• Develop and uphold operational policies and culinary standards that support Dartcor’s culture of innovation, consistency, and quality.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee daily culinary and operational functions to achieve financial goals, including revenue growth, labor management, and cost of goods control.

• Analyze and manage budgets proactively, delivering daily and weekly follow-ups on key performance indicators.

• Conduct regular site inspections and audits to ensure food safety, cleanliness, maintenance, and operational efficiency standards are met or exceeded.

• Address guest and client concerns promptly, leveraging creative problem-solving to deliver positive, lasting solutions.

Culinary Standards

• Ensure the consistent delivery of innovative, high-quality food and beverage offerings that meet Dartcor’s standards for flavor, presentation, and guest satisfaction.

• Partner with General Managers, Executive Chefs, and unit leaders to execute menus, recipes, and service procedures to the highest standard.

• Stay current with industry trends and introduce forward-thinking culinary ideas that elevate the guest experience.

Employee Development

• Recruit, train, and retain top culinary and operational talent aligned with Dartcor’s mission and values.

• Oversee performance management processes, including coaching, evaluations, and career development initiatives.

• Foster a workplace culture where employees feel motivated, valued, and equipped to deliver exceptional service.

Innovation & Client Experience

• Champion a culture of creativity and consistency, ensuring every client and guest experience is memorable and customized.

• Collaborate directly with clients, regional leadership, and site teams to develop tailored culinary and hospitality solutions.

• Serve as a brand ambassador for Dartcor, representing the company’s commitment to excellence and innovation in every interaction.

Skills & Requirements

• Exceptional leadership and interpersonal communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Strong operational acumen with strategic problem-solving abilities and a guest-first mentality.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel); experience with Toast POS and Restaurant365 (R365) preferred.

• Proven success in training, coaching, and developing high-performance culinary and operations teams.

• Outstanding organizational and time-management skills, capable of thriving in a dynamic, multi-unit environment.

• Availability for daily travel within the Tri-State area (New Jersey, New York, Connecticut).

Create Culinary and Hospitality Experiences that Inspire.
At Dartcor, we believe every meal, every service, and every detail is an opportunity to exceed expectations. If you're a passionate leader with the drive to innovate, mentor, and deliver at the highest levels, we invite you to join us.