Senior Multi-Unit Culinary Director

JRK Hospitality Holdings LLC; Florida; On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

JRK! and Mangrove is seeking an Area Director of Culinary Operations to lead culinary strategy, menu development, food safety, cost discipline, and kitchen execution across locations. This senior role directs performance, quality, and guest experience aligned with the brand.

You will partner with general managers to forecast needs, review weekly sales, and train managers while maintaining audits, safety, and compliance across Florida units.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of progressive kitchen leadership in multi-unit settings.
• Experience developing and launching menu items with costing and SOPs.
• Certified Food Protection Manager or equivalent is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Own food menu strategy and development across locations.
• Ensure standardized specifications and costed recipes for all items.
• Monitor food cost, contribution margin, and sales performance against plan.
• Maintain kitchen standards, safety, sanitation, and allergen controls.
• Lead training programs and management development for kitchen teams.
• Partner with General Managers on forecasts, par levels, and schedules.
• Oversee audits, inventory, and compliance with DBPR requirements.

Skills

Menu development

Food cost control

Kitchen leadership

Staff training

Menu engineering

Education

Culinary degree

Apprenticeship

Tools

Toast POS

Recipe costing system

Job description

JRK! and Mangrove is seeking an Area Director of Culinary Operations to lead culinary strategy, menu development, food safety, cost discipline, and kitchen execution across locations. This senior role directs performance, quality, and guest experience aligned with the brand.

You will partner with general managers to forecast needs, review weekly sales, and train managers while maintaining audits, safety, and compliance across Florida units.