Culinary Director

Now Hiring: Culinary Director (Direct Hire Opportunity) Location: Mt. Vernon, NY (with travel to Manhattan & the Bronx) Reports To: President & CEO Job Type: Full-Time 40u201360 Hours/Week Direct Hire Updated: 7.22.25 About the Company Our client is a well-established on- and off-premise catering and special events company, known for its commitment to culinary excellence, community service, and cultural diversity in food offerings. The company serves a broad clientele including private events, corporate clients, nonprofit partners, and community-based meal programs. Position Overview We are seeking an experienced Culinary Director to lead and manage all culinary operations. This role requires a strategic and hands-on leader with proven expertise in large-scale catering , meal distribution logistics , community meal programs , and quick-service concepts . The Culinary Director will drive food quality, operational efficiency, team development, and compliance with food safety standards. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership, innovation, and a passion for making a positive impact through food service. Key Responsibilities Leadership & Strategic Planning + Lead, mentor, and develop culinary and kitchen teams to ensure high performance and retention. + Develop and implement culinary strategies aligned with business objectives and community needs. + Create and manage operating budgets for food production, staffing, and kitchen operations. Culinary & Operational Excellence + Oversee the development of scalable, nutritious, and cost-effective menus for diverse clientele, including quick-serve, catering, and institutional programs. + Maintain consistency and excellence in food production, presentation, and service. + Ensure full compliance with food safety and sanitation standards (HACCP, ServSafe, local health codes). Logistics & Supply Chain Management + Manage procurement and vendor relationships to optimize cost, sustainability, and quality. + Oversee logistics for large-scale meal production and distribution across multiple sites. + Maintain efficient inventory systems and minimize waste or shortages. Customer & Stakeholder Relations + Represent the culinary team in client meetings, community partnerships, and stakeholder engagements. + Collaborate with shelter program managers and nonprofit partners to design culturally appropriate, nutritious menus. + Communicate culinary strategies and operational performance to senior leadership. Innovation & Sustainability + Lead sustainability initiatives in food sourcing, waste reduction, and production practices. + Use technology to improve kitchen efficiency, track meals, and enhance distribution logistics. + Stay informed on culinary trends to continually evolve offerings. Schedule & Requirements + Full-time schedule (40u201360 hours/week) + Must be available for varied shifts , including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and on-call needs. + Requires regular travel between Mt. Vernon, Manhattan, and Bronx facilities. + Authorization to work in the U.S. is required + Bilingual (Spanish-English) highly preferred Qualifications + Bacheloru2019s degree in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, or a related field (preferred) + 5+ years of experience in high-volume catering, institutional food service, or nonprofit/community meal programs + Proven ability to lead diverse teams and scale operations + Strong knowledge of budgeting, cost control, and food procurement + Familiarity with special diets, nutrition, and community meal planning + Certification in food safety management (e.g., ServSafe, HACCP) Why Apply? + Opportunity to lead a mission-driven culinary operation + High-impact leadership role with cross-functional influence + Diverse, fast-paced work environment with growth potential Ready to take the next step? Apply today to join a high-performing team committed to culinary innovation and community impact. Pay Details: $55,000.00 to $100,000.00 per year Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable: + The California Fair Chance Act + Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance + Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers + San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Created: 2025-09-18