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 | 40–60 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 (40–60 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
Bachelor’s 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
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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