Rare day-oriented position with a popular local group – and a primarily Monday to Friday schedule! This technique-driven counter service concept is searching for a Culinary Director to drive R&D, training, and development. The group is dedicated to consistent quality products for their guests and are thoughtful to changes to their fine-tuned menu. The role requires a keenly analytical chef who thrives on the process of obtaining precise final products through close collaboration with ownership, training department, and operations. The ideal chef will need to have strong communication skills when it comes to giving and receiving feedback, particularly with a “scientific method” approach to recipe working – and translating that into training that can be rolled out across the locations within Los Angeles.
Home office is based out of the Valley, but as with all multiunit roles, local travel within LA to respective locations is required. Past background in casual / counter service concepts required.
Culinary Director Responsibilities:
- Collaborate closely with ownership and team on recipe development, training, roll-outs, and development of kitchen teams and culinary leadership
- A passion for the process of recipe testing and the ability to give and receive feedback
- Write recipes and formulas consistent with established company systems and standards
- Craft recipes with ability to scale for high volume production
- Work within budgeted food cost and pricing models
- Assist in development of training materials for recipes as part of the implementation process to ensure consistent execution
- Collaborate and assist with development of a kitchen leadership program
- Travel to store locations as needed for training, quality assurance, roll-outs, etc.
- Support a positive, empowered work environment consistent with company values
Culinary Director Requirements:
- Recent prior experience as an R&D Chef, Culinary Director, Area Chef, Regional Chef, Corporate Chef or Culinary-focused Corporate Trainer
- Strong collaborative spirit and works well with others
- Prior recipe & development experience, including developing, scaling, and costing recipes to meet specific needs
- Past QSR, fast casual, or counter service experience while still working with scratch kitchens is required
- Ability to travel within Los Angeles to various locations
- Highly motivated individual who can work self-sufficiently
- High level of attention to detail and organizational skills
- Effective written and oral communication skills
Compensation Package Includes:
- Base Salary in the $90-$120k range
- No bonus
- Medical, dental, vision
- PTO
- 401k
- Paid holidays off
- Mileage and parking