Culinary Director

Job Description

Job Description

Position Title :  Culinary Director

Salary :   120,000-140,000

Other Forms of Compensation :

Our Passion is Food!

At Bon Appetit Management Company we are committed to two things, great food and outstanding service! At Bon Appetit you won't find our managers referring to a corporate recipe book or our chefs microwaving the lunch special. We do not have standardized recipes or central commissaries, instead, our chefs and managers are expected to stay abreast of current culinary trends and bring cutting edge food into their cafes. We are a restaurant company that operates in contract food service. That means you will have the freedom to be creative, take risks, and truly shine. We are committed to our staff growing, trying new things, and learning all that they can. Our rapid growth and breadth of accounts translates into exciting opportunities for our people!

Job Summary

We’re looking for a Culinary Director to lead our culinary program at a dynamic corporate dining account in the Bay Area. This is an opportunity to bring your creativity, leadership, and passion for real food to a workplace where hospitality and innovation thrive.

As Culinary Director, you’ll set the culinary vision, mentor a talented kitchen team, and craft menus that celebrate seasonality, sustainability, and global inspiration. You’ll work hands-on every day — sourcing from local farms, collaborating with your team, and creating food that brings people together.

This role is ideal for a chef who loves the craft, thrives on collaboration, and wants to make a lasting impact through food and leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead with inspiration :  Create a kitchen culture rooted in respect, teamwork, and continuous learning.
• Cook seasonally and sustainably :  Design menus that highlight peak-season produce and responsibly sourced ingredients.
• Mentor and develop your team :  Teach, coach, and celebrate growth — fostering pride in both craft and service.
• Deliver an exceptional dining experience :  Elevate workplace food with thoughtful presentation, balanced flavors, and culinary integrity.
• Balance creativity with stewardship :  Manage purchasing, food cost, and waste reduction while protecting quality and sustainability.
• Champion wellness and community :  Reflect diverse tastes and promote healthy, flavorful food choices that make people feel good.
• Collaborate with partners :  Work closely with clients and operations teams to evolve the program and keep it fresh, relevant, and exciting.

Preferred Qualifications

Apply to Bon Appetit today!

Bon Appetit is a member of Compass Group USA.

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

Associates at Bon Appetit  are offered many fantastic benefits.

Associates may also be eligible for paid and / or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here for paid time off benefits information.

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer : this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Bon Appetit maintains a drug-free workplace.

Req ID :    1475191

Bon Appetit

BRYAN GONI