Associate Director of Culinary
About The Position
Lunchtime Solutions is seeking an innovative and strategic Associate Director of Culinary to lead culinary excellence across our K-12 food service programs. This leadership role is responsible for menu development, food quality, recipe standardization, culinary training, and operational support. The Associate Director of Culinary will collaborate with Operations, Purchasing, Marketing, Compliance, and Executive Leadership to create high-quality dining experiences that support student satisfaction, customer retention, and company growth. In this strategic leadership role, you'll influence the dining experience of thousands of students, partner with key business leaders, and help shape the future of school nutrition programs at Lunchtime Solutions. We’re looking for someone who can balance creativity with operational practicality while ensuring programs are financially responsible, compliant, and aligned with Lunchtime Solutions' mission and values.
Requirements
- Associate's degree in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, Nutrition, Food Science, or related field required
- 5+ years of culinary leadership experience in K-12, contract food service, or institutional dining.
- Experience with menu development, recipe standardization, and multi-unit operations.
- ServSafe Certified Food Protection Manager (or equivalent).
- Strong leadership, collaboration, communication, and project management skills.
- Ability to balance food quality, nutrition requirements, operational efficiency, and financial performance.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor's degree preferred.
Responsibilities
- Lead menu development, seasonal offerings, and culinary innovation.
- Research food trends and introduce student-friendly menu concepts.
- Develop, test, and standardize recipes to ensure quality and consistency.
- Evaluate new products, ingredients, and preparation methods.
- Create programs that enhance student engagement and participation.
- Establish and maintain company-wide culinary standards.
- Conduct site visits to assess food quality and provide coaching.
- Ensure consistent presentation, flavor, and execution across locations.
- Drive continuous improvement through quality-focused initiatives.
- Partner with Purchasing on product sourcing and vendor relationships.
- Monitor food costs, waste, and product utilization.
- Recommend menu and product enhancements that support financial goals.
- Ensure culinary programs are practical and operationally efficient.
- Develop culinary training materials and operational resources.
- Coach and mentor Area Directors, Food Service Directors, and culinary teams.
- Foster a culture of accountability, learning, and professional growth.
- Support promotions, customer presentations, and marketing efforts.
- Ensure compliance with USDA regulations and company standards.
- Lead the Culinary Committee and drive strategic culinary priorities.
- Support new business presentations and growth initiatives.
- Enhance customer satisfaction through innovative dining solutions.
- Provide culinary expertise for account openings, transitions, and operational challenges.
- Respond to customer concerns and implement effective solutions.
Benefits
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Paid holidays
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for eligible team members.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Associate degree
