Regional Culinary Director

Compass Group•Austin, TX

8d•$135,000 - $145,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Wolfgang Puck Catering is seeking a Regional Culinary Director to lead culinary strategy and execution for a single, nationwide technology client. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape food programs at scale, influence innovation, and partner closely with a sophisticated client in a fast-paced, evolving sector. Based in Austin, TX, this role provides national oversight and hands-on leadership across multiple locations, ensuring culinary excellence, operational consistency, and a best-in-class guest experience. As the Regional Culinary Director, you will lead and support all culinary and food-related programs for this national account, partnering with operations, finance, and senior leadership to deliver strong results aligned with business and client goals. You’ll have responsibility for advancing results across key focus areas, including client partnership, retention, and satisfaction; financial performance; people development, performance, and culture; innovation, operational excellence, and food safety.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts from an accredited culinary school, Bachelor’s degree in Food Service or Hospitality Management, or equivalent professional experience
Approximately five (5) years of progressive food service management experience, including at least two (2) years supporting multiple locations
Experience leading culinary programs in complex, client-driven environments
Comfort using standard business technology, including Microsoft Office applications
Ability to meet the physical requirements of the role, including occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds
Willingness and ability to travel nationwide as business needs require
Ability to maintain ServSafe certification within one (1) year of hire

Nice To Haves

Strong interpersonal and relationship‑building skills
Ability to influence and lead through collaboration rather than authority alone
Experience designing and implementing culinary training and development programs
Financial and operational awareness, with the ability to connect culinary decisions to business outcomes
A growth mindset and enthusiasm for innovation, learning, and continuous improvement

Responsibilities

Provide culinary leadership for all locations within the national account, ensuring programs consistently meet or exceed contractual and brand expectations
Lead culinary strategy for new openings, renovations, and program expansions, contributing to Wolfgang Puck Catering’s reputation for excellence
Build strong, trusted relationships with client stakeholders, operations leaders, and cross-functional partners
Foster a culture of engagement, growth, recognition, and accountability where teams feel proud of their work
Partner with senior leadership to review performance, discuss strategy, address challenges, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement
Communicate client needs, account performance, and new company initiatives clearly and proactively
Support financial objectives through menu strategy, cost controls, and collaboration on profitability and performance analysis
Identify and implement culinary training and development programs that support team members at all skill levels
Drive consistency and quality through adherence to purchasing programs, food safety standards, and regulatory requirements
Champion innovation and best practices that enhance the guest experience while supporting scalability across a national platform