Regional Culinary Director

Aramark • Durham, NC

3d

About The Position

The Regional Culinary Director (RCD) provides strategic culinary leadership across the region, ensuring operational excellence and consistent food quality. Collaborates with Finance and Operations to manage food costs, purchasing compliance, and food safety, driving improved satisfaction in residential and retail surveys. Partners with Marketing to deliver engaging, innovative programs at each location. Works with Human Resources to recruit, train, and develop culinary talent, building a regional succession plan. Supports Growth initiatives through new business development and retention efforts.
The
RCD
Collegiate Hospitality East Region serves as the senior culinary leader, reporting to the Regional Vice President. This role drives the execution and enhancement of culinary programs aligned with Collegiate Hospitality and regional strategies. While primarily focused on regional impact, the RCD also leads one enterprise-wide initiative—such as standardized menus, food and labor productivity, or culinary innovation—across the Collegiate Hospitality portfolio.
At Aramark, developing new skills and doing what it takes to get the job done make a positive impact for our employees and for our customers. In order to meet our commitments, job duties may change or new ones may be assigned without formal notice.

Requirements

• CIA ProChef or ACF certification required.
• 10+ years of culinary management experience.
• Culinary degree or equivalent experience.
• Advanced knowledge of principles and practices within the food service industry.
• Expertise in demonstration cooking, menu writing and development and understanding of standards.
• Ability to lead in a diverse environment with focus on client and customer service.
• Previous experience with controlling food and labor costs, demonstration cooking, menu development and pricing development.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite, key Aramark productivity tools (e.g. Prima or equivalent).
• Requires exceptional communication skills.
• ServSafe Certification
• Ability to travel 60-75% of the time
• High level of professionalism, maturity, and project management capability

Nice To Haves

• P&L accountability and/or contract-managed service experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coach culinary teams across multiple sites, ensuring food quality, presentation, and creativity.
• Maintain standards, oversee equipment and safety compliance, and support regional development through a dotted-line leadership network.
• Manage special events, hiring, training, and performance reviews.
• Engage with campus leadership to tailor programs and build culinary bench strength.
• Collaborate with regional leaders to implement brand initiatives, standardize recipes, and improve satisfaction.
• Partner with the Aramark Innovation Center to roll out trends and lead high-profile events.
• Ensure consistency, share best practices, and drive strategic planning for retention.
• Promote culinary talent, support marketing initiatives, and lead productivity efforts.
• Optimize food and labor processes, ensure vendor compliance, and develop premium catering menus.
• Innovate to grow revenue and reduce costs through improved procedures.
• Lead regional culinary talent development, training, and recognition.
• Drive financial goals through cost optimization and productivity.
• Oversee food quality, safety, and consistency.
• Supervise chefs and ensure adherence to Aramark standards of excellence.

Benefits

• Aramark offers comprehensive benefit programs and services for eligible employees including medical, dental, vision, and work/life resources.
• Additional benefits may include retirement savings plans like 401(k) and paid days off such as parental leave and disability coverage.
• Benefits vary by location and are subject to any legal requirements or limitations, employee eligibility status, and where the employee lives and/or works.
• For more information about Aramark benefits, click here Aramark Careers - Benefits & Compensation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Associate degree