*Culinary Director - Multi-Unit Pizza Restaurant Group*

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*Company Overview*

We are launching a bold new concept focused on craft pizza and bar-style dining experiences. Our portfolio includes multiple locations across several states, with aggressive expansion plans in key markets. Since our inception, we have followed a growth-focused strategy that combines innovative culinary concepts with scalable operational systems. Our mission is to deliver consistently exceptional food quality and guest experiences while building a sustainable, profitable multi-unit enterprise.

*Position Overview*

We are seeking a Culinary Director to lead the culinary vision, operational excellence, and brand standards across our growing portfolio of pizza-focused restaurant locations. This is a strategic leadership role that combines culinary expertise with multi-unit operations management and team development skills. The ideal candidate will excel at scaling food quality, building systematic processes, and developing culinary talent across diverse geographic markets.

As a senior member of the operations team, this role will be directly involved in menu development, quality assurance, and front-of-house coordination. This includes creating scalable recipe systems, implementing training programs, and ensuring brand consistency across all locations. By combining culinary innovation with operational discipline, this role will help convert concept-level ideas into systematized, profitable restaurant operations that maintain quality at scale.

This position will play a critical role in standardizing culinary processes, driving food cost optimization, managing vendor relationships, and implementing new location onboarding procedures. The director will collaborate with operations, finance, training, and facilities teams to ensure culinary platforms are efficient, profitable, and aligned with brand standards.

This is a multi-location position requiring travel across several states. The Culinary Director will report to the Chief Operating Officer and work closely with Regional Managers, General Managers, and corporate leadership.

*Key Responsibilities*

* *Menu Development & Innovation:* * Lead development of core menu offerings, seasonal specials, and limited-time offerings * Design and execute new product testing, rollout procedures, and performance analysis * Source ingredients, negotiate vendor contracts, and optimize food costs across all locations * *Quality Assurance & Brand Standards:* * Establish and maintain food quality, presentation, and preparation standards across all locations * Create comprehensive recipe cards, prep guides, and cooking procedures * Conduct regular location audits and implement corrective action plans * *Multi-Unit Operations Management:* * Oversee kitchen operations, food safety compliance, and inventory management systems * Develop and implement scalable training programs for kitchen staff and management * Coordinate with operations teams to ensure efficient kitchen workflows and cost controls * *Team Development & Leadership:* * Recruit, hire, and develop kitchen managers and culinary staff across multiple locations * Create performance management systems and career development pathways * Foster collaborative relationships between front-of-house and back-of-house teams * *Training & Documentation:* * Develop comprehensive training materials, standard operating procedures, and certification programs * Coordinate with Training Manager to ensure consistent execution of culinary standards * Mentor location-level culinary staff in brand compliance and operational excellence * *Cross-Functional Collaboration:* * Partner with Operations, Marketing, and Finance teams to support business objectives * Collaborate with facilities and IT teams on kitchen equipment and technology implementations * Work with Regional Managers to ensure alignment between culinary and operational goals

*Qualifications*

*Required:*

* Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, or related field * 7-10 years of experience in multi-unit restaurant operations, including leadership roles * Hands-on experience with pizza preparation, dough management, and high-volume kitchen operations * Advanced understanding of food cost management, inventory systems, and vendor relations * Demonstrated success in scaling culinary operations across multiple locations * Proven track record in staff development, training program creation, and performance management * Strong travel availability * Excellent project management, documentation, and communication skills

*Preferred:*

* Prior experience as Executive Chef or Culinary Director in multi-unit restaurant group * ServSafe certification and knowledge of health department regulations across multiple states * Experience with restaurant technology platforms, POS systems, and inventory management tools * Track record of successful new location openings and menu rollouts * Experience in pizza, casual dining, or fast-casual restaurant segments * MBA or advanced degree in business or hospitality management

*Operational Leadership Principles*

As a member of the senior leadership team, the Culinary Director will be expected to demonstrate our core operational values:

* *Scale-First Mentality* - Design systems and processes that support aggressive growth targets * *Quality Without Compromise* - Maintain exceptional food standards across all locations and volume levels * *Data-Driven Decisions* - Use performance metrics, food costs, and guest feedback to guide culinary strategy * *Team Development Focus* - Build internal talent and create pathways for culinary career advancement * *Operational Excellence* - Implement efficient, profitable systems that support long-term business success

*Compensation and Benefits*

We offer competitive compensation commensurate with experience and market conditions. The expected salary range for this role is *$75,000 - $95,000* per year, based on experience and qualifications, with eligibility for performance-based bonuses tied to operational metrics. Additional benefits include:

* Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance * 401(k) retirement plan with company match * Performance bonus opportunities tied to operational and financial metrics * Travel reimbursement and company vehicle allowance * Professional development opportunities and industry conference attendance * Collaborative, entrepreneurial work environment with growth opportunities

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year

Benefits: * 401(k) * 401(k) matching * Dental insurance * Health insurance * Paid time off * Referral program * Vision insurance

Work Location: In person