Culinary Director/Executive Chef

Help Build Something Meaningful

We are opening a brand-new kitchen in the heart of Mission Hills and are looking for an experienced, creative, and organized Culinary Director to lead the development of our culinary program from the ground up.

This is more than a kitchen leadership position. Along with creating an exceptional food program, you'll play an integral role in building a supportive learning environment that provides meaningful work placement opportunities for adults with disabilities.

If you're passionate about culinary excellence, operational systems, mentoring others, and creating inclusive workplaces, we'd love to meet you.

About the Role

The Culinary Director will oversee all aspects of menu and recipe development, food cost management, inventory systems, purchasing, kitchen operations, and culinary training. This role is responsible for establishing the standards and systems that will support a sustainable, high-quality culinary program while helping develop an engaging learning environment for participants in our work placement program.

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Leadership

• Develop seasonal and rotating menus
• Create standardized recipes with accurate yields and portioning
• Maintain consistent food quality and presentation standards
• Lead menu testing and continuous improvement initiatives
• Ensure compliance with food safety and sanitation standards

Cost Control & Operations

• Manage food cost and cost of goods (COGS) targets
• Develop inventory management systems and procedures
• Oversee purchasing and vendor relationships
• Forecast product needs and manage ordering
• Analyze menu profitability and make recommendations for improvements
• Reduce waste through efficient inventory and production planning

Training & Program Development

• Create training materials and kitchen procedures
• Develop workflows that support both operational excellence and participant learning
• Mentor kitchen staff while fostering an inclusive and supportive culture
• Work collaboratively with program leadership to create meaningful work experiences for adults with disabilities
• Adapt training methods to meet a variety of learning styles and abilities

Leadership

• Build a positive, collaborative kitchen culture
• Recruit, train, and develop kitchen team members
• Establish systems that allow the kitchen to grow successfully
• Maintain high standards of professionalism, organization, and accountability

Qualifications

• 5+ years of culinary leadership experience
• Proven experience with menu development and recipe writing
• Strong knowledge of food costing, purchasing, inventory management, and COGS
• Experience opening a new kitchen or developing culinary systems is highly preferred
• Excellent organizational and project management skills
• Strong communication and coaching abilities
• ServSafe Manager Certification (or ability to obtain)
• Passion for mentorship, inclusion, and community impact

Experience working alongside adults with disabilities is appreciated but not required. More important is a leadership style rooted in patience, respect, adaptability, and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed. We're seeking someone who is creative and genuinely passionate about food & wine as well as a leader who enjoys teaching and mentoring.

This is a unique opportunity to help launch a new culinary program with a meaningful mission. You'll have the autonomy to shape menus, build operational systems, mentor a growing team, and create lasting impact by helping adults with disabilities gain valuable workplace skills and confidence.

As we expand, the Culinary Director will have the opportunity to oversee multiple locations, lead new concept development, direct culinary innovation, launch consumer food products, and shape the culinary vision of the organization for years to come. If you're ready to build a kitchen that values excellence, inclusion, and community, we'd love to hear from you

To Apply

Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter telling us about your culinary leadership experience and what excites you about helping launch a mission-driven culinary company.

Pay: $77,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

Benefits

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person