Culinary Director

The Culinary Director at La Posada Hotel is a strategic and hands-on leader responsible for overseeing all culinary operations, including restaurant outlets, banquets, and in-room dining. This role ensures high standards of food quality, presentation, and consistency while managing kitchen staff, controlling costs, and driving culinary innovation to enhance the guest experience.

Duties

Lead and manage all culinary operations across multiple dining venues and banquet functions.

Develop and implement creative, seasonal menus that align with the hotel’s brand and regional influences.

Recruit, train, schedule, and mentor kitchen staff to foster a culture of excellence and accountability.

Ensure compliance with food safety standards, health regulations, and cleanliness protocols.

Monitor food costs, labor, and inventory to meet budgeted targets and reduce waste.

Collaborate with the Food & Beverage Director and Events team to support service execution and guest satisfaction.

Source high-quality ingredients and maintain vendor relationships for consistency and cost-effectiveness.

Conduct regular tastings, kitchen inspections, and team meetings to uphold culinary standards.

Implement operational improvements to boost productivity, morale, and guest satisfaction.

Represent the culinary team in leadership meetings and contribute to broader operational strategies.

Requirements

Education/Formal Training:

Degree or certification in Culinary Arts or Hospitality Management preferred.

Experience:

Minimum 5 years of progressive culinary leadership in full-service hotels or upscale restaurants.

Knowledge/Skills:

Exceptional culinary skills with a passion for regional and international cuisine.

Strong leadership, team development, and communication abilities.

Expertise in kitchen operations, menu engineering, and cost control.

Ability to balance creative vision with operational efficiency.

Proficient in inventory systems, food costing tools, and kitchen technology.

Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred to support team communication and guest service.

Salary Description

$75,000-$85,000