Culinary Director

Job Description

Culinary Director

Location: Boston, MA

Gecko Hospitality is seeking an exceptional candidate for the role of Culinary Director, a dynamic and pivotal position within our client’s organization. This individual will shape the vision and direction of culinary operations across multiple venues, ensuring a seamless blend of excellence, innovation, and consistency in food offerings. Collaborating with leadership teams, restaurant owners, and the Director of Operations, the Culinary Director will drive business growth and guest satisfaction through cutting-edge culinary strategies.

Role Overview:

The Culinary Director will oversee strategic menu development, guide high-performing kitchen teams, and uphold the highest quality standards. This position demands a balance of culinary creativity, operational expertise, and business acumen to consistently deliver remarkable dining experiences and meet revenue goals.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead Culinary Operations

Direct operations, including menu development, food preparation, presentation, and kitchen efficiency.

Strategic Menu Development

Collaborate with ownership to create innovative offerings for fine dining restaurants and new locations.

Cost & Inventory Management

Oversee food costs, inventory control, vendor relationships, and purchasing in partnership with procurement teams.

Regulatory Compliance

Ensure strict compliance with health, safety, sanitation, and food handling regulations.

Team Leadership

Mentor and lead a diverse culinary team, fostering a culture of creativity, excellence, and accountability.

Trend Monitoring

Stay atop industry trends to introduce fresh, relevant culinary ideas that resonate with our target audience.

Operational Efficiency

Implement and maintain kitchen policies, procedures, and operational standards to achieve peak performance.

Financial Oversight

Manage kitchen budgets, monitor financial performance, and ensure labor efficiency.

Ideal Candidate Qualifications:

Culinary Leadership Experience

10+ years of proven success in leadership roles within fine dining or high-volume upscale restaurants.

Growth & Business Development

Demonstrated ability to scale multi-location culinary programs and grow business initiatives.

Educational Background

Culinary degree or equivalent experience; additional hospitality or business education is a plus.

Menu & Cost Expertise

Skilled in menu development, food cost management, and kitchen operations.

Collaborative Approach

Experienced in diplomatically working with owners, partners, and diverse teams.

Financial Acumen

Strong capability in budget management and achieving financial targets.

Trends Knowledge

Deep understanding of culinary trends, food safety standards, and industry practices.

Leadership & Communication

Team-oriented, collaborative management style with excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.

Adaptability

Ability to thrive under pressure, solve problems, and adapt in a fast-paced environment.

Additional Requirements:

Flexible availability, including early mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Ability to travel as needed.

Physical capacity to lift up to 25 lbs frequently and up to 50 lbs occasionally, with prolonged periods of standing (4–8 hours per shift).

Compensation:

Competitive salary in the range of $150K–$200K per year based on experience and qualifications.

For an interview, please email your detailed resume and portfolio to .

Company Description

Gecko Hospitality, named to Forbes 2025 list of America’s Best Recruiting Firms, offers the largest selection of restaurant, catering, grocery store, corporate dining, senior living, healthcare food service, K-12 food service and higher education food service positions. Our hospitality-exclusive team covers all 50 states and Canada and offers professional placement services with over 120 dedicated hospitality experts.

With Gecko's extensive list of hospitality recruiter services, we get you and your resume in front of the hospitality industry's leading decision makers! Better yet, Gecko has exceptional national, regional, and local relationships and is well respected in the hospitality industry for enhancing hospitality careers.

Our national network consists of 80 regional offices driven to meet the needs of the hospitality industry. From fast food to fine dining and grocery stores to senior living, Gecko recruit’s chef and management positions for all facets of the hospitality industry. Gecko boasts generations of hospitality recruiting experience, consisting of over 1,900 collective years, that furthers the careers of those seeking professional management positions. Contact us today and we will get you in touch with one of our experts to discuss your opportunities.

Full-time