Director, Culinary Operations

About the Role

The Director of Culinary Operations reports to the VP of Culinary and Executive Chef, overseeing Culinary Production and Culinary Park Operations at Universal Studios Hollywood. You'll lead culinary teams, drive food and beverage initiatives, and set standards of culinary excellence across the park.

What You'll Do

• Develop and mentor senior chefs; create training opportunities through manufacturers, vendors, and internal best practices
• Conduct food tastings and evaluate presentations; establish food specifications
• Direct sustainability initiatives throughout the property
• Oversee supply chain management with the Operations Team
• Monitor and control food costs through inventory management, portion control, and waste reduction
• Standardize recipes, portion sizes, and presentation techniques for consistency across all venues
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal food safety, labor, and union guidelines
• Develop and execute the annual operating and capital plans; maintain or exceed weekly budgeted variable operating profit
• Conduct training programs for culinary team members to enhance skills and drive retention

Requirements

• Minimum 12 years of progressive experience in culinary services
• Food manager certificate required; Culinary Arts degree preferred
• Advanced knowledge of culinary arts and food handling regulations
• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Able to work holidays, days, nights, and weekends

Pay & Benefits

$120,000–$170,000/yr (bonus eligible). Medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid leave, and tuition reimbursement.