Director of Culinary Solutions
Organization: NexGroup Department: Culinary & Program Development Reports To: VP of Member Services / Chief Operating Officer Location: Hybrid / Remote with Travel as Needed
Position Summary
The Director of Culinary Solutions is responsible for leading culinary strategy, budget optimization, and foodservice program development across NexGroup member organizations. This role combines culinary expertise, operational leadership, and financial stewardship to deliver scalable, cost-effective, and innovative culinary solutions that improve member satisfaction, operational efficiency, and profitability.
The Director will partner with suppliers, operators, chefs, and member leadership teams to create culinary programs that align with market trends, contract compliance goals, labor realities, and budget expectations while maintaining food quality and guest experience standards.
Key Responsibilities
Culinary Program Leadership
● Develop and implement culinary initiatives that support member engagement, retention, and growth.
● Create standardized recipes, menu frameworks, and operational playbooks focused on consistency, efficiency, and profitability.
● Lead culinary innovation efforts aligned with industry trends, seasonal offerings, and member needs.
● Support menu engineering initiatives to improve contribution margins and reduce waste.
● Collaborate with supplier partners to maximize contract utilization and culinary value.
Budget Management & Financial Oversight
● Develop and oversee culinary program budgets and annual financial plans.
● Identify cost-saving opportunities through product standardization, procurement optimization, and operational efficiencies.
● Analyze food cost trends, labor impact, and purchasing data to drive strategic recommendations.
● Monitor budget performance and implement corrective action plans as needed.
● Partner with finance and procurement teams to improve contract compliance and spend management.
Member & Supplier Engagement
● Serve as the culinary subject matter expert for member organizations.
● Conduct culinary assessments and operational reviews for member facilities.
● Build strategic relationships with manufacturers, distributors, and operator partners.
● Lead culinary training sessions, demonstrations, webinars, and member workshops.
● Support business development efforts by participating in presentations, RFPs, and member onboarding.
Operational Excellence
● Establish culinary standards and KPI reporting frameworks across member programs.
● Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on food quality, labor efficiency, sustainability, and waste reduction.
● Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and regulatory standards.
Leadership & Team Development
● Mentor culinary managers, chefs, and support personnel.
● Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration.
● Lead cross-functional project teams involving procurement, operations, finance, and supplier relations.
Core Competencies
● Financial Acumen
● Strategic Culinary Planning
● Vendor & Contract Management
● Menu Engineering
● Data Analysis & Reporting
● Member Relationship Management
● Change Leadership
● Cross-Functional Collaboration
● Innovation & Trend Awareness
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Financial & Budget KPIs
KPI
Target
Food Cost Reduction
3–8% annual improvement
Budget Adherence
Within ±2% of approved budget
Contract Compliance Utilization
85%+ member compliance
Culinary Program ROI
Positive ROI on all major initiatives
Cost Savings Generated
Annual measurable savings target established by leadership
Culinary Program KPIs
KPI
Target
Menu Contribution Margin Improvement
Year-over-year increase
Recipe Standardization Adoption
90%+ implementation
New Program Launch Success Rate
95% on-time execution
Waste Reduction
5%–10% annual reduction
Member Culinary Satisfaction Score
90%+ satisfaction
Operational KPIs
KPI
Target
Food Safety Compliance
100% compliance
Labor Efficiency Improvement
Annual productivity gains
Program Implementation Timeliness
95% on-time completion
Reporting Accuracy & Delivery
100% on-time monthly reporting
Pay: $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Beachwood, OH 44122
