Associate Director of Culinary – Lunchtime Solutions
Location: Hybrid role with a home-base close to one of our larger school districts in Sioux Falls, SD, Aberdeen, SD, South Sioux City, NE, Hastings, NE, Storm Lake, IA or Columbus, NE. The successful candidate would be expected to be based out of one of these locations while supporting culinary initiatives.
Lunchtime Solutions is seeking an innovative and strategic Associate Director of Culinary to lead culinary excellence across our K-12 food service programs. This leadership role is responsible for menu development, food quality, recipe standardization, culinary training, and operational support. The Associate Director of Culinary will collaborate with Operations, Purchasing, Marketing, Compliance, and Executive Leadership to create high-quality dining experiences that support student satisfaction, customer retention, and company growth.
In this strategic leadership role, you'll influence the dining experience of thousands of students, partner with key business leaders, and help shape the future of school nutrition programs at Lunchtime Solutions. We’re looking for someone who can balance creativity with operational practicality while ensuring programs are financially responsible, compliant, and aligned with Lunchtime Solutions' mission and values.
What You'll Do
Culinary Leadership & Innovation
- Lead menu development, seasonal offerings, and culinary innovation.
- Research food trends and introduce student-friendly menu concepts.
- Develop, test, and standardize recipes to ensure quality and consistency.
- Evaluate new products, ingredients, and preparation methods.
- Create programs that enhance student engagement and participation.
Food Quality & Brand Standards
- Establish and maintain company-wide culinary standards.
- Conduct site visits to assess food quality and provide coaching.
- Ensure consistent presentation, flavor, and execution across locations.
- Drive continuous improvement through quality-focused initiatives.
Financial & Operational Excellence
- Partner with Purchasing on product sourcing and vendor relationships.
- Monitor food costs, waste, and product utilization.
- Recommend menu and product enhancements that support financial goals.
- Ensure culinary programs are practical and operationally efficient.
Training & Team Development
- Develop culinary training materials and operational resources.
- Coach and mentor Area Directors, Food Service Directors, and culinary teams.
- Foster a culture of accountability, learning, and professional growth.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Support promotions, customer presentations, and marketing efforts.
- Ensure compliance with USDA regulations and company standards.
- Lead the Culinary Committee and drive strategic culinary priorities.
Customer & Business Support
- Support new business presentations and growth initiatives.
- Enhance customer satisfaction through innovative dining solutions.
- Provide culinary expertise for account openings, transitions, and operational challenges.
- Respond to customer concerns and implement effective solutions.
What We're Looking For
- Associate's degree in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, Nutrition, Food Science, or related field required; Bachelor's degree preferred.
- 5+ years of culinary leadership experience in K-12, contract food service, or institutional dining.
- Experience with menu development, recipe standardization, and multi-unit operations.
- ServSafe Certified Food Protection Manager (or equivalent).
- Strong leadership, collaboration, communication, and project management skills.
- Ability to balance food quality, nutrition requirements, operational efficiency, and financial performance.
Why You’ll Love Working With Us
- Enjoy your evenings and weekends our Monday–Friday daytime schedule means no late nights, no weekends, and no holidays spent in a kitchen.
- Plan for your future with our 401(k) retirement plan
- Enjoy work life balance with paid time off and paid holidays
- Invest in your health with comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for eligible team members.
Our Values
At Lunchtime Solutions, our success comes from team members who:
- Take pride in what you do
- Focus on customer success
- Be a person of integrity
- Drive to improve
- Do it with passion
- Express gratitude
- Work as a team
- Pursue lasting partnerships
- Embrace a healthy work-life balance
If these values resonate with you and you’re passionate about culinary innovation, we’d love to meet you!
Lunchtime Solutions performs post offer background investigations prior to starting employment with our company. This background investigation may involve verifying or reviewing any of the following relevant information: criminal convictions and DMV record if appropriate for the position.
Lunchtime Solutions Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. EOE-M/F/Disabled/Vet. View Policy
