Title:  Director of Culinary Strategy, Portfolio Group

Job Description

Join Us as Our Next Director of Culinary Strategy

Inspire. Lead. Create. Elevate.

At our table, food is more than a meal — it’s an experience. We’re a team driven by passion, creativity, and a deep commitment to serving seriously delicious food with world-class hospitality.

We lead with integrity, kindness, and curiosity. We’re ambitious and innovative, yet we never lose sight of the joy that comes from what we do. We take our craft seriously — but we believe that the best culinary experiences are built on teamwork, laughter, and genuine connection.  We’re searching for a Director of Culinary Strategy who shares that spirit — a visionary leader who inspires excellence, cultivates creativity, and sets the standard for what hospitality can be.

Based in either St. Louis, MO or Charleston, SC this role leads a talented national culinary team serving a premier client across 20+ locations in multiple states. From vibrant retail cafés and conference dining to high-end catering and special events, you’ll shape programs that delight guests and elevate the dining experience at every level.

Responsible for enhancing the food program across the portfolio by creating a wide variety of innovative solutions to meet guest and client expectations. Creates local and diverse partnerships. Oversees and manages all culinary operations to insure best in class, authentic dining across all outlets. Applies standards and processes to deliver and execute daily operations and initiatives.

As the Director of Culinary, you’ll:

If you’re a culinary leader who believes that hospitality is both an art and a calling — and you’re ready to make a national impact — we’d love to meet you.

Job Responsibilities

Leadership: Is a leader and mentor to our talented and diverse team. Empowers our team members to make decisions in the moment that provide the highest level of service to our guests. Ensures authentic, on-trend and precisely executed culinary standards and techniques. Guarantees unique and diverse local partnerships remain a part of who we are. Is a great communicator, trainer, and celebrator of our people. Ignites a passion and hunger to be the best. A serial multitasker, you will need to be well versed in using technology to simplify daily tasks and enable a world class hospitality experience.

Development: Ensures proper operational standards and techniques are in place for all aspects of the program. Manages both culinary and operational teams to ensure quality and safety throughout the portfolio. Meets with both client and site leadership as a liaison regarding all things related to culinary development. Coach employees by creating a shared understanding about what needs to be achieved and how it is to be achieved. Rewards and recognize employees. Plan and execute team meetings.

Client Relationship: Develop and maintain effective client and customer rapport for mutually beneficial business relationship. Aggregate and communicate operational and site needs.

Financial Performance: Responsible for driving the mark on all areas regarding food, guest experience, safety, sanitation and financials of the business, consistent focus on

margin improvement. Forecast, plan, and execute budget set forth by the region.

Productivity: Ensure the efficient and profitable business performance of the food program and the optimal utilization of staff and resources. Innovating and developing a

leading team for future leaders in our business.

Compliance: Maintain compliance with Aramark SAFE food, occupational and environmental safety polices in all operations. Comply with all applicable policies, rules

and regulations, including but not limited to those relating to safety, health, wage and hour.

Qualifications

• Requires at least 10 years’ experience and 3-5 years in a management role.

• Culinary background required.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

• Willingness to travel 40%+

Education

About Aramark

Our Mission

Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet.

At Aramark, we believe that every employee should enjoy equal employment opportunity and be free to participate in all aspects of the company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by applicable law.

About Aramark

The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food and facilities in 15 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at http://www.aramarkcareers.com or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.