Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

 

Position Title: Director of Culinary Operations

Salary: $130,000 to $140,000 

Other Forms of Compensation: Sign-on Bonus and Relocation Allocation

 

Our Passion is Food!

At Bon Appetit Management Company we are committed to two things, great food and outstanding service! At Bon Appetit you won't find our managers referring to a corporate recipe book or our chefs microwaving the lunch special. We do not have standardized recipes or central commissaries, instead, our chefs and managers are expected to stay abreast of current culinary trends and bring cutting edge food into their cafes. We are a restaurant company that operates in contract food service. That means you will have the freedom to be creative, take risks, and truly shine. We are committed to our staff growing, trying new things, and learning all that they can. Our rapid growth and breadth of accounts translates into exciting opportunities for our people!

 

 

 

Short Description

Director of Culinary Operations – MIT

Lead, Create & Grow at One of the Most Prestigious Dining Programs in the World

Step into a role where culinary excellence meets purpose. As the Director of Culinary Operations at MIT, you’ll guide a dining program recognized globally for innovation, quality, and impact. This is your opportunity to shape the food experience for one of the world’s most brilliant and diverse campus communities.

You’ll join a high-performing culinary organization defined by teamwork, creativity, and exceptional standards. In this role, you’ll inspire passionate chefs and operators, advance a culture of culinary excellence, and help build an environment where people love to work, learn, and grow. This isn’t just a job—it’s a platform to showcase culinary leadership at the highest level, backed by a company deeply committed to your professional development and long-term success.

 

Why This Role Is Exceptional
A Great Environment at a World-Class Institution

MIT is synonymous with excellence and innovation. You’ll collaborate with talented teams in a positive, inclusive, and forward-thinking environment that values creativity, learning, and continuous improvement.

Grow With One of the Best Culinary Organizations

 

You’ll be part of one of the most elite dining programs in the country, with access to national culinary councils, advanced training, and well-defined career pathways—while leading at one of the most prestigious accounts in the world.

World-Class Culinary Standards

MIT Dining is known for scratch cooking, sustainability, wellness-focused menus, and exceptional food quality. You’ll elevate standards across all platforms, from residential dining to catering and high-profile campus events.

Union Experience That Matters

This role provides the opportunity to lead within a collaborative union environment—strengthening partnerships through fairness, consistency, and clear communication.

Job Summary

 

Key Responsibilities:
Culinary Leadership & Innovation

• Set and uphold elevated culinary standards across all dining venues.
• Drive menu innovation with a focus on seasonality, trends, and wellness.
• Uphold sustainability, corporate responsibility, and scratch-cooking principles.

Team Leadership & Development

• Mentor and support diverse culinary teams across multiple units.
• Build a culture rooted in respect, growth, collaboration, and creativity.
• Lead effectively within a unionized environment.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee consistent, efficient production across residential, retail, and catering operations.
• Ensure exceptional execution of high-profile events.
• Maintain safe, sanitary, and well-organized kitchens.

Financial Strategy

• Manage budgets, food cost, purchasing, and inventory.
• Identify efficiencies while supporting client and organizational goals.

Client & Campus Partnerships

• Collaborate with MIT stakeholders, campus leaders, and corporate culinary partners.
• Drive guest engagement, client satisfaction, and community-building initiatives.
• Present menu concepts and culinary vision with clarity and professionalism.

Food Safety & Compliance

• Ensure strict adherence to ServSafe®, HACCP, and internal safety standards.
• Build and reinforce a culture of safety, quality, and accountability.

Preferred Qualifications

• Culinary degree preferred; hospitality or food-service degree a plus.
• Proven success working in a unionized environment.
• 3–5 years of progressive culinary or multi-unit leadership experience.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to inspire and develop teams.
• Expertise in catering, production, sanitation, costing, and culinary systems.
• Proficiency with digital tools and operational technology.
• Excellent communication skills and active ServSafe® certification.

Apply to Bon Appetit today!

Bon Appetit is a member of Compass Group USA.

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

Associates at Bon Appetit  are offered many fantastic benefits.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/ AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Personal Leave

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here for paid time off benefits information. 

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. 

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Bon Appetit maintains a drug-free workplace.

Req ID: 1483234

Bon Appetit 

Gina Barbish 

Job Tags

Contract work, Local area, Remote work, Relocation, Relocation package, Flexible hours,

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