What are the responsibilities and job description for the Culinary Director position at KYU Restaurants?
Job Details
KYU is seeking a visionary and experienced Culinary Director to lead and inspire our culinary teams across all current and upcoming locations—including Miami, New York, Las Vegas, and California (opening soon). This role is ideal for a dynamic leader with a strong fine dining background, strategic vision, and hands-on culinary expertise. The Culinary Director will collaborate closely with Executive Chefs, oversee kitchen operations, and maintain KYU’s commitment to excellence, creativity, and consistency across all locations.
Responsibilities:
KYU offers a competitive executive compensation package, including:
KYU is seeking a visionary and experienced Culinary Director to lead and inspire our culinary teams across all current and upcoming locations—including Miami, New York, Las Vegas, and California (opening soon). This role is ideal for a dynamic leader with a strong fine dining background, strategic vision, and hands-on culinary expertise. The Culinary Director will collaborate closely with Executive Chefs, oversee kitchen operations, and maintain KYU’s commitment to excellence, creativity, and consistency across all locations.
Responsibilities:
- Oversee the culinary operations across all KYU restaurants (Miami, NY, LV, and CA).
- Lead, mentor, and support Executive Chefs and Sous Chefs in menu execution, kitchen performance, and team development.
- Ensure consistency and quality of food, presentation, and guest experience across all locations.
- Collaborate with ownership and executive leadership on menu development, seasonal changes, and special culinary projects.
- Drive innovation while honoring the brand’s culinary identity and standards.
- Monitor and manage food cost, labor, purchasing, and kitchen budgets in partnership with GMs and Ops.
- Support recruitment, training, and retention of culinary talent.
- Conduct regular kitchen walkthroughs, audits, and performance reviews.
- Uphold and enforce food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards across all locations.
- Minimum 10 years of professional culinary experience, with at least 3-5 years in a multi-unit leadership role (Corporate Chef, Culinary Director, or equivalent).
- Fine dining and high-volume experience required.
- Strong leadership presence with proven ability to lead and inspire diverse kitchen teams.
- Deep understanding of global cooking methods, techniques, ingredients, and operational workflows.
- High level of organization, professionalism, and communication.
- Ability to travel regularly between locations (Miami, NY, LV, CA).
- Proficiency in food costing, scheduling, vendor management, and culinary systems.
- Experience working with cross-functional leadership, including Operations, Marketing, and HR.
KYU offers a competitive executive compensation package, including:
- 100% Medical Insurance Coverage (Aetna)
- Dental and Vision Insurance Options
- Paid Time Off
- Travel Stipends (where applicable)
- Employee Dining Discounts Executive Dining Program
- Leadership development and advancement opportunities within a growing hospitality group