Director of Culinary Services
Director of Culinary Services
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Salary Not Disclosed
1 Vacancy
Job Description
Position Overview
The Director of Culinary Services is responsible for overseeing all aspects of food service across Little Sunshines Playhouse schools. This role ensures that menus are nutritionally balanced USDA-compliant safe and aligned with LSPs luxury/boutique brand experience. The Director of Culinary Services provides leadership in menu development food safety culinary training and vendor partnerships while promoting consistency and excellence across all kitchens. The Director also directly oversees all school chefs supporting their growth accountability hiring and recognition.
Vision
To provide children with meals and snacks that are not only nutritionally sound and cost-effective but also reflect the high-quality elevated experience that families expect from Little Sunshines Playhouse. This role will create systems that support chefs safeguard children and enhance the dining experience through family-style dining and thoughtful menu planning.
Key Responsibilities
Culinary Program Leadership
Develop and implement seasonal rotational menus that are USDA-compliant age-appropriate and reflective of LSPs brand (luxury healthy tree-nut free and cost-conscious).
Ensure menus accommodate special dietary needs allergies and cultural considerations.
Maintain alignment between curriculum themes and mealtime experiences when possible enhancing the holistic learning environment.
Food Safety & Compliance
Oversee compliance with all federal state and local food safety regulations.
Develop SOPs for kitchen practices including food storage portion sizes temperature logs and allergen safety.
Conduct regular audits of kitchens to ensure consistent quality and safety standards.
Partner with leadership to ensure all food policies are strictly enforced to safeguard children and staff.
Chef Oversight Hiring & Training
Provide direct supervision coaching and support for all school chefs.
Assist in the hiring process for school-level chefs ensuring candidates align with LSPs culinary philosophy food safety standards and brand expectations.
Design and deliver Culinary Training Week for chefs at new schools ensuring consistency and continuity in kitchen operations.
Provide ongoing professional development for chefs and kitchen staff including training on family-style dining food presentation and child-friendly portioning.
Create and distribute mini-operations manuals for each kitchen outlining daily routines food safety protocols and service expectations.
Recognize excellence by selecting and celebrating a Chef of the Month highlighting individuals who embody LSPs culinary standards and brand values.
Menu & Program Development
Develop default menu sets (rotational cycles) that schools can adopt and adapt as needed.
Review and approve all menus to ensure they meet nutritional and brand standards.
Create standardized recipe guides to accompany menus ensuring consistent quality portion control and presentation across all schools.
Partner with the Director of Curriculum and Learning to integrate food into the educational experience (e.g. cooking projects food as provocations).
Execute culinary planning for special events such as Thanksgiving Celebrations LSP Birthday Bash graduation ceremonies and other signature school-wide occasions ensuring food offerings reflect the luxury and celebratory spirit of the brand.
Vendor & Cost Management
Build and maintain relationships with food vendors to ensure quality cost-effectiveness and reliable delivery.
Negotiate contracts and monitor vendor performance.
Track food costs and implement systems to reduce waste while maintaining premium quality.
Centralize ordering processes across schools tying purchasing directly to standardized menus and recipe guides to ensure cost control efficiency and brand consistency.
Create and maintain a standardized ordering guide for kitchen equipment tools and initial food/supply stock for all new schools ensuring every kitchen is fully prepared consistent and brand-aligned from day one.
Family Experience & Brand Alignment
Ensure mealtime presentation and service reflect the luxury family-style dining approach of LSP.
Collaborate with operations and marketing to highlight food services as part of the LSP brand experience.
Gather and respond to family feedback on food services to continuously elevate satisfaction.
#INDHomeOffice
Degree in Culinary Arts Nutrition Food Service Management or related field preferred.
5 years of leadership experience in culinary management preferably in childcare school healthcare or hospitality settings.
Strong knowledge of USDA child nutrition guidelines and food safety standards.
Proven experience in menu development cost control and vendor management.
Experience in training mentoring and hiring culinary staff across multiple locations.
Excellent organizational leadership and communication skills.
Required Experience:
Director
Employment Type
Full-Time
