Culinary Director

About the role

The Culinary Director provides strategic, operational and financial leadership for all culinary functions across the hospitality division. This includes two main restaurants, pastry production, events & catering, and collaborative initiatives such as pop‑ups and product development. The role is accountable for maintaining the highest standards of culinary excellence, consistency, cost control, hygiene and innovation while aligning activities with the brand vision and commercial goals.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and oversee culinary operations across restaurants, pastry, events, catering and collaborations.
• Ensure consistency in quality, presentation and guest experience across all outlets.
• Drive menu development, seasonality and innovation for each concept.
• Directly manage Executive Chef, Head Chef, Executive Pastry Chef and other senior kitchen leaders.
• Define KPIs, performance standards and development plans; conduct regular reviews and coaching.
• Oversee high‑profile events, catering and external activations, ensuring culinary excellence and revenue optimisation.
• Lead culinary direction for partner initiatives, pop‑ups, product development and retail opportunities.
• Ensure full compliance with local regulations and internal hygiene standards; implement HACCP and food safety protocols.
• Oversee procurement strategy, cost efficiency, supplier quality and inventory control.
• Account for food cost targets, labour efficiency and overall outlet profitability; collaborate on budgeting and forecasting.

Required profile

• Extensive experience leading multi‑outlet culinary operations within the hospitality sector.
• Proven ability to manage senior kitchen teams and drive performance through clear KPIs.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, working closely with operations, commercial and finance functions.

Required skills

• HACCP implementation and food safety protocol management.
• Menu development and culinary innovation.
• Cost control, food cost management and COGS optimisation.
• Procurement strategy and supplier negotiation.
• Budgeting, forecasting and financial performance tracking.
• Inventory control and stock management.