Culinary Operations Director at Goodwin Recruiting

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionCulinary Operations Director – Multi-Unit Hospitality Group (Houston, TX)Salary Range: $100,000–$110,000+ (based on experience)Location: Houston, TXEmployment Type: Full-Time, On-SiteService Model: Full-Service DiningAbout the RoleA growing hospitality group with a strong cultural identity and two thriving Houston locations is seeking a Culinary Operations Director to lead back-of-house systems and scale operational excellence across future units. This is a hands-on leadership role for a strategic operator who thrives in high-volume, scratch kitchens and is ready to build the foundation for multi-unit growth.The ideal candidate will begin as Kitchen Manager of our second location (full-service), while being compensated and titled as Culinary Director. Once systems are built and stabilized, this leader will hire and train a Kitchen Manager for that unit and shift focus to launching our third store.Key ResponsibilitiesSystems & Process Leadership Design and implement scalable BOH systems (inventory, ordering, waste tracking, SOPs, audits)Create a replicable “Kitchen Manager’s Playbook” for future locationsStaff Leadership & Development Supervise and mentor kitchen team: Sous Chefs, Leads, line/prep cooksEnforce quality standards and accountability across all stationsOperational Oversight Monitor daily execution and system adherenceCollaborate with ownership and culinary leadership on menu rollouts and feasibilityAnalyze food/labor costs and performance metrics to drive decisionsCross-Functional Collaboration Serve as the bridge between BOH operations, culinary development, and FOH coordinationReport on KPIs, audits, and process improvementsQualifications7+ years in high-volume, scratch-based kitchens3+ years in culinary leadership rolesProven success scaling BOH systems across multi-unit or full-service environmentsStrong leadership and mentoring skills; experience with bilingual teams preferredDeep knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and labor complianceAbility to implement change, drive accountability, and improve operational efficiencyCompensation & Growth PathSalary: $100K–$110K base, with flexibility for exceptional candidatesBonus and Benefits PackageTitle: Culinary Operations Director from day oneGrowth Plan: Start as KM of Store #2 → Build systems → Hire KM → Lead Store #3 launch