Position: Director of Culinary

Location: New York, NY

Compensation: $150,000–$180,000 base salary, plus bonus

Schedule: Full-time, on-site

A visionary culinary group is seeking a Director of Culinary to lead and inspire the culinary operations across a flagship location and future developments within an iconic mixed-use property in Midtown Manhattan. This is an extraordinary opportunity for a senior-level chef or culinary director to shape a new destination dining experience that reflects innovation, excellence, and guest-centered hospitality.

About the Opportunity:

This role will oversee the execution and development of all culinary concepts, beginning with a high-end, upscale bistro and private dining room opening within a landmark New York City building. The Director of Culinary will collaborate with ownership, designers, and hospitality leaders to bring a cohesive and world-class food and beverage vision to life — setting the tone for future restaurant openings across the property.

Ideal candidates have multi-unit experience, a background in luxury or lifestyle-driven dining environments, and a proven ability to manage culinary teams with a focus on systems, consistency, and profitability.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead Culinary Vision: Drive the overall culinary strategy for the brand, from kitchen design and pre-opening operations to menu development and ongoing innovation.
• Build & Train Teams: Hire, coach, and mentor a top-tier kitchen leadership team and foster a collaborative, high-performance culture throughout all units.
• Open New Concepts: Partner with designers, architects, and operations teams to ensure culinary functionality in back-of-house design and infrastructure.
• Operational Oversight: Establish SOPs, inventory systems, and purchasing protocols to ensure efficiency, consistency, and cost control.
• Maintain Excellence: Uphold the highest culinary standards, including food quality, safety, cleanliness, and presentation across all locations.
• Vendor & Cost Management: Maintain relationships with premium purveyors and manage food and labor costs to meet financial targets.
• Collaborate Cross-Functionally: Work closely with ownership, front-of-house leadership, and marketing to deliver an exceptional and cohesive guest experience.
• Strategic Expansion: Play a pivotal role in scaling the culinary program for future restaurant openings throughout the 550 Madison development.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 10 years of progressive culinary leadership experience, including executive chef or culinary director roles.
• Background in high-end, fine dining or upscale restaurant groups, with multi-unit oversight strongly preferred.
• Strong pre-opening experience, including BOH design collaboration and kitchen launch execution.
• Proven track record of team building, cost control, vendor negotiation, and culinary innovation.
• Clear, confident communicator with a passion for hospitality and design-forward environments.
• NYC market knowledge and experience working in fast-paced, high-expectation urban environments.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Base salary: $150,000–$180,000 depending on experience
• Bonus eligibility
• Comprehensive benefits package
• PTO and paid holidays
• Opportunity to lead one of NYC’s most anticipated restaurant projects