Culinary Director

Aramark is a global leader in food, facilities, and uniform services, proudly serving millions of guests every day across 15 countries. Rooted in a strong service-driven culture, Aramark is committed to positively impacting communities, partners, employees, and the planet through dedicated and innovative solutions. With a focus on professional development and growth, Aramark offers diverse career opportunities that fuel passions, harness talents, and empower employees to reach their full potential. As a company, Aramark champions inclusivity, equal employment opportunity, and a vibrant work environment where every voice is valued. The organization embraces diversity and prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The Washington DC Department of Corrections has partnered with Aramark to enhance the In2Work (I2W) program, which aims to prepare individuals for successful re-entry into the workforce through culinary training and retail services. Aramark is seeking a dedicated Culinary Director to oversee all facets of the culinary training and retail food service operations connected to the I2W program. This full-time position offers a competitive salary range between $60,000 and $70,000. The role requires a balance of culinary creativity, operational leadership, community engagement, and teaching, making it ideal for leaders passionate about making a real community impact while advancing their professional culinary career.

As Culinary Director, the successful candidate will design, implement, and manage a comprehensive culinary training curriculum that equips program participants with the skills and knowledge necessary for employment in food service and hospitality. The role includes supervising daily kitchen and retail operations to maintain high standards of food quality, safety, sanitation, and compliance with Department of Corrections regulations. The Culinary Director will mentor and evaluate participants, fostering job readiness and professional growth, while also managing inventory, food costs, purchasing, and budgeting to support operational goals.

Collaboration is integral to the position, working closely with Aramark colleagues, DOC leadership, and community partners to enhance workforce development and promote initiatives that lead to successful participant re-entry outcomes. The role also involves developing innovative retail food service concepts that meet customer needs and market demand, ensuring compliance with safety, security, and operational policies within a correctional environment.

Tracking program performance, preparing reports on training progress and operational metrics, and serving as a positive ambassador for the I2W program by supporting community engagement are also key responsibilities. Aramark values a passion for rehabilitation and creating meaningful pathways to employment through education and skill-building, making this role a unique opportunity for culinary leaders committed to social impact.

This position offers comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) retirement savings plans, paid parental leave, disability coverage, and additional work/life resources. Benefits eligibility varies by location and individual employee status. Aramark encourages applications from qualified individuals, including those with arrest or conviction records, consistent with applicable fair chance laws. The hiring process will remain open until a qualified candidate is selected, emphasizing Aramark's commitment to equal opportunity and diversity in the workforce.