Culinary Manager, United States

World Central Kitchen (WCK) is a renowned nonprofit organization dedicated to providing fresh meals to communities impacted by natural disasters, humanitarian crises, and other emergencies. Founded by chef José Andrés, WCK has gained global recognition for its innovative approach to disaster relief by deploying emergency food services rapidly to affected areas. The organization collaborates with local chefs, food vendors, and volunteers to deliver nourishing and comforting meals, promoting dignity and respect for those in need. WCK operates with a strong commitment to inclusivity, cultural sensitivity, and sustainability, ensuring that each response is tailored to the unique needs of the affected community.

This role is a critical opportunity to join WCK as a Culinary Manager, a seasoned and innovative chef and leader responsible for managing culinary operations in disaster zones. As a Culinary Manager, you will lead the preparation and delivery of culturally appropriate meals to disaster-affected populations, often in challenging, rapidly evolving environments. This two-year term exempt position offers a salary range between $80,000 and $100,000 USD depending on experience, with potential for renewal. The role requires the ability to travel quickly and work in austere conditions, frequently operating in remote locations with limited infrastructure.

As the Culinary Manager, you will oversee high-volume food production kitchens operated by locally led teams, ensuring quality, safety, and timeliness of meal delivery. You will develop rotating menus adapted to regional tastes and ingredient availability, coordinate closely with procurement and logistics teams, and uphold WCK’s North Star values of compassion, accountability, and collaboration. Your leadership is essential in recruiting, training, and mentoring culinary staff, including Response Corps members and local hires, fostering a culture of urgency, adaptability, and continuous improvement.

In this fast-paced and dynamic role, you will play a pivotal role in activating and managing WCK’s disaster response operations. Your responsibilities include mobilizing within four hours’ notice, managing multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring smooth transitions during activation phases. You will also build and maintain strong relationships with local communities, partner organizations, and stakeholders, representing WCK and promoting its mission on the ground.

This position is based in North America with preferred locations including Northeast U.S., California, Florida, and Texas, requiring proximity to an international airport. The Culinary Manager must be physically fit, adaptable, and culturally aware, with exceptional crisis management capabilities and leadership skills. Fluency in English is required, and additional language skills such as Spanish, French, or Portuguese are highly valued.

Joining WCK means becoming part of a global team committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of people impacted by crises. You will contribute to delivering hope and essential aid through your culinary expertise and leadership. If you are passionate about leveraging food as a tool for relief and empowerment, and thrive in challenging environments, this role offers a unique chance to grow professionally while serving communities in urgent need.