Director of Culinary - (Expired Job)

Idle Hour Country Club, located in Lexington, Kentucky, is a prestigious private, member-owned club established in 1946. Renowned for its rich tradition, warm hospitality, and a vibrant multi-generational community, Idle Hour Country Club embodies a unique blend of history and luxury. With a focus on providing an exceptional member experience across all facets of club life, it stands as a leading destination in the private club sector. The club is currently undergoing a significant transformation which includes a major kitchen renovation, aimed at elevating its culinary offerings and dining experiences to new heights.\n\nThe Director of Culinary at Idle Hour Country Club is a pivotal executive role that combines culinary expertise with strategic leadership. Reporting directly to the Clubhouse Manager and the General Manager / COO, this position is the senior culinary authority within the club and serves as the architect of the club's culinary systems and standards. Unlike line chef roles, this position emphasizes leadership, system design, and long-term continuity rather than daily kitchen operations. The Director of Culinary works closely with the Executive Chef, Food and Beverage leadership, and senior club management to develop, implement, and sustain culinary operating frameworks that guarantee consistency, quality, and timeliness across all culinary venues.\n\nThis role is integral during the club's renovation phase, requiring the design and oversight of interim operational models that ensure smooth kitchen operations, menu tiering, and service continuity amidst construction activities. Additionally, the Director of Culinary is responsible for mentoring culinary leadership including the Executive Chef and Sous Chefs, fostering professional development, and building a strong pipeline for future leadership succession. This leader is expected to maintain rigorous quality control and substitution standards, promote recipe standardization, plating consistency, and support signature dining events such as tastings and special culinary programming.\n\nFinancial and operational stewardship is another core function of the role, involving strategic oversight of food costs, labor management, waste reduction, budgeting, purchasing strategies, and inventory controls. The Director also plays a key role in cross-departmental collaboration with front-of-house management, events, and membership teams to ensure the pacing and delivery of food services align with overall club standards and member expectations. By analyzing dining experience feedback, this executive ensures corrective actions are implemented to continuously elevate service quality.\n\nIdeal candidates for this role are system thinkers who excel in creating sustainable culinary operations rather than just overseeing day-to-day shifts. They are strong leadership developers who balance calm decisiveness with a commitment to lasting impact. The position offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, an annual performance bonus based on key performance indicators, a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision coverage, and a 401(k) plan. Additionally, relocation assistance and support for continuing education and professional development are available. The Director of Culinary role at Idle Hour is a unique opportunity for seasoned culinary executives seeking to contribute to a distinguished institution while leading innovative culinary transformation.