Director of Culinary Operations

Restaurant Associates is a highly respected dining and event catering company known for providing exceptional culinary experiences to some of the nation’s most prestigious museums, performing arts centers, and corporate clients. As part of Compass Group USA, a global leader in foodservice management, Restaurant Associates has earned recognition including the Glassdoor Employee Choice Awards for Best Places to Work. With a commitment to culinary excellence, sustainability, and community engagement, the company offers innovative dining solutions tailored to diverse, high-profile environments. Their reputation as an industry leader is built on a foundation of exceptional service, creative menu development, and strategic partnerships with clients such as Google. This collaborative approach ensures that each dining experience not only delights guests but also aligns with corporate values and environmental responsibility.

The Director of Culinary Operations role at Restaurant Associates is based in New York City and is a senior leadership position with an annual salary range of $190,000 to $200,000, plus potential annual bonuses. This role requires an experienced culinary executive to act as the visionary leader responsible for the strategic direction, operational excellence, and cultural alignment of the Food@Google program across the Americas region. The Director bridges the gap between high-level food philosophy and large-scale operational execution, ensuring every meal served reflects Google’s commitment to well-being, sustainability, and community. This position oversees a multi-million dollar culinary ecosystem consisting of hundreds of cafes and micro-kitchens, driving innovation in user experience, maintaining fiscal responsibility, and developing world-class culinary talent.

Key responsibilities include translating global culinary strategies into regional actions that embed values of choice, health, community, and sustainability at every site, while also managing the operational governance and brand consistency across diverse locations. The Director serves as the primary culinary liaison with Google’s Real Estate & Workplace Services and senior leadership, aligning food programs with corporate objectives while respecting local cultural nuances.

Additionally, the role emphasizes talent development through recruitment, mentorship, and retention of a diverse culinary team, alongside establishing a strong culture of food safety and compliance with all health regulations. Sustainability initiatives are another critical focus, with goals aligned to Google’s 2030 carbon reduction and waste mitigation targets. This includes responsible procurement practices and menu innovation emphasizing plant-forward dishes.

The Director also leads user experience and innovation efforts, leveraging behavioral design to make healthy choices more accessible, fostering a sense of community through food, and maintaining close fiscal oversight with P&L accountability. Utilizing data-driven approaches, the Director drives continuous menu improvements and manages vendor partnerships to ensure premium quality delivered within budget. This full-time role expects 25-30% travel within the Americas region to support and oversee operations and maintain strong client relationships.

Overall, the Director of Culinary Operations at Restaurant Associates offers a unique opportunity for a seasoned culinary leader passionate about combining operational excellence with sustainability and innovation in one of the most dynamic foodservice environments. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial culture and is committed to delivering unparalleled culinary experiences that promote well-being and community through food.