Culinary Innovation Director

Job Description

As the Culinary Innovation Director at LifeWorks, you will play a pivotal role in driving innovation and excellence in our upscale dining industry. This position will be responsible for leading the culinary development efforts and training initiatives across our portfolio. Your focus will encompass concept development, menu creation, research and development, food presentation, station layout, cost analysis, and training manual development. Additionally, you will be actively involved in the hands-on implementation and rollout of new concepts, ensuring successful execution and adherence tour high-quality standards.

LifeWorks Restaurant Group, an independently operated division of Aramark, designs custom solutions for clients looking to take amenities to the next level. Our team of forward-thinkers look at each opportunity as an experience—not a requirement—and deliver out-of-this world, truly sensory experiences, feeding your company culture. Learn more by visiting
lifeworksrestaurantgroup.com.

COMPENSATION: The salary range for this position ranges from $140,000.00 to $160,000.00, depending on circumstances including an applicant’s skills and qualifications, certain degrees and certifications, prior job experience, market data, and other relevant factors. Additional compensation may include a bonus or commission (if relevant). This is Aramark’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of compensation for this position as of the time of posting.

If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and Aramark reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time AND FOR ANY REASON, including, BUT NOT LIMITED TO for reasons related to individual performance, Aramark or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

For LA County Applicants: Qualified Applicants with arrest or Conviction records will be considered for Employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

Job Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with the Regional Culinary Director's team to identify and prioritize concepts and program updates.
• Lead concept development efforts, working closely with stakeholders to understand their needs and ideate innovative culinary concepts.
• Develop comprehensive menus, recipes, and test recipes to ensure the viability and quality of the concepts.
• Oversee research and development activities to continuously improve and refine culinary offerings.
• Ensure food presentation aligns with our brand standards, focusing on aesthetic appeal and attention to detail.
• Optimize station layouts to enhance operational efficiency and workflow.
• Conduct cost analysis and develop strategic pricing strategies (SRP) to ensure profitability while maintaining competitive market positioning.
• Develop a comprehensive training manual for each new concept, providing clear guidelines and instructions for the team.
• Lead hands-on training sessions, both in the kitchen and in the field, to ensure successful implementation of new concepts.
• Collaborate with the operations team to assess the effectiveness of the new concepts and make necessary adjustments for continuous improvement.
• Stay updated with industry trends, emerging technologies, and culinary innovations to bring fresh and exciting ideas to LifeWorks.

Qualifications

• Requires at least 10 years’ experience and 3-5 years in a management role.
• Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• Proven experience in culinary development, menu creation, and concept ideation in a fine dining or upscale hospitality setting.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and senior management.
• Extensive knowledge of culinary trends, food presentation techniques, and industry best practices.
• Solid understanding of cost analysis, pricing strategies, and financial implications in a culinary environment.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex culinary concepts clearly.
• Demonstrated ability to train and develop culinary teams, ensuring consistent execution of standards.
• Passion for culinary arts, creativity, and a strong commitment to delivering exceptional dining experiences.
• Willingness to travel up to 40%

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About Aramark

Our Mission

Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet.

At Aramark, we believe that every employee should enjoy equal employment opportunity and be free to participate in all aspects of the company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by applicable law.

About Aramark

The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food and facilities in 15 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at http://www.aramarkcareers.com or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.