Culinary Lead @ Client

Culinary Lead @Client - Pan India (Compass Group)

About the Role

We are looking for a passionate and dynamic Culinary Lead to oversee culinary operations at the client location, driving food innovation, operational excellence, and an exceptional guest experience. The role requires a strong leader who can collaborate with culinary teams, clients, and operational stakeholders to deliver high-quality food programs while ensuring consistency, sustainability, and cost efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Operations & Menu Development

• Lead menu planning and development aligned with regional preferences, culinary trends, and brand standards.
• Ensure consistency in taste, presentation, portioning, and quality across all food offerings.
• Continuously evaluate and refresh menus based on customer feedback, seasonal ingredients, and market trends.
• Plan and cost weekly menus, special events, and hospitality requirements while maintaining budgeted food costs.

Client & Business Management

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with clients and key stakeholders.
• Support unit sales promotions and identify opportunities to drive additional revenue streams.
• Partner with operational leaders to implement innovative culinary ideas and improve customer satisfaction.
• Participate in client presentations, menu showcases, and mobilization activities for new and existing sites.

Operational Excellence

• Ensure adherence to food safety, sourcing compliance, portion control, and waste reduction standards.
• Optimize kitchen workflows, staffing, and resource utilization to improve productivity and service efficiency.
• Support procurement processes and vendor relationships to ensure timely sourcing of quality ingredients and supplies.
• Conduct regular audits and implement timely corrective actions and operational improvements.

Innovation & Projects

• Drive culinary innovation through modern techniques, automation, cook-chill systems, and sustainable food practices.
• Support project management activities for new kitchen/CPU setups including equipment planning and operational readiness.
• Identify category gaps, emerging food trends, and process enhancements to improve overall dining experiences.

Training & Team Development

• Mentor, train, and guide chefs and kitchen teams to enhance culinary skills and operational capabilities.
• Conduct culinary workshops, demonstrations, and knowledge-sharing sessions on best practices and innovations.
• Foster a culture of creativity, continuous learning, collaboration, and accountability within culinary teams.

Desired Candidate Profile

• Proven experience of 15plus years in culinary leadership, multi-site kitchen operations, or food service management.
• Strong knowledge of menu engineering, food costing, kitchen operations, and procurement practices.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Passion for culinary innovation, sustainability, and customer-centric food experiences.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Why Join Us?

Join a team that values culinary creativity, operational excellence, and innovation while offering opportunities to shape memorable dining experiences across diverse client environments.