Director of Culinary Operations in Chattanooga, Tennessee at Tailwind Deli News & Gifts Inc

About the Role

Tailwind Concessions is seeking an experienced and innovative Director of Culinary Operations to lead culinary strategy, menu development, food cost management, and operational execution across our portfolio of airport restaurant concepts.

In addition to base compensation, this position is eligible for performance-based bonus opportunities tied to the overall revenue growth and financial performance of the catering program.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain Kitchen Manuals and How-To Guides by location, including recipes, plating standards, and photos.
• Enforce compliance with culinary standards and operational procedures.
• Update Food Supplier and costing sheets monthly.
• Review waste sheets weekly and implement corrective action plans.
• Create portion control standards and conduct random compliance audits.
• Develop new menus, menu items, and pricing strategies.
• Create and manage monthly specials and annual promotional calendars.
• Lead monthly manager contests for new menu item creation and implementation.
• Conduct weekly PMIX reviews and replace underperforming menu items.
• Review monthly prepared food inventories and identify improvement opportunities.
• Maintain and update the Menu Matrix and provide monthly reporting.
• Develop schedules for menu refreshes and product rotations by location.
• Participate in monthly Prepared Food COGS reviews and develop action plans.
• Partner with suppliers to improve pricing and sourcing opportunities.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of multi-unit culinary leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of food costing, menu engineering, and inventory management.
• Experience developing SOPs, recipes, and training programs.
• Ability to analyze PMIX reports and financial performance metrics.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to travel regularly to support locations nationwide.

Success Measures

• Improved food quality and consistency.
• Reduced waste and improved food cost performance.
• Successful menu innovation and promotional programs.
• Increased profitability through effective menu management.
• Standardized culinary execution across all locations.

Mental Effort

• Requires strategic thinking, complex problem solving, and executive-level decision making.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and operational challenges across a multi-location organization.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen to evaluate performance, drive improvements, and support growth initiatives.
• Continuous focus on planning, operational oversight, and organizational leadership.

Work Environment

• Fast-paced, multi-location hospitality environment supporting catering and airport concession operations across multiple states.
• Combination of corporate office work and frequent travel to operational locations.
• Regular collaboration with executive leadership, operations teams, and external partners.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond to operational needs as they arise.

Benefits

• PTO
• Paid training
• 401k with company matching
• Health, Dental and Vision offered to Full time employees

Tailwind Concessions is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information. We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you require any accommodations during the application process, please contact our HR department.