Culinary Programming Manager

Job Summary

Restaurant Associates is seeking an agile and confident Culinary Programming Manager to manage projects in support of the client food program. This individual will help build and support the infrastructure of a centralized culinary program, work with Smart Menus, and both build and utilize reporting to analyze data and implement changes across the food program's cafés. Reporting to the Director of Culinary Programs & Development, the Culinary Programming Manager is a proactive and creative problem-solver who can develop efficient systems, automate processes, and translate culinary expertise into scalable program solutions across R/A.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities and Scope:

Program Management & Operational Leadership

• Gather and analyze data to establish key performance benchmarks
• Draft comprehensive proposals and business cases for new initiatives
• Validate program proposals through data-driven insights and impact metrics
• Develop structured project plans utilizing RACI frameworks to define governance and accountability
• Manage multiple concurrent projects using standardized tracking tools, proactively identifying and mitigating risks or roadblocks
• Balance a "guest-first" hospitality focus with strict operational and financial rigor
• Engage effectively with key internal stakeholders and clients to ensure alignment
• Lead change management efforts seamlessly across diverse teams

Program Development

• Support roll out of new Smart Menu (and future menu management system)
• Analyze current programs using current tools (Ex. Smart Menu)
• Work with team to develop annual culinary plan 
• Support further development of Smart Menu in Google sheets, that will further enable menu engineering and reporting
• Work closely with culinary SMEs to document successful programs and innovation, translating them into scalable programs
• Standardize and archive all validated recipes and menu concepts within the core database
• Document standard operating procedures using relevant tools (documents, presentations, photos, videos)
• Identify opportunities for new programs
• Create and present recommendations for new programs, supporting with user experience and financial data, trend analysis and draft menus

Experience and Qualifications: 

• Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of experience across culinary, foodservice, business, or related fields
• Completed degree is preferred, or equivalent professional experience.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred but not required for this role.
• Strong technical proficiency in Google Suite tools (Sheets, Docs, and Slides)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present to internal stakeholders and provide clear executive direction.
• High-level of culinary execution, experience, and/or interest
• Strong time management skills with the ability to meet tight deadlines and pivot/prioritize when needed
• Ability to automate processes
• Analytical mindset with creative problem-solving ability

Preferred Interpersonal Skills:

• Positive: “yes” mentality
• Proactive: ability to take ownership and be proactive
• Humble: ability to be a good listener, be open minded, consider others, and compliment before criticizing
• Helpful: asking what else can be done and offering constructive feedback
• Creative: ability to leverage creativity in the kitchen (new dishes) and at 10,000 feet (engineering solutions)
• Agency: ability to come up with creative ways to utilize AI and find areas of improvement and efficiency
• Owning Growth: solicit opportunities to learn, grow, and receive feedback