Director of Culinary and Retail

Job Description

The Director of Culinary and Retail provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for culinary and retail programs within Aramark’s SeniorLIFE+ line of business. This role develops and implements innovative culinary and retail strategies designed to enhance customer experience, strengthen client relationships, and maximize revenue growth and profitability. The Director partners closely with cross-functional teams to drive program adoption, establish standards and training, and deliver consistent value across communities.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide culinary leadership across the line of business (LOB), including dotted-line oversight of regional culinary leaders
• Drive adoption and execution of Aramark culinary and retail programs across SeniorLIFE+
• Partner with the Growth team to support the sales process, particularly in developing tailored solutions and proposals
• Build strong client engagement through regular interaction, collaboration, and innovation
• Support retention strategies by ensuring culinary and retail excellence that aligns with client expectations and customer needs
• Foster relationships with business partners to promote ideation, collaboration, and alignment on LOB initiatives
• Collaborate with Operational Excellence (OpX) team members to execute customer-focused initiatives.
• Partner with Menu Enablement and Procurement leaders to align purchasing strategies with culinary and retail program objectives
• Develop, implement, and maintain core culinary and retail standards, including training programs, resources, and measurement tools
• Identify, design, and roll out retail programs and concepts specific to SeniorLIFE+, including new program development as needed
• Establish and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for culinary and retail programs, ensuring consistent execution and compliance

Qualifications

• 10-12+ years of experience in Hospitality Management, Food & Beverage, Contract Food Services
• Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent work experience
• Proven leadership experience in culinary program management, menu innovation, or retail dining operations (senior living, healthcare, or hospitality experience preferred)
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement culinary and retail strategies that drive consumer engagement, revenue growth, and profitability
• Strong project management and cross-functional leadership skills with the ability to influence at multiple organizational levels
• Experience working in a matrixed environment a plus
• Excellent client engagement, communication, and presentation skills
• Ability to balance strategic vision with practical execution

Education

Minimum 10 years experience

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 or connect with us on Facebook , Instagram and Twitter .