Culinary director
Pubblicato il 24-08-2026 - Compass Group Italia in Milano
PCompass Group Italia is seeking an experienced and commercially minded Culinary Director to lead the culinary strategy across the business. /ppThis role is responsible for developing and delivering a market-leading food proposition that drives consumer satisfaction, client value, business growth and operational performance. The Culinary Director will establish compelling food offers, embed culinary excellence and ensure consistent execution across all sectors and locations. /ppWorking closely with Operations, Commercial, Procurement and Marketing teams, the Culinary Director will use culinary innovation, consumer insight and business acumen to strengthen client retention, support new business growth and improve profitability. /ppThe role will also be responsible for developing culinary talent, driving menu and recipe compliance, promoting sustainability and ensuring that food quality, food safety and operational standards are consistently achieved across the business. /pulliDevelop and deliver the culinary strategy for Compass Group Italia, aligned to business objectives and growth ambitions. /liliCreate innovative, relevant and scalable food concepts that enhance consumer satisfaction and differentiate Compass in the market. /liliEnsure food quality, presentation and culinary execution consistently meet company and client expectations. /liliDrive excellence in nutrition, sustainability, food safety and responsible sourcing across all food programmes. /liliSupport business growth and client retention through culinary leadership, customer engagement and innovative food solutions. /liliParticipate in client presentations, tenders and retention activities to demonstrate Compass Group's culinary capability. /liliWork closely with Commercial and Marketing teams to strengthen the value proposition and create competitive advantage.
/liliTranslate consumer insights and market trends into commercially successful food offers. /liliAct as a key ambassador for the Compass Group Italia food proposition, building relationships with clients, industry partners and the wider culinary community to support growth and brand reputation. /liliDrive consistency in the execution of menus, recipes and food programmes across all locations. /liliEnsure compliance with approved menus, recipes, purchasing standards and food production procedures. /liliPartner with operational leaders to improve food quality, productivity and consumer satisfaction. /liliUse data and performance insights to improve food cost management, reduce waste and optimise profitability. /liliEstablish culinary standards and governance processes that support operational excellence throughout the business. /liliWork in partnership with Procurement teams to optimise sourcing strategies and maximise value from supplier partnerships. /liliEnsure culinary standards support purchasing compliance and category management objectives. /liliEmbed sustainability commitments into food programmes, menu development and operational practices. /liliDrive initiatives that reduce food waste and improve resource efficiency. /liliBuild, develop and inspire a high-performing culinary team across Italy. /liliCreate succession plans and talent development programmes for key culinary roles. /liliCoach and mentor chefs and culinary leaders to strengthen capability and support career progression. /liliFoster a culture of innovation, accountability,
collaboration and continuous improvement. /liliStrong commercial mindset with a clear understanding of business performance drivers. /liliPassion for food quality, innovation, sustainability and consumer experience. /liliStrategic thinker capable of translating market opportunities into practical business solutions. /liliExcellent communication, presentation and influencing skills. /liliStrong analytical capability with the ability to use data to improve performance and profitability. /liliProven ability to lead change and deliver results across complex multi-site operations. /liliCollaborative leadership style with the ability to build strong cross-functional partnerships. /liliHighly organised with strong prioritisation and project management skills. /liliSignificant senior culinary leadership experience within foodservice, hospitality or contract catering. /liliProven experience developing and implementing successful food strategies across multiple locations. /liliStrong commercial awareness with experience supporting business growth, profitability and client retention. /liliExperience creating innovative and scalable food concepts. /liliDemonstrated success developing and leading high-performing culinary teams. /liliStrong knowledge of procurement, food safety, nutrition and sustainability principles. /liliExperience using data, consumer insights and operational performance metrics to drive improvement. /liliExcellent stakeholder management, presentation and influencing skills. /liliGross annual salary (RAL) between €50,000 and €60,000 over 14 monthly instalments; annual MBO premio and company car. /liliIntegration into a solid, structured international company, with a concrete commercial project with high development potential. /liliProfessional growth opportunity in a strategic, newly created role. /li /ul #J-18808-Ljbffr