Whatnot

Culinary Director

Whatnot
Food & Beverages
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 7+ years of culinary leadership experience, preferably in Mediterranean cuisine
  • Culinary degree or extensive formal training required
  • Strong financial acumen with P&L accountability
  • In-depth knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations
  • Proven ability to mentor and lead culinary teams across multiple locations
  • Excellent organization skills for managing priorities in a fast-paced kitchen
  • Collaborative leadership style with strong communication skills
  • Bilingual proficiency is a plus.

Responsibilities

  • Lead menu refinement and seasonal offerings rollout.
  • Set and enforce high standards for food quality and presentation.
  • Oversee and mentor Executive Chefs and kitchen leaders.
  • Collaborate on food cost management and purchasing strategies.
  • Ensure compliance with food safety and health regulations.
  • Drive kitchen efficiency through labor planning and productivity goals.
  • Lead recruitment and training of culinary talent.
  • Analyze food costs and guest feedback for continuous improvement.
  • Support new location openings with training and menu execution.
  • Act as the key culinary liaison with executive leadership.

Benefits

  • Competitive salary
  • Wages paid weekly
  • Growth opportunity
  • 401k savings plans
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Commuter benefits
  • Employee discounts
Full Job Description
Job Type

Full-time

Position Overview:

As Culinary Director, you will provide strategic and hands-on leadership over all operations in New York, shaping the kitchen's vision, standards, and execution. This role oversees menu refinement, recipe consistency, and kitchen leadership across all stations, while partnering with senior leadership to ensure the culinary program reflects Motek's commitment to authentic Mediterranean flavor and quality.

Responsibilities:
  • Lead the refinement and rollout of menus, recipes, and seasonal offerings.
  • Set and enforce standards for food quality, consistency, presentation, and portioning across all stations.
  • Oversee Executive Chefs and kitchen leadership, providing mentorship and accountability.
  • Partner with Operations and ownership on food cost management, purchasing strategy, and vendor relationships.
  • Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations across the kitchen.
  • Drive kitchen efficiency through labor planning, staffing structure, and productivity goals.
  • Lead recruitment, training, and development of culinary talent.
  • Analyze food costs, waste, and guest feedback to identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Support new location openings, including kitchen setup, menu rollout, and team training.
  • Serve as the key culinary point of contact between kitchen teams and executive leadership.

Benefits:
  • Competitive salary.
  • Wages paid weekly.
  • Growth opportunity.
  • 401k savings plans.
  • Medical, dental and vision insurance.
  • Paid time off.
  • Commuter benefits.
  • Employee discounts.


Requirements

  • Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive culinary leadership experience, including multi-unit or high-volume kitchen oversight as a Culinary Director or similar role; Mediterranean cuisine experience strongly preferred.
  • Culinary degree or extensive formal culinary training required.
  • Strong financial acumen, including experience with food cost management and P&L accountability.
  • Deep knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations.
  • Ability to lead, mentor, and hold culinary teams accountable across multiple stations and locations.
  • Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong communicator with a collaborative, team-oriented leadership style.
  • Bilingual proficiency is a plus.


Salary Description

up to $200,000

About Whatnot

Whatnot is a Los Angeles-based startup that creates a place where avid collectors could come together over shared interests. Whatnot is a marketplace to buy and sell authentic collectible items. Whatnot was founded in 2019, in California.

Whatnot Careers

Joining Whatnot presents an unparalleled opportunity to become part of a leading team in the marketplace, where innovation meets diversity and professional growth. Whatnot is renowned for its unique culture that fosters leadership and promotes career advancement through continuous learning and development.

Explore Job Opportunities

Whatnot is actively seeking talented individuals who are eager to drive innovation and lead in a dynamic environment. The company offers a variety of job opportunities that cater to professionals looking to make a significant impact in their fields. With positions ranging from technology to marketing, Whatnot ensures that every team member’s skills are harnessed effectively.

Experience Professional Growth

At Whatnot, growth is not just a possibility—it is an expectation. The company is committed to the professional development of its employees through robust training programs, including leadership development and diversity training. These initiatives are designed to enhance skills and prepare individuals for future challenges and opportunities.

Engage in Meaningful Work

Every position at Whatnot is designed to challenge team members while contributing to the company’s overarching goals of innovation and service excellence. Employees are encouraged to take ownership of their projects and drive results that influence the company’s trajectory and success.

Internship Programs

For those starting their career journey, Whatnot offers internship programs that provide a comprehensive learning experience. Interns at Whatnot gain hands-on experience, working alongside seasoned professionals and participating in projects that offer real-world applications of their studies.

Benefits and Culture

Whatnot is dedicated to supporting its team members not only in their professional lives but also in their personal growth and well-being. The company offers competitive benefits packages that address health, financial security, and work-life balance. Whatnot’s culture is built on a foundation of respect and inclusion, where diversity is celebrated and every voice is heard.

Join the Team

Whatnot is hiring! Explore open positions that match your skills and interests. The company values curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. Prepare your resume and ready yourself for an interview where you can showcase your abilities and fit for the team.

Networking and Career Advancement

Whatnot believes in the power of networking to unlock new opportunities and insights. Employees are encouraged to engage with industry leaders and peers through various professional networking events sponsored by the company. These connections can lead to innovative ideas and collaborations that propel both personal and company growth.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest from Whatnot by following the company’s career blog. Gain insider perspectives, career tips, and industry-leading insights that you can apply to your professional life. Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts and the latest news tailored to your preferences.

Discover Whatnot

Whatnot invites you to explore the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await. Join a team where your career aspirations can be realized through dedication, hard work, and a commitment to excellence.
Learn more about Whatnot
Size
251 employees
Industry

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