Director of Culinary Services - Join the Team!

Little Sunshine's Playhouse is a renowned early childhood education provider known for creating engaging and nurturing environments for children. Operating luxury and boutique brand schools, Little Sunshine's Playhouse prides itself on delivering not only exceptional educational experiences but also high-quality services that reflect its brand values. One key aspect that sets Little Sunshine's Playhouse apart is its commitment to offering nutritious, wholesome meals that are both child-friendly and aligned with premium standards. The company is deeply invested in ensuring that every component of a child's day supports healthy development, including food services that are safe, appealing, and integrated into the overall learning atmosphere. The Director of Culinary Services at Little Sunshine's Playhouse holds a crucial leadership role responsible for overseeing all culinary operations across the network of schools. This position is tasked with managing everything from menu creation and food safety protocols to vendor partnerships and chef supervision. The Director ensures that all menus are not only nutritionally balanced and USDA-compliant but also fit the luxurious and boutique identity that the brand represents. Given the sensitive nature of childcare food service, this role emphasizes safety, inclusivity (accommodating allergies and cultural dietary needs), and innovation in menu development. Beyond menu planning, the Director of Culinary Services leads the training and development of culinary staff at all locations, ensuring consistent quality and safety in kitchen practices. They are responsible for establishing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), conducting kitchen audits, and fostering a positive team culture through recognition programs such as Chef of the Month. Collaboration with educational leaders further ensures that mealtime can complement the curriculum, enhancing the holistic learning environment for children. This role suits a candidate with extensive experience in culinary management, particularly in childcare, school, healthcare, or hospitality sectors. The Director's leadership ensures that all aspects of food service reflect Little Sunshine's Playhouse's commitment to excellence, health, safety, and brand integrity while delivering an elevated dining experience for children and families alike. The employment type is full-time, with salary commensurate with experience and responsibilities. The role involves strategic oversight and hands-on management across multiple school kitchens, requiring a leader passionate about child nutrition, culinary excellence, and operational efficiency.

• Degree in culinary arts, nutrition, food service management, or related field preferred
• Five plus years of leadership experience in culinary management preferably in childcare, school, healthcare, or hospitality settings
• Strong knowledge of USDA child nutrition guidelines and food safety standards
• Proven experience in menu development, cost control, and vendor management
• Experience in training, mentoring, and hiring culinary staff across multiple locations
• Excellent organizational, leadership, and communication skills