Culinary Director

Job Description

Join our team and make a difference!

Washington DC Department of Corrections is hiring a Culinary Director to oversee our culinary training and retail services.. This role combines culinary creativity, retail management, and community engagement to prepare individuals for successful re-entry through Aramark's In2Work (I2W) program.

COMPENSATION: The salary range for this position is $60,000 to $70,000. If both numbers are the same, that is the amount that Aramark expects to offer. This is Aramark’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation for this position as of the time of posting.

BENEFITS: Aramark offers comprehensive benefit programs and services for eligible employees including medical, dental, vision, and work/life resources. Additional benefits may include retirement savings plans like 401(k) and paid days off such as parental leave and disability coverage. Benefits vary by location and are subject to any legal requirements or limitations, employee eligibility status, and where the employee lives and/or works. For more information about Aramark benefits, click here Aramark Careers - Benefits & Compensation .

There is no predetermined application window for this position, the position will close once a qualified candidate is selected. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable law, including, but not limited to, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the California Fair Chance Act, and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance to the extent that those laws apply to the opportunity. 

Job Responsibilities

Lead and oversee all culinary training and retail food service operations supporting the In2Work (I2W) re‑entry program.

Design, implement, and manage a comprehensive culinary training curriculum that prepares program participants for employment in the food service and hospitality industry.

Supervise daily kitchen and retail operations, ensuring consistent quality, efficiency, and compliance with food safety, sanitation, and Department of Corrections regulations.

Mentor, train, and evaluate program participants, fostering professional skills, confidence, accountability, and job readiness.

Manage inventory, food costs, purchasing, and budgeting to support operational and retail goals while maintaining financial accountability.

Collaborate with Aramark, DOC leadership, and community partners to support workforce development, job placement, and successful re‑entry outcomes.

Develop and maintain retail food service concepts that reflect culinary creativity, customer satisfaction, and market demand.

Ensure compliance with all safety, security, and operational policies within a correctional environment.

Monitor program performance, track outcomes, and prepare reports related to training progress, operational metrics, and participant success

.Serve as a positive ambassador for the I2W program by supporting community engagement initiatives and representing the program professionally.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, Food Service Management, or a related field preferred; equivalent professional experience considered.

Minimum of 5 years of progressive culinary leadership experience, including kitchen management and staff supervision.

Experience in retail food service operations, including menu development, cost control, and customer-focused service models.

Demonstrated ability to train, mentor, and coach individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Strong knowledge of food safety standards, sanitation regulations, and quality assurance practices.

Proven organizational, leadership, and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a structured environment.

Ability to work effectively within a correctional setting, adhering to strict security, safety, and compliance requirements.

Passion for community impact, rehabilitation, and creating pathways to employment through education and skill‑building.

Proficiency in basic business operations, including budgeting, reporting, and performance tracking.ServSafe Certification or ability to obtain within a specified timeframe.

Education

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 .