Food Service Director Jobs in California
Food Service Director jobs in California concentrate in K-12 school districts, university dining, healthcare systems, and contract food management, with demand at every level from site-level director to regional operations leader. Most of the hiring activity is in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where large organizations like the Los Angeles Unified School District, Compass Group, and Sodexo maintain ongoing operations. The most in-demand specialties are clinical nutrition management, multi-unit contract dining, and school nutrition program compliance. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 17+ Food Service Director jobs
Summary
At Hyatt, we believe our guests select Hyatt because of our caring and attentive associates who are focused on providing efficient service and meaningful experiences.
At Alila Napa Valley, we believe the exceptional hospitality is built through genuine care, thoughtful attention to detail, and highly personal experiences. As a luxury resort in the heart of Napa Valley, we are seeking an experienced and passionate Assistant Director of Food & Beverage to help lead the resort's complete Food & Beverage operation. Reporting directly to the Director of Food & Beverage, the Assistant Director plays a key leadership role in the oversight and direction of all Food & Beverage operations. This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership position responsible for supporting the overall performance of the Food & Beverage department, including service excellence, operations, colleague development, financial performance, staffing, training, and guest satisfaction.
While the assistant Director supports and helps oversee the entire Food & Beverage operation, this position will primarily work PM shifts, with Violetto, our fine dining restaurant, serving as the primary operational focus. The Assistant Director is expected to maintain a strong presence on the restaurant floor and provide consistent leadership throughout evening operations across the resort. A central responsibility of this position is developing and maintaining a culture of excellence. The Assistant Director will partner with the Director of Food & Beverage and Culinary leadership to uphold and execute Forbes Five-Star Service standards across Food & Beverage while supporting Michelin-level dining experiences at Violetto.
The salary range Alila Napa Valley reasonably expects to pay for this position is $85,000 to $100,000 annually based on luxury resort and experience level in Food & Beverage. Decisions regarding individual salaries will be based on a number of factors including experience, and education.
Why Work with Us:
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Paid time off from date of hire
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 12 free nights at Hyatt Hotels worldwide + colleague rates
- $1,000 annual wellness/reimbursement
- A unique opportunity to lead in a Forbes-rated luxury setting with a close-knit, passionate team
Responsibilities include but not limited to:
Food & Beverage Leadership & Operations
- Support the Director of Food & Beverage in the overall leadership, planning, directionn, and management of all Food & Beverage operations throughout Alila Napa Valley.
- Help oversee and lead Violetto, Salvia Terrace & Bar, in-room dining, banquets and events, private diningm and other Food & Beverage operations.
- Maintain a highly visible, hands-on presence throughout daily operations, primarily during PM shifts.
- Partner closely with Culinary leadership to ensure alignment between food & beverage service, timing, presentation, and overall guest experience.
- Coordinate Food & Beverage operations with Culinary, Events, Sales, Rooms, Engineering, Finance, and other resort departments to maintain effective communication and ensure seamless execution.
Luxury Service & Guest Experience
- Uphold and execute Forbes Five-Star service standards across all Food & Beverage experiences and support Michelin-level dining experiences in Violetto.
- Establish a strong culture of personalized, attentive, knowledgeable, and anticipatory service.
- Translate luxury service expectations into clear, consistent, and actionable standards for managers, supervisors, and service colleagues.
- Maintain a strong floor presence, actively observing service execution, guest engagement, pacing, presentation, and attention to detail.
- Lead by example, consistently modeling professionalism, urgency, composure, attention to detail, and genuine care for guests and colleagues.
- Conduct regular table touches and build meaningful connections with guests while remaining attentive to individual preferences and opportunities to personalize the experience.
- Recognize guest concerns and service-recovery opportunities to ensure they are addressed promptly, thoughtfully, and professionally.
- Review guest feedback and operational observations to identify opportunities to continuously improve the Food & Beverage spaces.
Fine Dining Leadership
- Support continued refinement of the Violetto experience with an emphasis on precision, personalization, storytelling, food and wine knowledge, and attention to detail.
- Lead pre-shift meetings and service briefings that prepare the team for menus, wine pairings, VIP guests, dietary considerations, special occasions, and anticipated service needs.
- Maintain strong knowledge of Violetto's menus, ingredients, preparation techniques, wine program, pairings, spirits, and other beverage offerings.
- Identify opportunities to further elevate Violetto's service experience and overall positioning within Napa Valley's luxury dining landscape.
Team Leadership, Training & Development
- Lead, coach, mentor, and develop Food & Beverage managers, supervisors, and colleagues by fostering a culture of accountability, professionalism, collaboration, continuous improvement, and genuine hospitality.
- Establish clear expectations and provide consistent in-the-moment coaching regarding service standards and operational procedures.
- Participate in recruitment, interviewing, selection, onboarding, training, and development of Food & Beverage colleagues and leaders.
- Support performance management, colleague development plans, coaching, counseling, and performance reviews.
- Develop and support ongoing training focused on service standards, food knowledge, wine and beverage education, guest recognition, service recovery, and luxury hospitality.
Financial & Administrative Leadership
- Partner with the Director of Food & Beverage on departmental budgeting, monitoring revenue, forecasting, labor management, payroll, cost control, inventory, and overall financial performance.
- Identify opportunities to imrove revenue, productivity, profitability, and cost management without compromising the guest experience.
- Support the development and implementation of Food & Beverage sales, marketing, programming, and revenue-driving initiatives.
- Complete and review operational reports, forecasts, inventories, payroll information, and other departmental administrative responsibilities.
Qualifications
- 3-5 years or more of progressive hotel Food & Beverage experience (preferably within Hyatt)
- Service oriented style with professional presentation skills
- Proven leadership skills
- Hotel/Hospitality degree is a plus
- Must possess the following strengths: high energy, entrepreneurial spirit, motivational leader, proven track record in high volume concept, effective communicator, effective in providing exceptional customer service and ability to improve the bottom line
- Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills
- Must be proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel
- Must have excellent organizational, interpersonal, and administrative skills
- Experience implementing new F&B concepts
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
- Must be able to lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds
- Must be available to work on weekends, holidays, and evenings as required
Be a part of a team committed to delivering personalized, elevated service in one of Napa Valley's most serene and sophisticated destinations. Hyatt associates work in an environment that demands exceptional performance yet reaps great rewards. Whether it is career opportunities, job enrichment, or a supportive work environment, if you are ready for this challenge, then we are ready for you.
Summary
At Hyatt, we believe our guests select Hyatt because of our caring and attentive associates who are focused on providing efficient service and meaningful experiences.
At Alila Napa Valley, we believe the exceptional hospitality is built through genuine care, thoughtful attention to detail, and highly personal experiences. As a luxury resort in the heart of Napa Valley, we are seeking an experienced and passionate Assistant Director of Food & Beverage to help lead the resort's complete Food & Beverage operation. Reporting directly to the Director of Food & Beverage, the Assistant Director plays a key leadership role in the oversight and direction of all Food & Beverage operations. This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership position responsible for supporting the overall performance of the Food & Beverage department, including service excellence, operations, colleague development, financial performance, staffing, training, and guest satisfaction.
While the assistant Director supports and helps oversee the entire Food & Beverage operation, this position will primarily work PM shifts, with Violetto, our fine dining restaurant, serving as the primary operational focus. The Assistant Director is expected to maintain a strong presence on the restaurant floor and provide consistent leadership throughout evening operations across the resort. A central responsibility of this position is developing and maintaining a culture of excellence. The Assistant Director will partner with the Director of Food & Beverage and Culinary leadership to uphold and execute Forbes Five-Star Service standards across Food & Beverage while supporting Michelin-level dining experiences at Violetto.
The salary range Alila Napa Valley reasonably expects to pay for this position is $85,000 to $100,000 annually based on luxury resort and experience level in Food & Beverage. Decisions regarding individual salaries will be based on a number of factors including experience, and education.
Why Work with Us:
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Paid time off from date of hire
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 12 free nights at Hyatt Hotels worldwide + colleague rates
- $1,000 annual wellness/reimbursement
- A unique opportunity to lead in a Forbes-rated luxury setting with a close-knit, passionate team
Responsibilities include but not limited to:
Food & Beverage Leadership & Operations
- Support the Director of Food & Beverage in the overall leadership, planning, directionn, and management of all Food & Beverage operations throughout Alila Napa Valley.
- Help oversee and lead Violetto, Salvia Terrace & Bar, in-room dining, banquets and events, private diningm and other Food & Beverage operations.
- Maintain a highly visible, hands-on presence throughout daily operations, primarily during PM shifts.
- Partner closely with Culinary leadership to ensure alignment between food & beverage service, timing, presentation, and overall guest experience.
- Coordinate Food & Beverage operations with Culinary, Events, Sales, Rooms, Engineering, Finance, and other resort departments to maintain effective communication and ensure seamless execution.
Luxury Service & Guest Experience
- Uphold and execute Forbes Five-Star service standards across all Food & Beverage experiences and support Michelin-level dining experiences in Violetto.
- Establish a strong culture of personalized, attentive, knowledgeable, and anticipatory service.
- Translate luxury service expectations into clear, consistent, and actionable standards for managers, supervisors, and service colleagues.
- Maintain a strong floor presence, actively observing service execution, guest engagement, pacing, presentation, and attention to detail.
- Lead by example, consistently modeling professionalism, urgency, composure, attention to detail, and genuine care for guests and colleagues.
- Conduct regular table touches and build meaningful connections with guests while remaining attentive to individual preferences and opportunities to personalize the experience.
- Recognize guest concerns and service-recovery opportunities to ensure they are addressed promptly, thoughtfully, and professionally.
- Review guest feedback and operational observations to identify opportunities to continuously improve the Food & Beverage spaces.
Fine Dining Leadership
- Support continued refinement of the Violetto experience with an emphasis on precision, personalization, storytelling, food and wine knowledge, and attention to detail.
- Lead pre-shift meetings and service briefings that prepare the team for menus, wine pairings, VIP guests, dietary considerations, special occasions, and anticipated service needs.
- Maintain strong knowledge of Violetto's menus, ingredients, preparation techniques, wine program, pairings, spirits, and other beverage offerings.
- Identify opportunities to further elevate Violetto's service experience and overall positioning within Napa Valley's luxury dining landscape.
Team Leadership, Training & Development
- Lead, coach, mentor, and develop Food & Beverage managers, supervisors, and colleagues by fostering a culture of accountability, professionalism, collaboration, continuous improvement, and genuine hospitality.
- Establish clear expectations and provide consistent in-the-moment coaching regarding service standards and operational procedures.
- Participate in recruitment, interviewing, selection, onboarding, training, and development of Food & Beverage colleagues and leaders.
- Support performance management, colleague development plans, coaching, counseling, and performance reviews.
- Develop and support ongoing training focused on service standards, food knowledge, wine and beverage education, guest recognition, service recovery, and luxury hospitality.
Financial & Administrative Leadership
- Partner with the Director of Food & Beverage on departmental budgeting, monitoring revenue, forecasting, labor management, payroll, cost control, inventory, and overall financial performance.
- Identify opportunities to imrove revenue, productivity, profitability, and cost management without compromising the guest experience.
- Support the development and implementation of Food & Beverage sales, marketing, programming, and revenue-driving initiatives.
- Complete and review operational reports, forecasts, inventories, payroll information, and other departmental administrative responsibilities.
Qualifications
- 3-5 years or more of progressive hotel Food & Beverage experience (preferably within Hyatt)
- Service oriented style with professional presentation skills
- Proven leadership skills
- Hotel/Hospitality degree is a plus
- Must possess the following strengths: high energy, entrepreneurial spirit, motivational leader, proven track record in high volume concept, effective communicator, effective in providing exceptional customer service and ability to improve the bottom line
- Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills
- Must be proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel
- Must have excellent organizational, interpersonal, and administrative skills
- Experience implementing new F&B concepts
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
- Must be able to lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds
- Must be available to work on weekends, holidays, and evenings as required
Be a part of a team committed to delivering personalized, elevated service in one of Napa Valley's most serene and sophisticated destinations. Hyatt associates work in an environment that demands exceptional performance yet reaps great rewards. Whether it is career opportunities, job enrichment, or a supportive work environment, if you are ready for this challenge, then we are ready for you.
See All 17 Food Service Director Jobs in California
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Find Food Service Director JobsFood Service Director Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Food Service Director Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in food service director jobs across California.
- ServSafe Manager certification or California-equivalent food safety credential required
- Bachelor's degree in nutrition, food science, dietetics, or hospitality management preferred
- Five or more years of progressive food service management experience
- Demonstrated experience managing large-scale or multi-unit food service operations
- Proficiency with food cost controls, procurement systems, and budget management
- Strong knowledge of USDA nutrition standards and California Department of Education meal program requirements
Food Service Director Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a food service director in California?
Most food service director roles in California require a bachelor's degree in nutrition, food science, dietetics, or hospitality management alongside a ServSafe Manager certification, which is recognized statewide for food safety compliance. Roles within California school districts typically also require familiarity with California Department of Education nutrition program guidelines. Healthcare food service positions often favor candidates who hold or are working toward a Registered Dietitian credential issued through the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
Which companies hire food service directors in California?
Companies currently hiring food service directors in California include Hyatt, Troon, and Aramark, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's size and diversity mean openings appear across contract management firms, public school districts, university systems, and major hospital networks throughout the state.
Which California cities have the most food service director jobs?
San Jose, Palm Springs, and Napa lead California for food service director openings. Los Angeles dominates due to the scale of its school district, healthcare corridor, and hospitality industry, while San Francisco and San Diego draw openings from university campuses, large hospital networks, and corporate dining accounts anchored in those metros.
How can I get hired as a food service director in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is moving into a food service supervisor or assistant director role within a California public school district or a large contract dining company like Compass Group or Sodexo, both of which operate extensively across the state and promote from within. Completing a ServSafe Manager certification and gaining hands-on experience in high-volume cafeteria or healthcare dining settings builds the operational background employers require. Pursuing coursework through a California State University nutrition or food science program while working in a coordinator role is a common route into director-level positions.
Where can I find and apply to food service director jobs in California?
You can find and apply to food service director jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across school districts, healthcare systems, contract dining companies, and universities. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience level and location, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 17 Food Service Director Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Food Service Director Jobs