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 4 of 13+ Food Service Director jobs
Why We're Here
We believe heartfelt, human connections make people's lives better. Especially the people who work here.
Our founder, Bill Kimpton rebelled against impersonal, generic hospitality that makes people feel disconnected. He initiated a new boutique hotel standard and environment where people could connect, from the heart. That was the goal then, and it is still our purpose today.
Your work here has meaning. You're here to improve the lives of coworkers, guests, owners, communities, and together we make that happen. It's what drives all that we do. Every day you can improve lives in your own, unique way and you can expect the same in return. It all starts with you.
How We're Different
Our San Francisco-born entrepreneurial spirit and zest for life kick started this culture in 1981, and it shines through to this day.
It all flows from you. The lively, rebellious, genuine you - with your diverse background, talents, experiences, and plucky personality - is fully welcome, and celebrated here. Because we know that when people can be themselves at work, they shine.
That's what we seek out and celebrate. It's people of all kinds who share a knack for creativity and self-leadership. People who don't need to be told what to do to get things done. People who have an innate passion for making others' lives better.
It adds up to a work environment that's a bit quirky, irreverent, exciting, uncommon, empowering, and downright exceptional. Guests feel it; you'll feel it too.
What You'll Do
Seeking an enthusiastic candidate who will work closely with and report directly to the Director of Food & Beverage to achieve company targets and goals, provide leadership and contribute to the strategic development of the restaurants.
Some of your responsibilities include:
- Attend property meetings.
- Develop and lead managers within F+B.
- Understand the property's sales and public relations strategies.
- Assist the Chef(s) on menu engineering such as seasonal specials.
- Assist with training and communication to all staff.
- Lead and coordinate the planning and execution of special events on and off property, act as representation of the property at said events.
- Ensure all staff has completed all appropriate trainings and certifications that may be required.
- Assist the Director of F+B with projects.
- Interview, hire, and train employees; plan, assign, and direct work; appraise performance; reward and coach employees; address complaints and resolve issues or concerns.
- Work with the restaurant team, IRD team, bar team, and banquet team.
What You Bring
- Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality, Restaurant Management, or equivalent field is preferred.
- Minimum 3 years' experience as a Restaurant Assistant General Manager or Assistant Director of Food and Beverage.
- Level 1 Certification of Court of Master Sommelier or equivalent experience.
- Food Handler and Alcohol Awareness Certification (if applicable).
- Excellent skills in budgeting, expense management, inventory, payroll, labor costing, staffing, marketing, owner relations, and PL management.
- Able to diplomatically deal with difficult situations and people while exhibiting a consistent level of integrity.
- Able to interpret a variety of instructions and regularly exercise independent judgement and discretion about matters of significance.
- Proven systems knowledge and experience with Avero/Aloha, Micros and ADP/eTime payroll or combination of these systems.
- Strong computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
Differences make a difference. We are committed to creating a culture that reflects the diversity of our hotel and restaurant guests. With that goal in mind, we encourage each of our employees to understand, accept, and celebrate differences among people. That includes different personalities, lifestyles, work styles, education, and experience. We also welcome and embrace people of all races, ethnicities, ages, religions, physical abilities, sexual orientation, gender identities and genders. For our complete EEO policy click here.
Be Yourself. Lead Yourself. Make it Count.
Compensation: $80k to $90k is the salary range for this role. This job is also eligible for bonus pay. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, 401k, and many other benefits to eligible employees.
Additional Details : * The salary range listed is the lowest to highest pay scale we, in good faith, believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employee's pay position within the pay range will be based on several factors, including relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, shift, travel requirements, sales or revenue-based metrics, and business or organizational needs. * No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until it is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, or other form of compensation allocable to a particular employee remain in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company's sole discretion, consistent with the law.
Why We're Here
We believe heartfelt, human connections make people's lives better. Especially the people who work here.
Our founder, Bill Kimpton rebelled against impersonal, generic hospitality that makes people feel disconnected. He initiated a new boutique hotel standard and environment where people could connect, from the heart. That was the goal then, and it is still our purpose today.
Your work here has meaning. You're here to improve the lives of coworkers, guests, owners, communities, and together we make that happen. It's what drives all that we do. Every day you can improve lives in your own, unique way and you can expect the same in return. It all starts with you.
How We're Different
Our San Francisco-born entrepreneurial spirit and zest for life kick started this culture in 1981, and it shines through to this day.
It all flows from you. The lively, rebellious, genuine you - with your diverse background, talents, experiences, and plucky personality - is fully welcome, and celebrated here. Because we know that when people can be themselves at work, they shine.
That's what we seek out and celebrate. It's people of all kinds who share a knack for creativity and self-leadership. People who don't need to be told what to do to get things done. People who have an innate passion for making others' lives better.
It adds up to a work environment that's a bit quirky, irreverent, exciting, uncommon, empowering, and downright exceptional. Guests feel it; you'll feel it too.
What You'll Do
Seeking an enthusiastic candidate who will work closely with and report directly to the Director of Food & Beverage to achieve company targets and goals, provide leadership and contribute to the strategic development of the restaurants.
Some of your responsibilities include:
- Attend property meetings.
- Develop and lead managers within F+B.
- Understand the property's sales and public relations strategies.
- Assist the Chef(s) on menu engineering such as seasonal specials.
- Assist with training and communication to all staff.
- Lead and coordinate the planning and execution of special events on and off property, act as representation of the property at said events.
- Ensure all staff has completed all appropriate trainings and certifications that may be required.
- Assist the Director of F+B with projects.
- Interview, hire, and train employees; plan, assign, and direct work; appraise performance; reward and coach employees; address complaints and resolve issues or concerns.
- Work with the restaurant team, IRD team, bar team, and banquet team.
What You Bring
- Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality, Restaurant Management, or equivalent field is preferred.
- Minimum 3 years' experience as a Restaurant Assistant General Manager or Assistant Director of Food and Beverage.
- Level 1 Certification of Court of Master Sommelier or equivalent experience.
- Food Handler and Alcohol Awareness Certification (if applicable).
- Excellent skills in budgeting, expense management, inventory, payroll, labor costing, staffing, marketing, owner relations, and PL management.
- Able to diplomatically deal with difficult situations and people while exhibiting a consistent level of integrity.
- Able to interpret a variety of instructions and regularly exercise independent judgement and discretion about matters of significance.
- Proven systems knowledge and experience with Avero/Aloha, Micros and ADP/eTime payroll or combination of these systems.
- Strong computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
Differences make a difference. We are committed to creating a culture that reflects the diversity of our hotel and restaurant guests. With that goal in mind, we encourage each of our employees to understand, accept, and celebrate differences among people. That includes different personalities, lifestyles, work styles, education, and experience. We also welcome and embrace people of all races, ethnicities, ages, religions, physical abilities, sexual orientation, gender identities and genders. For our complete EEO policy click here.
Be Yourself. Lead Yourself. Make it Count.
Compensation: $80k to $90k is the salary range for this role. This job is also eligible for bonus pay. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, 401k, and many other benefits to eligible employees.
Additional Details : * The salary range listed is the lowest to highest pay scale we, in good faith, believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employee's pay position within the pay range will be based on several factors, including relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, shift, travel requirements, sales or revenue-based metrics, and business or organizational needs. * No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until it is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, or other form of compensation allocable to a particular employee remain in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company's sole discretion, consistent with the law.
See All 13 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 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.
- ServÂSafe 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 Aramark, Wolfoods, and ELIOR, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 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?
Los Angeles, Oakland, and Visalia 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.
Are there remote food service director jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Food service directors typically oversee kitchens, staff, and on-site operations, which makes fully remote work uncommon for the role. About 0% of food service director openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those postings tend to involve regional oversight, program auditing, or corporate nutrition policy roles rather than direct kitchen management.
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 13 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