Culinary Manager
1 day ago
New York
Join the Avo Family! Avo is a destination for simple, seasonal, healthy food — our purpose is to create comfort through healthy food. We believe that when you eat well, you feel better and can do better for yourself, your community, and the world. We have recently been named one of the Hottest Fast Casual brands in America by QSR Magazine! As the Culinary Manager for the New York market, you’ll be the specialist responsible for ensuring Avo’s culinary excellence, innovation, and cost discipline. You’ll oversee recipe development, menu innovation, and supplier relationships while maintaining high standards of food quality and consistency. Your role is to strengthen Avo’s food culture and guest experience while ensuring that every dish delivers on our values of sustainability, accessibility, and comfort. What You’ll Do Menu Innovation & Quality • Continuously improve the menu and presentation through innovation and refinement., • Develop and maintain standardized recipes and systems that ensure exceptional quality, consistency, and efficiency., • Lead seasonal menu planning and execution, creating materials and best practices to ensure high-standard rollout., • Rework selected current recipes to lower COGS % while maintaining Avo’s commitment to quality and flavor. Culinary Culture & Team Education • Educate and inspire team members on Avo’s culinary philosophy, fostering a vibrant and passionate food culture., • Clearly communicate the rationale behind menu choices, sourcing standards, and culinary techniques., • Develop training programs to ensure consistency in execution across all units. Operational Excellence & Testing • Identify and implement strategies to improve recipes, preparation workflows, and service processes., • Lead ongoing testing and evaluation of new and existing menu items, equipment, utensils, and packaging., • Establish and monitor culinary KPIs (with a focus on COGS) to drive accountability and performance. Supplier & Cost Management • Manage relationships with food suppliers, ensuring sustainable sourcing, quality, and reliability., • Monitor and control COGS % of recipes, keeping them in line with company targets., • Collaborate with suppliers to negotiate pricing, reduce waste, and improve overall cost efficiency. Quality & Food Safety • Design and implement quality control systems to maintain food quality, consistency, and presentation across all locations., • Ensure compliance with DOH food safety regulations and company policies. Partnerships & Brand Building • Proactively seek out collaborations with chefs, brands, and local partners to elevate Avo’s culinary reputation., • Maintain a strong industry network and market knowledge to keep Avo at the forefront of fast casual innovation. Qualifications • 2-3 years of culinary experience, preferably in QSR or fast casual environments with a Mexican focus., • Proven expertise in recipe and menu development, with strong cost management skills., • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills., • Passion for food, sustainability, and promoting healthy living., • Ability to thrive in a leadership role and drive operational excellence across multiple units., • Strong entrepreneurial mentality: resourceful, results-oriented, and skilled at balancing creativity with cost efficiency., • Personal characteristics that reflect Avo: high-energy, action-oriented, self-motivated, positive, service-focused, flexible, fun-loving, ethical, and grounded in integrity. What You’ll Get • Competitive pay + bonus plan granted based on performance, range is between $70,000 – $80,000., • Health insurance co-pay, • Flexible PTO, because we respect the need for work/life harmony., • An opportunity to make a real impact on the people around you, both by growing them and by connecting them to healthy food., • A collaborative family of people who live our core values and have your back., • A clear career path with opportunities for personal and professional development., • Free Avo swag., • Complimentary Avo. Our Core Values Here at Avo, we have 5 core values — they embody our culture, spirit, and dedication to doing what’s right. They keep us aligned, influence how we lead, and guide everything we do, from the food we serve to the impact we have on our people. Honesty & Integrity: Do the right thing when nobody is watching. Quality: Great people make an incredible team, and we invest in the best. Comfort: We strive to make lasting connections with every interaction. Next Gen: Think long term, and the right decisions will come naturally. AvoGoodTime: A healthy lifestyle is easier when it comes from a place of laughter and fun! Equal Opportunity Employer Avo is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws in New York City. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace for all. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. At this time, Avo is not able to sponsor employment visas.