Maman - Regional Culinary Director
maman is a french bakery, café and leading lifestyle brand founded in 2014 by owners elisa marshall & benjamin sormonte, with locations across north america and canada. inspired by family traditions, and the highest quality ingredients, maman offers a selection of delicious baked goods {including their famous nutty chocolate chip cookie}, coffee, fresh breakfast, and lunch options spanning from hearty salads & sandwiches to savory quiches. in addition to hosting intimate events, maman has partnered with leading brands for partnerships and activations. from baby showers and birthday parties to engagements, we’re able to help celebrate customers & make new beautiful memories. in september 2021, maman founders elisa marshall & benjamin sormonte released the highly anticipated maman: the cookbook.
our ideal candidate is an experienced culinary leader who brings energy, respect, and passion into their everyday interactions. you are a mentor and problem solver who effectively develops high-performing teams and fosters a collaborative, four-walls culture in every location. you have extensive experience with multi-unit leadership and maintain operational excellence by upholding the highest standards of quality, consistency, safety and brand integrity. you have strong culinary expertise in french, mediterranean, and american cuisines, and are fluent in both english and spanish.
Position Summary
The Regional Culinary Director oversees all Back of House operations across maman’s Tri-State locations, leading the Culinary Management team and partnering closely with the VP of Operations to ensure alignment between culinary execution and overall business strategy. The Regional Culinary Director drives culinary excellence, operational consistency, financial performance, and team development across the Tri-State region. Through hands-on leadership, strategic oversight, and strong mentorship, the Regional Culinary Director ensures each kitchen operates efficiently and profitably while upholding maman’s standards, brand identity, culture and values.
Essential Responsibilities
Culinary Leadership & Standards
Oversee all kitchen operations across multiple locations to ensure consistency, quality, and execution of brand standards
Maintain rigorous food quality, presentation, and portion control standards
Train and coach BOH teams to ensure proper execution of all culinary initiatives
Drive successful menu rollouts and ensure seasonal updates are executed flawlessly, ensuring brand standards are met and portioning and control is consistent across all markets
Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation regulations as directed by State and local governments
Audit ServSafe Food Handler certifications for management at all locations
Operational Excellence
Oversee the performance and accountability of each region by reviewing weekly reports, conducting store visits, and holding weekly team meetings as needed
Lead, coach, and inspire Culinary Management team and onsite Kitchen Leaders
Conduct performance reviews, provide ongoing coaching and foster career development conversations
Partner with VP of Operations to foster a collaborative, four-walls environment in each location
Ensure Kitchen Leaders uphold training, service, and culinary standards and drive alignment between store-level operations and company-wide goals
Enforce best practices for inventory management, ordering procedures, and portion control
Oversee COGS guidelines and food cost targets to protect and improve margins
Analyze P&L statements and implement corrective action plans where necessary
Optimize labor scheduling and productivity across all locations
Manage regional vendor relationships and purchasing strategies to ensure cost efficiency and product quality
Utilize various technologies and tools to analyze and strategize financial performance
Clear Communication & Hands-On Support
Maintain open communication with Kitchen Leaders, Tri-State Regional Managers and the VP of Operations regarding progress, challenges, and opportunities
Support cross-functional projects and activations, ensuring alignment with brand standards
Provide insights to leadership regarding staffing needs, market trends, and operational improvements
Qualifications & Skills
10+ years of progressive culinary leadership experience, including 3+ years in a multi-unit or regional leadership role
Strong financial acumen with proven ability to manage budgets, labor, and costs effectively
Proficiency in Google Workspace expected; experience with third-party delivery platforms, MarginEdge, and Harri preferred
Extensive knowledge of State and local food safety regulations across NY, NJ, and CT
Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
Willingness and ability to travel frequently throughout the Tri-State area
Energetic, approachable, adaptable with experience building and leading high-performing teams
Bi-lingual in English and Spanish
What We Offer
At maman, we’re proud to provide a supportive and people-first environment where leaders can thrive and grow. Our Regional Culinary Directors enjoy:
A collaborative culture that values teamwork, initiative, and continuous improvement
Competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and growth opportunities within a fast-growing brand
Comprehensive healthcare options, 401k and commuter benefits
Paid time off and a flexible, supportive work environment
Ongoing professional development, training, and opportunities for internal mobility
Sweet perks cookies, coffee, and in-store discounts
A company culture where we roll up our sleeves, support one another, and celebrate shared success
Maman - Regional Culinary Director
maman is a french bakery, café and leading lifestyle brand founded in 2014 by owners elisa marshall & benjamin sormonte, with locations across north america and canada. inspired by family traditions, and the highest quality ingredients, maman offers a selection of delicious baked goods {including their famous nutty chocolate chip cookie}, coffee, fresh breakfast, and lunch options spanning from hearty salads & sandwiches to savory quiches. in addition to hosting intimate events, maman has partnered with leading brands for partnerships and activations. from baby showers and birthday parties to engagements, we’re able to help celebrate customers & make new beautiful memories. in september 2021, maman founders elisa marshall & benjamin sormonte released the highly anticipated maman: the cookbook.
our ideal candidate is an experienced culinary leader who brings energy, respect, and passion into their everyday interactions. you are a mentor and problem solver who effectively develops high-performing teams and fosters a collaborative, four-walls culture in every location. you have extensive experience with multi-unit leadership and maintain operational excellence by upholding the highest standards of quality, consistency, safety and brand integrity. you have strong culinary expertise in french, mediterranean, and american cuisines, and are fluent in both english and spanish.
Position Summary
The Regional Culinary Director oversees all Back of House operations across maman’s Tri-State locations, leading the Culinary Management team and partnering closely with the VP of Operations to ensure alignment between culinary execution and overall business strategy. The Regional Culinary Director drives culinary excellence, operational consistency, financial performance, and team development across the Tri-State region. Through hands-on leadership, strategic oversight, and strong mentorship, the Regional Culinary Director ensures each kitchen operates efficiently and profitably while upholding maman’s standards, brand identity, culture and values.
Essential Responsibilities
Culinary Leadership & Standards
Oversee all kitchen operations across multiple locations to ensure consistency, quality, and execution of brand standards
Maintain rigorous food quality, presentation, and portion control standards
Train and coach BOH teams to ensure proper execution of all culinary initiatives
Drive successful menu rollouts and ensure seasonal updates are executed flawlessly, ensuring brand standards are met and portioning and control is consistent across all markets
Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation regulations as directed by State and local governments
Audit ServSafe Food Handler certifications for management at all locations
Operational Excellence
Oversee the performance and accountability of each region by reviewing weekly reports, conducting store visits, and holding weekly team meetings as needed
Lead, coach, and inspire Culinary Management team and onsite Kitchen Leaders
Conduct performance reviews, provide ongoing coaching and foster career development conversations
Partner with VP of Operations to foster a collaborative, four-walls environment in each location
Ensure Kitchen Leaders uphold training, service, and culinary standards and drive alignment between store-level operations and company-wide goals
Enforce best practices for inventory management, ordering procedures, and portion control
Oversee COGS guidelines and food cost targets to protect and improve margins
Analyze P&L statements and implement corrective action plans where necessary
Optimize labor scheduling and productivity across all locations
Manage regional vendor relationships and purchasing strategies to ensure cost efficiency and product quality
Utilize various technologies and tools to analyze and strategize financial performance
Clear Communication & Hands-On Support
Maintain open communication with Kitchen Leaders, Tri-State Regional Managers and the VP of Operations regarding progress, challenges, and opportunities
Support cross-functional projects and activations, ensuring alignment with brand standards
Provide insights to leadership regarding staffing needs, market trends, and operational improvements
Qualifications & Skills
10+ years of progressive culinary leadership experience, including 3+ years in a multi-unit or regional leadership role
Strong financial acumen with proven ability to manage budgets, labor, and costs effectively
Proficiency in Google Workspace expected; experience with third-party delivery platforms, MarginEdge, and Harri preferred
Extensive knowledge of State and local food safety regulations across NY, NJ, and CT
Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
Willingness and ability to travel frequently throughout the Tri-State area
Energetic, approachable, adaptable with experience building and leading high-performing teams
Bi-lingual in English and Spanish
What We Offer
At maman, we’re proud to provide a supportive and people-first environment where leaders can thrive and grow. Our Regional Culinary Directors enjoy:
A collaborative culture that values teamwork, initiative, and continuous improvement
Competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and growth opportunities within a fast-growing brand
Comprehensive healthcare options, 401k and commuter benefits
Paid time off and a flexible, supportive work environment
Ongoing professional development, training, and opportunities for internal mobility
Sweet perks cookies, coffee, and in-store discounts
A company culture where we roll up our sleeves, support one another, and celebrate shared success