Director of Culinary

Location: Spectrum Center, Charlotte, North Carolina — home of the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets, hosting basketball games, concerts, family shows, and special events year-round.

About Levy

The disruptor in defining the sports and entertainment hospitality experience, Levy is recognized as the market leader and most critically acclaimed hospitality company in its industry. Twice named one of the 10 most innovative companies in sports by Fast Company magazine and one of the top three Best Employers for Diversity in America by Forbes, Levy’s diverse portfolio includes award-winning restaurants; iconic sports and entertainment venues, zoos and cultural institutions, theaters, and convention centers; as well as the Super Bowl, Grammy Awards, US Open Tennis Tournament, Kentucky Derby, and NHL, MLB, NBA, NFL, and MLS All-Star Games.

About the role

As the senior culinary leader for the venue, the Director of Culinary will be responsible for developing and executing an exceptional food experience across premium clubs, suites, catering, concessions and special events. This role is ideal for a passionate culinary professional who thrives in a high-volume, fast-paced environment and knows how to balance creativity and innovation with operational excellence and strong financial results. The Director of Culinary will lead and inspire a talented culinary team while partnering closely with Levy leadership and our venue partner to continually elevate the food story at Spectrum Center.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for all culinary operations throughout Spectrum Center, including premium clubs, suites, catering, concessions and special events.
• Develop innovative, trend-forward menus and culinary concepts that reflect Levy’s commitment to great food while celebrating the flavors and culture of Charlotte and the Carolinas.
• Lead culinary execution for Charlotte Hornets games, concerts, special events, and other high-volume venue experiences.
• Partner closely with operations leadership to ensure seamless execution and an outstanding guest experience across all areas of the venue.
• Build strong relationships with the Charlotte Hornets, Spectrum Center leadership, vendors, and other key partners.
• Drive menu development, product quality, presentation, consistency, and innovation across all culinary concepts.
• Manage culinary financial performance, including food cost, labor, purchasing, inventory, waste reduction, forecasting, and overall profitability.
• Develop and implement operational standards and processes that support efficiency without compromising food quality or the guest experience.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, workplace safety, and company standards.
• Oversee culinary planning and preparation for major events, ensuring teams are prepared to execute at the highest level.
• Identify emerging culinary trends, local partnerships, and new concepts that can enhance the Spectrum Center dining experience.
• Collaborate with Levy regional and Home Office culinary leadership to implement best practices and drive continued innovation.

Requirements

• 7+ years of progressive culinary management experience at the Director, Executive Chef, or equivalent leadership level.
• High-end culinary experience strongly required, with a background in upscale restaurants, hotels, resorts, or luxury hospitality environments.
• Demonstrated success leading complex culinary operations with multiple concepts and service styles.
• Strong culinary creativity with the ability to translate trends and ideas into scalable, executable concepts.
• Experience developing and mentoring high-performing culinary teams.
• Strong understanding of food and labor cost management, purchasing, inventory controls, budgeting, and financial performance.
• Exceptional organizational and operational skills with the ability to successfully lead through high-volume event periods.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to effectively partner with clients, senior leaders, and cross-functional teams.
• Thorough knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and HACCP standards.
• Culinary degree or equivalent combination of culinary training and leadership experience preferred.
• Flexibility to work an event-driven schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance / AD&D
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Flexible Time Off Plan
• Paid Parental Leave
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Personal Leave
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.