Experienced Culinary Director for FIFA World Cup 26 - Delivering Exceptional Hospitality Experiences through Innovative Culinary Leadership

Introduction to Endeavor and the FIFA World Cup 26

Endeavor, a global leader in the sports, media, entertainment, and fashion industries, is seeking a highly skilled and passionate Culinary Director to join our team for the FIFA World Cup 26. This prestigious event is a celebration of football, culture, and community, and we are committed to delivering an exceptional culinary experience that reflects the diversity and excellence of the tournament. As a Culinary Director, you will play a pivotal role in crafting and delivering a world-class culinary experience that exceeds the expectations of our guests and stakeholders.

The Role and Responsibilities

We are looking for a creative, innovative, and experienced Culinary Director to lead our culinary team in designing and delivering an exceptional culinary experience across all hospitality experiences. The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Culinary Experience Design: Developing a comprehensive, culturally relevant menu structure that celebrates the host cities and participating countries, taking into account dietary considerations, regional culinary highlights, and unique flavor profiles.
• Catering Partner Management: Collaborating with and elevating catering partners across all 16 tournament venues, driving excellence through tastings, co-designing menu concepts, and providing on-site coaching.
• Hospitality & Event Integration: Ensuring a seamless culinary experience across V/VIP, Affiliate hospitality, and public venues, enhancing guest experiences through quality, consistency, and innovation.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging with local chefs, restaurateurs, and caterers to leverage regional expertise, cultivating a network of top culinary talent across host cities to deliver authentic, memorable food experiences.
• Operations and Logistics: Overseeing menu development, sourcing, and logistical planning to ensure smooth operations at scale, addressing the unique culinary and operational needs of each venue.
• Culinary Strategy & Execution: Setting and implementing culinary standards that align with FIFA's hospitality values, focusing on high-quality execution and guest satisfaction across all food and beverage offerings.
• Financial Oversight: Managing budgets and financial performance across culinary operations, ensuring cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality.

Essential Qualifications

To be successful in this role, you will need:

• Education: A Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts, Restaurant/Hospitality Management, or a related field.
• Experience: 10+ years in culinary or food and beverage management, ideally within large-scale, high-profile events, with a proven track record in designing and scaling exceptional culinary experiences.
• Skills: Exceptional organizational and leadership skills, with the ability to multi-task and perform under pressure, strong negotiation, communication, and conflict resolution abilities.
• Knowledge & Network: In-depth knowledge of international cuisine, dietary preferences, and cultural culinary practices, with a robust network of chefs and catering professionals across FIFA26 host cities highly preferred.
• Technology Proficiency: Familiarity with tools such as Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, Zoom, and other relevant software.

Preferred Qualifications

While not essential, the following qualifications are highly desirable:

• Experience in a leadership role at large sporting or entertainment events.
• Ability to adapt to long hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed.
• Availability to travel (up to 30-40%) to support culinary operations across tournament locations.

Our Culture and Work Environment

At Endeavor, we value collaboration, diversity, and inclusivity. We believe that a positive and supportive work environment is essential for our employees to thrive. We offer a competitive salary range of $105,000 to $140,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications. Our benefits package includes health care, retirement, vacation, and other paid time off, as well as opportunities for growth and development.

Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits

As a Culinary Director at Endeavor, you will have the opportunity to work on a high-profile event, developing your skills and expertise in culinary management, leadership, and innovation. You will be part of a global team, collaborating with experienced professionals and learning from their expertise. We offer ongoing training and development opportunities, as well as a supportive and inclusive work environment that encourages growth and innovation.

How to Apply

If you are a passionate and experienced culinary professional looking for a new challenge, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Please submit your application, including your resume and a cover letter, outlining your experience, skills, and qualifications for the role. We look forward to hearing from you and exploring how you can contribute to the success of the FIFA World Cup 26.

Conclusion

Join us at Endeavor and be part of an exceptional team delivering an unforgettable culinary experience at the FIFA World Cup 26. With your passion, creativity, and expertise, you will play a key role in shaping the culinary landscape of this prestigious event. Apply today and take the first step towards an exciting and rewarding career with Endeavor.