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Catering Chef Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

M Culinary Concepts

Executive Chef

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$67K - $92K/yr

Executive Chef - Catering M Culinary Concepts is searching for a passionate and experienced Executive Chef with a strong catering and events background to join our vibrant team and help create ...

M Culinary Concepts

Banquet Chef

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

Banquet Chef M Culinary Concepts - Nibbler's location is searching for a passionate and experienced ... We're an award-winning catering company based in Phoenix, AZ (we're talking TOP COMPANIES TO WORK ...

Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital

Banquet Chef

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$72.25 - $97.75/hr

We're an award-winning catering company based in Phoenix, AZ (we're talking TOP COMPANIES TO WORK ... As the Banquet Chef, you will oversee the planning, production, and execution of a wide range of ...

M Culinary Concepts

Executive Sous Chef

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$64K - $82K/yr

Executive Sous Chef - Catering & Events Nibbler's is searching for a passionate and experienced Executive Sous Chef with a strong catering and events background to join our vibrant team and help ...

WHATS THE OCCASION INC

Event Chef

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

Busy upscale catering company seeks Chef's with banquet, high volume restaurant or catering experience to work events for the upcoming season. Part time/On call, evenings and weekends. Flexible ...

WHATS THE OCCASION INC

Event Chef

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

Busy upscale catering company seeks Chef's with banquet, high volume restaurant or catering experience to work events for the upcoming season. Part time/On call, evenings and weekends. Flexible ...

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Catering Chef information

See Arizona salary details

$13

$23

$38

How much do catering chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for catering chef in Arizona is $23.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.12 and $27.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a catering chef do?

Catering chefs prepare food for celebrations, business functions, and other special events. In this role, you may discuss culinary options with the client, oversee all aspects of cooking the food during the event, direct waiters and other staff while they serve guests, and manage costs to ensure the entire service remains within the proposed budget. Catering chefs also oversee food storage and safe handling guidelines to minimize the risk of transmitting illnesses. Catering chefs have a variety of duties and responsibilities during each event, so flexibility and the ability to switch between roles as needed are particularly crucial to this job.

What does a catering chef do?

A Catering Chef is responsible for planning, preparing, and presenting food for events such as weddings, corporate meetings, and parties. They design menus based on client preferences, ensure food safety standards are met, and oversee kitchen staff during food preparation and service. In addition to cooking, Catering Chefs manage inventory, coordinate with event planners, and often handle budgeting for ingredients and supplies. Their role is essential for ensuring that food served at events is both delicious and safely prepared.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a catering chef?

To thrive as a Catering Chef, you need expertise in menu planning, food preparation, culinary techniques, and usually a culinary degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food safety certifications, and inventory management systems is typical for this role. Creativity, attention to detail, time management, and strong leadership abilities are standout soft skills. These qualifications ensure consistent food quality, efficient event execution, and customer satisfaction in a dynamic catering environment.

What are some common challenges a catering chef faces when executing off-site events, and how can these be managed?

Catering Chefs often encounter challenges such as limited kitchen facilities, unpredictable event logistics, and the need for precise timing to ensure food quality and safety. Managing these challenges involves thorough pre-event planning, creating detailed prep lists, and coordinating closely with event staff and vendors. Flexibility, strong organizational skills, and the ability to adapt menus or service styles based on the venue's capabilities are crucial for success in this role.

What is the difference between Catering Chef vs Restaurant Chef?

AspectCatering Chef
CredentialsCatering chefs typically need culinary certifications or degrees, similar to restaurant chefs.
Work EnvironmentThey work in diverse locations, including event venues, outdoor settings, and kitchens, focusing on large-scale food service.
Employer & IndustryEmployed by catering companies, event planners, or hospitality firms, serving clients for events and functions.
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for menu planning, food preparation, and event catering skills.

While both catering and restaurant chefs require culinary skills and certifications, catering chefs specialize in preparing large quantities of food for events in various locations, whereas restaurant chefs focus on daily service in a fixed restaurant setting. The roles overlap in skills but differ mainly in work environment and scope of service.

More about Catering Chef jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Catering Chef jobs in Arizona?

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For Catering Chef jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Catering Chef jobs in Arizona are:

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For Catering Chef jobs in AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Catering Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Catering Chef job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 35% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,833 per year, or $24 per hour.

CHEF | Catering - Charlie's Cafe - Pendergast School, Phoenix, AZ

Compass Group

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

$50K - $52K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,099 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

350th of 500 rated business services

Job description

Salary:  $50,000 - $52,000

Other Forms of Compensation: Medical, dental & vision insurance, PTO, 401K 

Chartwells K12's goal is to make sure students leave the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 16,000 associates in 4,500 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small charter and private schools, Chartwells K12 is built on decades of food, education and operational experience driven by top culinary, nutrition, wellness, and sustainability talent. For more information, visit www.ChartwellsK12.com.

Job Summary

Charlie's Café at Pendergast Elementary School District in Phoenix, AZ, is seeking a dynamic Catering Chef to lead a thriving café and strong catering program. This is an exciting opportunity for a culinary professional who enjoys creating exceptional food experiences, from daily café service to elevated board dinners, golf brunches, and special events. With large annual catering volume, a consistent summer catering business, and primarily daytime hours, this role offers the perfect blend of creativity, leadership, and work-life balance.

The Catering Chef oversees all culinary operations for the café and catering program, ensuring outstanding food quality, presentation, customer service, and financial performance. In addition to planning and executing catering events, you'll lead and support a small team of café associates, helping to create an exceptional experience for daily café guests while maintaining food safety, inventory, and operational standards. If you're a hands-on chef who thrives on hospitality, innovation, customer service satisfaction and building client relationships through great food, we'd love to hear from you.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Provides frontline culinary resources and support.
  • Assists with food cost control, menu planning, purchasing, and ensures food quality guidelines are followed.
  • Assists with planning and creating menus.
  • Produces and executes catering events.
  • Rolls out new culinary programs in conjunction with marketing and culinary team.
  • Assists with managing cost controls and control expenditures for the account.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • 2+ years of culinary management experience.
  • Experience in restaurants, hotels, corporate dining, education, military, health care, and/or related food service operations.
  • Hands-on chef experience is required.
  • Extensive catering experience is required.
  • High volume batch cooking and complex food service operations experience is preferred.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation.
  • ServSafe Certification is preferred.
  • Computer skills and knowledge of MS Office products including Excel.

Apply to Chartwells Schools today!

Chartwells Schools is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

 

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. 

Chartwells K-12 maintains a drug-free workplace.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Associates at Chartwells K-12 are offered many fantastic benefits.

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

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wpcontent/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_ChartwellsK12.pdf

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/ 

Req ID:  1564299

Chartwells K12 

KRISTEN STROHMYER

 [[req_classification]] 

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