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Catering Chef Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

Sous Chef

Davenport, IA

$51K - $56K/yr

Job Summary Working as the Sous Chef, you will be responsible for the successful food service ... Produces and execute catering events * Assist in the supervision, preparation, and cooking of ...

Compass Group

Sous Chef

Davenport, IA · On-site

$51K - $56K/yr

Job Summary Working as the Sous Chef, you will be responsible for the successful food service ... Produces and execute catering events * Assist in the supervision, preparation, and cooking of ...

Compass Group

Sous Chef

Davenport, IA · On-site

$51K - $56K/yr

Job Summary Working as the Sous Chef, you will be responsible for the successful food service ... Produces and execute catering events * Assist in the supervision, preparation, and cooking of ...

CommonSail Investment Group

Executive Chef

Waukee, IA · On-site

$68K - $94K/yr

Executive Chef StoryPoint of Kettlestone Position Summary: The Executive Chef is responsible for ... Oversee special catering events and offer culinary instruction and/or demonstrate culinary ...

StoryPoint

Executive Chef

Waukee, IA

$68K - $94K/yr

Executive Chef StoryPoint of Kettlestone Position Summary: The Executive Chef is responsible for ... Oversee special catering events and offer culinary instruction and/or demonstrate culinary ...

Laurus Home Care

Executive Chef

Waukee, IA

$68K - $94K/yr

Executive Chef StoryPoint of Kettlestone Position Summary: The Executive Chef is responsible for ... Oversee special catering events and offer culinary instruction and/or demonstrate culinary ...

CommonSail Investment Group

Executive Chef

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$69K - $96K/yr

Executive Chef Independence Village Des Moines Position Summary: The Executive Chef is responsible ... Oversee special catering events and offer culinary instruction and/or demonstrate culinary ...

Independence Village

Executive Chef

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$69K - $96K/yr

Executive Chef Independence Village Des Moines Position Summary: The Executive Chef is responsible ... Oversee special catering events and offer culinary instruction and/or demonstrate culinary ...

Upper Crust Food Service

Head Chef

Iowa City, IA · On-site

Today, the chefs of Upper Crust Food Service prepare tens of thousands of meals weekly for students ... production or catering, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience

Upper Crust Food Service

Head Chef

Iowa City, IA · On-site

Today, the chefs of Upper Crust Food Service prepare tens of thousands of meals weekly for students ... production or catering, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience

Aramark

Campus Dining Chef Manager

Fayette, IA · On-site

We're looking for Chef Manager who can help us deliver the best customer service and food ... Oversee special catering events and may also offer culinary instruction and/or demonstrates ...

Aramark

Campus Dining Chef Manager

Fayette, IA · On-site

We're looking for Chef Manager who can help us deliver the best customer service and food ... Oversee special catering events and may also offer culinary instruction and/or demonstrates ...

Aramark

Campus Dining Chef Manager

Fayette, IA

We're looking for Chef Manager who can help us deliver the best customer service and food ... Oversee special catering events and may also offer culinary instruction and/or demonstrates ...

Aramark

Campus Dining Chef Manager

Fayette, IA · On-site

We?re looking for Chef Manager who can help us deliver the best customer service and food ... Oversee special catering events and may also offer culinary instruction and/or demonstrates ...

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All JobsCatering Chef JobsCatering Chef Jobs in Iowa

Catering Chef information

See Iowa salary details

$13

$24

$38

How much do catering chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for catering chef in Iowa is $24.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $28.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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 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.
More about Catering Chef jobs

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

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

What job categories do people searching Catering Chef jobs in Iowa look for?

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Catering Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Catering Chef job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,228 per year, or $24.1 per hour.

Catering Supervisor Full Time

Creative Dining Services

Orange City, IA • On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Creative Dining Services rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

31st of 68 rated caterers

Job description


Creative Dining Services at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa is looking for a Catering Supervisor. The Catering Supervisor assist with operational tasks associated with scheduled catering events. Works professionally and cooperatively to ensure excellence in customer service, attractive food presentations, and supports sustainability and fiscal responsibility in accordance with company standards.

Core Responsibilities:

  • Under the direction of the Catering Manager, coordinate and supervise all catering activities.
  • Works in conjunction with production, conference services, and sales staff to plan and coordinate details of catered events
  • Review scheduled catering events and works with the Chef to determine logistical needs, performs inventories and submits requests for products and equipment to be ordered and schedules appropriately.
  • Coordinates with the catering team and support departments to include building service staff, regarding the food and beverage expectations, delivery, set-up and break down of events, staffing, etc.
  • Ensures that appropriate sanitation, organization, and safety standards are met through the use of checklists, hands-on supervision, and follow-up.
  • Maintains records and prepares reports for continuous improvement for catering events.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Two year minimum experience in food service or catering
  • ServSafe Certification
  • Knowledge of proper table service techniques and design preferred
  • Ability to deal with stress and pressure
  • Demonstrate duties effectively and efficiently
  • Exhibit interpersonal skills

We offer full time employees:

* Competitive pay and bonus opportunities

* Medical, dental and vision insurance

* 401(k) with a company match

* Paid time off

* And much, much more


About Creative Dining Services

Creative Dining Services partners with college, universities, Fortune 100 companies, full-service senior living communities, conference centers and K-12 schools and camps to provide a different kind of hospitality and facility management services experience – one that’s fun, innovative, and focused on your community. Why? Because that’s how it should be.

Creative Dining Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Veteran-Friendly!


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