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Catering Chef Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

AtWork Personnel Kalamazoo

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Catering Chef

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

$25/hr

The Catering Chef plays a crucial role in preparing and delivering exceptional culinary experiences for corporate and private events. Working with a small team of 1-5 members, this chef ensures ...

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Picasso Restaurant Group

Sous Chef

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$48K - $55K/yr

From upscale catering events to daily café dining, we are committed to quality, creativity, and hospitality in everything we do. Position Overview The Sous Chef will work closely with the Head Chef ...

Picasso Restaurant Group

Sous Chef

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$48K - $55K/yr

From upscale catering events to daily café dining, we are committed to quality, creativity, and hospitality in everything we do. Position Overview The Sous Chef will work closely with the Head Chef ...

Picasso Restaurant Group

Sous Chef

Ann Arbor, MI

$48K - $66K/yr

From upscale catering events to daily cafe dining, we are committed to quality, creativity, and hospitality in everything we do. Position Overview The Sous Chef will work closely with the Head Chef ...

University of Michigan

Executive Chef

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Manages and oversees all culinary operations for one or more catering facilities or programs. Leads ... Ensures chefs are responsible for thoroughly cleaning the back-of-house and plating areas and ...

Harper Associates

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Banquet Chef

Detroit, MI · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Executive Banquet Chef -- Downtown Detroit Hotel/Conference & Event Center Search by Harper ... Experience at a venue with over $5M+ in catering sales * Prefer education / training to include ...

Metz Culinary Management

Executive Chef

Hillsdale, MI · On-site

$64K - $89K/yr

This prestigious account includes Cafe, Retail, Food Court, Coffee Shop and a high volume catering ... Our Executive Chef must have a mentoring management style creating a culture of fun, creativity and ...

Western Market - Ferndale

Executive Chef

Ferndale, MI

$66K - $91K/yr

Assistant Executive Chef, Kitchen Managers, Catering Leadership, Culinary Team Leaders Position Summary : The Executive Chef is responsible for the overall leadership, profitability, growth, quality ...

Continental Services

Sous Chef

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

This position supports all food service programs for a multi-outlet pickleball facility featuring a grab-and-go market, an order-and-pickup restaurant, and event catering. The Sous Chef assists in ...

Eatn Park Hospitality Group

Sous Chef

Kalamazoo, MI

$47K - $64K/yr

Thrive in a fast-paced, event-driven catering environment, managing multiple priorities while ... Sous Chef - Parkhurst Dining Are you looking for a values-driven environment with opportunities to ...

Eatn Park Hospitality Group

Sous Chef

Kalamazoo, MI

$47K - $64K/yr

Thrive in a fast-paced, event-driven catering environment, managing multiple priorities while ... Sous Chef - Parkhurst Dining Are you looking for a values-driven environment with opportunities to ...

Eatn Park Hospitality Group

Sous Chef

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

Thrive in a fast-paced, event-driven catering environment, managing multiple priorities while ... Sous Chef - Parkhurst Dining Are you looking for a values-driven environment with opportunities to ...

Eatn Park Hospitality Group

Sous Chef

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

Thrive in a fast-paced, event-driven catering environment, managing multiple priorities while ... Sous Chef - Parkhurst Dining Are you looking for a values-driven environment with opportunities to ...

University of Michigan

Catering Manager

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$54K - $62K/yr

Manage catering operations including preparing menus, costing out beverage menus, pricing of ... Work with chefs, and partners with chefs on product development, striving for unique and on-trend ...

Creative Dining Services

Executive Chef

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

The Executive Chef is part of the Dining Services Management team and works closely with campus ... Works with dining and catering leadership to achieve budgetary goals and maintain fiscal ...

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Catering Chef information

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$12

$22

$35

How much do catering chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for catering chef in Michigan is $22.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.97 and $26.20 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 Michigan?

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Catering Chef jobs in MI?

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Catering Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Catering Chef job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,609 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Catering Chef

AtWork Personnel Kalamazoo

Kalamazoo, MI • On-site

$25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

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Job description

The Catering Chef plays a crucial role in preparing and delivering exceptional culinary experiences for corporate and private events. Working with a small team of 1-5 members, this chef ensures seamless food preparation and execution while maintaining high standards of sanitation and inventory management. The role involves some local travel to event locations and utilizes standard kitchen tools and equipment in a fast-paced catering environment.

Responsibilities

  • Prepare and cook a variety of dishes tailored for corporate and private events
  • Manage inventory to ensure adequate supplies for scheduled catering events
  • Maintain strict compliance with sanitation and food safety standards
  • Coordinate with and lead a small catering team to ensure efficient kitchen operations
  • Travel locally to event sites for food setup and service

Required Qualifications

  • High School Diploma or equivalent

Preferred Qualifications

  • 3+ years of experience in catering or culinary services
  • Knowledge of food safety and sanitation procedures
  • Strong culinary techniques including knife skills
  • Experience in fine dining and catering environments
  • Ability to collaborate effectively within a team

Company Description

If you are looking for a job in Kalamazoo or surrounding areas, look no further than AtWork. Our expert recruiters will see you through the hiring process, working tirelessly to find you the perfect job. We help place talented individuals in an array of fields, including administrative, light industrial, manufacturing, and warehouse. We work with candidates at all levels, from entry level to management. We will assist you in finding your next job quickly, ensuring weekly pay and a flexible schedule tailored to your needs.