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Catering Chef Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Catering Chef Manager

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Catering Chef Manager

Norfolk, VA

$60K - $70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Catering Chef Manager

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Catering Chef Manager

Norfolk, VA

$60K - $70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Catering Event Chef

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

  • Retirement

... catering division of Trolley Hospitality Companies, a Richmond-based hospitality group serving the greater Richmond and Hampton Roads regions. We specialize in delivering fresh, chef-crafted meals ...

Catering Event Sous Chef

Arlington, VA · On-site

$20 - $28/hr

  • Retirement

Join our team at Main Event Caterers as a Catering Event Sous Chef! As a vital member of our culinary team, you will have the opportunity to showcase your talent and creativity while delivering mouth ...

Work is performed under the general direction of the Facility Manager and Catering Chef, with some latitude for independent judgment. Due to the service of alcohol, applicants must be at least 21 ...

Work is performed under the general direction of the Facility Manager and Catering Chef, with some latitude for independent judgment. Due to the service of alcohol, applicants must be at least 21 ...

Work is performed under the general direction of the Facility Manager and Catering Chef, with some latitude for independent judgment. Due to the service of alcohol, applicants must be at least 21 ...

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Catering Chef information

See Virginia salary details

$14

$25

$40

How much do catering chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for catering chef in Virginia is $25.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.33 and $29.81 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.

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

The most popular types of Catering Chef jobs in Virginia are:

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Catering Chef jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Catering Chef job openings:

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

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

Infographic showing various Catering Chef job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,017 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

Catering Chef Manager

Aramark

Norfolk, VA • On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Aramark rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 1,268 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

395th of 491 rated business services


Job description

Job Description

We know that a Chef?s job isn?t only about the food. It takes skills, dedication, patience, and the right opportunities. We?re looking for Chef Manager who can help us deliver the best customer service and food experiences. Reporting to the General Manager, you?ll take a hands-on approach in focusing on team development, culinary expertise, safety protocol, and client relations. Our Chef Manager will also play a key role in helping us meet budget requirements and execute company-delivered programs. 

Just like you, we?re passionate about everything we do, and we?ll make sure you have the right growth opportunities to reach the peak of your career. 

Compensation Data

COMPENSATION: The Salaried rate for this position is $60,000.00 to $70,000.00. If both numbers are the same, that is the amount that Aramark expects to offer. This is Aramark?s good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation for this position as of the time of posting.

BENEFITS: Aramark offers comprehensive benefit programs and services for eligible employees including medical, dental, vision, and work/life resources. Additional benefits may include retirement savings plans like 401(k) and paid days off such as parental leave and disability coverage. Benefits vary by location and are subject to any legal requirements or limitations, employee eligibility status, and where the employee lives and/or works. For more information about Aramark benefits, click here Aramark Careers - Benefits & Compensation

There is no predetermined application window for this position, the position will close once a qualified candidate is selected. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with all applicable laws, including, but not limited to all applicable Fair Chance Ordinances and Acts. For jobs in San Francisco, this includes the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

Job Responsibilities
  • Train and manage kitchen personnel and supervise/coordinate all related culinary activities 

  • Estimate food consumption and requisition or purchase food 

  • Select and develop recipes as well as standardize production recipes to ensure consistent quality 

  • Establish presentation technique and quality standards, and plan and price menus 

  • Ensure proper equipment operation/maintenance and ensure proper safety and sanitation in kitchen 

  • Oversee special catering events and may also offer culinary instruction and/or demonstrates culinary techniques 

At Aramark, developing new skills and doing what it takes to get the job done make a positive impact for our employees and for our customers. In order to meet our commitments, job duties may change or new ones may be assigned without formal notice.?? 

Qualifications
  • Requires 2-3 years of experience in a related position  

  • Requires 2-3 years of post-high school education or equivalent experience 

  • Culinary degree preferred 

  • Requires advanced knowledge of the principles and practices within the food profession 

  • Requires experiential knowledge of management of people and/or problems 

  • Requires oral, reading and written communication skills 

Education
About Aramark

Our Mission

Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet.

At Aramark, we believe that every employee should enjoy equal employment opportunity and be free to participate in all aspects of the company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by applicable law.

About Aramark

The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food and facilities in 15 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at http://www.aramarkcareers.com or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.


What Aramark employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Aramark logo

About Aramark

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food, facilities, and uniform services in 19 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Industry

Hospitality services and facilities support services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Philadelphia, PA, US