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Catering Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nineteen Twenty Four (400)

Catering -Chef

Brooklyn, NY

$1K/wk

Catering and Event Chef (Seasonal) Reports To: Executive Chef, Director of Events Compensation: $1500 week/$75,000 Roberta's is hiring experienced chefs who are looking to work with a small, dynamic ...

Roberta's

Catering -Chef

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$1K/wk

Catering and Event Chef (Seasonal) Reports To: Executive Chef, Director of Events Compensation: $1500 week/$75,000 Roberta's is hiring experienced chefs who are looking to work with a small, dynamic ...

Spice Catering Co

Executive Catering Chef

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

Executive Catering Chef Location: Spice Headquarters, 5601 Tillman Ave. Cle, Ohio 44102 Position Type: Full-Time Overview The Executive Catering Chef is responsible for the overall culinary ...

One Off Hospitality Group

Catering Chef

Chicago, IL

$25 - $35/hr

OFFSITE CATERING CHEF / CATERING & EVENT SOUS CHEF (HOULRY) REPORTS TO: EVENTS SOUS CHEF AND EXECUTIVE CHEF OF CATERING & EVENTS FLSA: NON-EXEMPT POSITION SUMMARY: The Catering & Event Sous Chef is ...

Washington State University

Catering Chef

Pullman, WA · On-site

$4K - $6K/mo

Catering Chef Employee Type: Admin. Professional Position Details: The Opportunity: As a Catering Chef for Dining Services , you will work under the general direction of the General Manager to lead ...

Washington State University

Catering Chef

Pullman, WA · On-site

$4K - $6K/mo

Catering Chef Employee Type: Admin. Professional Position Details: The Opportunity: As a Catering Chef for Dining Services , you will work under the general direction of the General Manager to lead ...

AVI Foodsystems, Inc

Catering Chef

Mayfield, OH · On-site

AVI Foodsystems is looking for an energetic and optimistic leader to immediately hire to fill the role of Catering Chef, Full-time. This position is scheduled Monday through Friday with limited ...

Uncle Giuseppe's, Inc.

Catering Chef

Levittown, NY · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Description Our newest location in Levittown, NY is looking for a talented and experienced Full-Time Catering Chef to lead and elevate the catering operations of our specialty market. This dynamic ...

Williams College

Catering Chef

Williamstown, MA

$31 - $33/hr

We are excited to announce an opening for a full-time Catering Chef who will organize and oversee the day-to-day operations of all Faculty House meals and catering functions on campus. Pay: Pay ...

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How much do catering chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for catering chef in the United States is $25.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $30.05 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, and why are they important?

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.
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Catering Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Catering Chef job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,475 per year, or $25.7 per hour.
Catering Chef

Catering Chef

Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment

Cincinnati, OH • On-site

$70K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Catering Chef: Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment
If you truly want to elevate yourself, we have an amazing opportunity with a great, High End Company!
Company Overview:
The Jeff Ruby Experience is about excellence. It is captured in the quality of the food, the energy and elegance of the atmosphere, the impeccability of service and the overall dining experience. Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouses are well-known for award-winning U.S.D.A. Prime Steaks, Seafood amp; Sushi, premium Wine and Cocktail lists, and Impeccable Service. Collectively, these are the elements of The Jeff Ruby Experience, making it an incomparable total dining experience unlike any other.
In Jeff Ruby’s words, “our employees are our most important asset”. As such, we provide phenomenal benefits available to all employees including:
  • Paid Time Off.
  • Immediate enrollment into a 401(k) savings plan with company match after 1 year.
  • 100% Company Paid Health and Life Insurance Plans.
  • Group Dental, Vision, Voluntary Life, FSA, and Short-Term Disability Insurance.
  • Flexible Schedules.
  • Long Term Career Growth Opportunities.
Position Description:
The Catering Chef position is responsible for driving the Catering strategy and execution for on and off-site events from a culinary standpoint. This candidate should be educated in Culinary Arts and be creative in culinary execution and set-up. Ideally, this candidate should have a strong passion for the industry, as well as experience in customer service. The Catering Chef will collaborate with the Front of House team members as well as other Executive Chefs in the company, and the Culinary Director. They will play a crucial role in driving the success of Catering and Events all while focusing on the company’s Vision, Mission, Purpose, and Goals.
Work Performed:
  1. Menu Planning
    1. Crafting and executing culinary dishes that are aesthetically pleasing, up to company standards.
    2. Keeping food quality top of mind always
    3. Adhering to guests wants/needs on a regular basis. This can include executing dishes that are not on existing menus
    4. Keeping up with culinary trends/seasons. Always planning for the next great culinary opportunity
  2. Execution of all styles of events
    1. This includes being able to execute culinary dishes in different atmospheres.
  3. Catering Strategy
    1. Works closely with Culinary Director to drive new initiatives
  4. Forecasting for future events, needs, and ordering product
    1. Collaborating with team members on a weekly basis to determine all needs from a culinary standpoint
  5. Responsible for equipment set up and break down
    1. This includes transporting equipment to off-site events and back to its home location in a safe manner
    2. This includes keeping all equipment in good standing condition and performing any preventative maintenance on equipment
  6. Menu Tasting and Customer Service
    1. This includes always having an open mind and going above and beyond to meet the guests needs
    2. Executing tastings for guests and company. This could be for new seasonal menu items, or one-off occasions
  7. Cleaning multiple components and locations.
    1. Responsible for maintaining clean, sanitized environment.
    2. This includes food, facilities, and equipment.
    3. Must always meet Health code standards
  8. Loading and unloading equipment
  9. Managing a team of seasonal and/or full-time event team members
    1. Train and build relationships with new employees
    2. This also includes employees from other JRCE locations
  10. Driving 1 + hours to and from events as planned
  11. Assist in creating/improving standard operating procedures
Physical Requirements:
  1. Ability to stand and walk during 6 to 8 hour shifts.
  2. Ability to reach, bend, stoop, and wipe.
  3. Ability to lift and carry supplies and equipment up to 60 pounds and place items on high and low shelves in storerooms and freezers.
  4. Ability to work in an environment that is subject to varying levels of heat and noise.
  5. Ability to work in a high pressure environment

Required Experience:
  1. High School Diploma or equivalent. Culinary Education preferred
  2. At least three years of related experience working at a fine dining restaurant and/or Catering Events.
  3. Experience with new concept, menu and recipe development, food presentation and creative skills that result in the achievement of business objectives
  4. Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
  5. Requires culinary vision and a passion for food – knows food and industry trends, current and future
  6. ServSafe Level 2 Certified
  7. Prior experience in labor and food cost control
  8. Excellent written and oral communications skills, computer proficiency
  9. Comprehension of English oral and written language
  10. Ability to deal with a diverse staff and to operate efficiently despite stressful time pressure. Strong coaching and development skills

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