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Catering Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

Executive Catering Chef

Mountain View, CA

$84K - $116K/yr

Executive Catering Chef Salary: 100,000-116,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is Food! At Bon Appetit Management Company we are committed to two things, great food and outstanding service!

Compass Group

Executive Catering Chef

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$84K - $116K/yr

Executive Catering Chef Salary: 100,000-116,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is Food! At Bon Appetit Management Company we are committed to two things, great food and outstanding service!

Compass Group

Executive Catering Chef

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$84K - $116K/yr

Executive Catering Chef Salary: 100,000-116,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is Food! At Bon Appetit Management Company we are committed to two things, great food and outstanding service!

Paramount Events

Catering Chef

Chicago, IL

$70K - $80K/yr

Work with PE Sales, PE Event Managers and Full-Service Chef de Cuisine to be aware of special menus ... in off-premise catering/banquets * Strong knowledge of various cooking methods and culinary ...

Eurest

CATERING CHEF (FULL TIME)

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$25/hr

Catering chef experience required. Culinary degree or equivalent preferred. *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available * Pay Range : $23.00 per hour to $25.00 per hour We Make Applying Easy! Want to ...

Creations in Cuisine Catering

Be Seen First

Catering Event Chef

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$20 - $25/hr (+ commission)

Catering Lead Event Chef / Production Creations in Cuisine Catering / PASTA REA is a full-service catering company, and we are preparing for the start of another exciting event season! Our selected ...

Creative Dining Services

Catering Sous Chef

Mishawaka, IN · On-site

$20 - $22.50/hr

Creative Dining is hiring immediately for a full-time Catering Sous Chef position at Prince Conference Center. * Location: 1800 E Beltline Ave SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546 * Schedule: Full time schedule.

Eurest

CATERING CHEF (FULL TIME)

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$25/hr

Catering chef experience required. Culinary degree or equivalent preferred. *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available * Pay Range : $23.00 per hour to $25.00 per hour We Make Applying Easy! Want to ...

Compass Group

CATERING CHEF (FULL TIME)

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$25/hr

Catering chef experience required. Culinary degree or equivalent preferred. *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available * Pay Range : $23.00 per hour to $25.00 per hour We Make Applying Easy! Want to ...

NCSU

Executive Catering Chef

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$69K - $95K/yr

Posting Information Posting Number PG194751EP Internal Recruitment No Working Title Executive Catering Chef Anticipated Hiring Range $81,000 - $84,327 Work Schedule Hours are variable based on ...

Lago

Catering Sous Chef

Cleveland, OH · On-site

Description Catering Chef We are seeking a talented and dedicated Catering Sous Chef to join our dynamic culinary team. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to high-quality catering ...

Lago Flats LLC

Catering Sous Chef

Cleveland, OH · On-site

Catering Chef We are seeking a talented and dedicated Catering Sous Chef to join our dynamic culinary team. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to high-quality catering events ...

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Catering Chef information

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How much do catering chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 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 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.

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Catering Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Catering Chef job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, 40% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,475 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Executive Catering Chef

Compass Group

Mountain View, CA

$84K - $116K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,097 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

349th of 500 rated business services

Job description

Position Title: Executive Catering Chef 

Salary:  100,000-116,000

Other Forms of Compensation:  

Our Passion is Food!
At Bon Appetit Management Company we are committed to two things, great food and outstanding service! At Bon Appetit you won't find our managers referring to a corporate recipe book or our chefs microwaving the lunch special. We do not have standardized recipes or central commissaries, instead, our chefs and managers are expected to stay abreast of current culinary trends and bring cutting edge food into their cafes. We are a restaurant company that operates in contract food service. That means you will have the freedom to be creative, take risks, and truly shine. We are committed to our staff growing, trying new things, and learning all that they can. Our rapid growth and breadth of accounts translates into exciting opportunities for our people!

Job Summary
The Events & Catering Chef is responsible for leading the culinary vision, execution, and operational success of the catering and events program within a corporate dining environment. This role combines culinary innovation, client engagement, operational leadership, and team development to deliver exceptional hospitality experiences. The Events & Catering Chef serves as a strategic partner to clients and internal stakeholders, translating business objectives and event goals into memorable culinary experiences while ensuring operational excellence, financial stewardship, and scalability. 
The ideal candidate is a dynamic hospitality professional with a passion for culinary creativity, exceptional guest experiences, and building high-performing teams. 
Key Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
The following represents the primary duties and responsibilities of this position. Other duties may be assigned as needed. 
 
Culinary Innovation & Program Development 
Develop innovative menus, event concepts, and culinary experiences that align with client expectations and company standards.  
Stay informed on emerging culinary trends, ingredients, techniques, and hospitality best practices.  
Balance creativity with operational feasibility, labor requirements, budget expectations, and scalability.  
Design offerings suitable for a variety of event formats, including executive meetings, receptions, conferences, employee activations, and large-scale special events.  
Continuously evaluate and enhance the catering program to drive guest satisfaction and engagement.  
 
Event Operations & Execution 
Lead all culinary aspects of catering and event execution from planning through service delivery.  
Oversee food production, event logistics, staffing plans, and operational readiness.  
Ensure consistency in food quality, presentation, timing, and service standards.  
Evaluate operational processes to improve efficiency, scalability, and overall guest experience.  
Maintain exceptional attention to detail while managing multiple concurrent events and priorities.  
 
Client Relations & Hospitality Leadership 
Serve as a key ambassador for the catering program and primary culinary contact for clients and stakeholders.  
Build and maintain strong client relationships through proactive communication and partnership.  
Consult with clients to understand event objectives and create customized culinary solutions.  
Participate in tastings, presentations, site visits, and client meetings.  
Maintain a visible presence during events to ensure successful execution and guest satisfaction.  
 
Leadership & Team Development 
Lead, mentor, and develop culinary team members through coaching, training, and performance management.  
Foster a culture of hospitality, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.  
Promote collaboration between culinary, operations, and hospitality teams.  
Support workforce planning, recruitment, onboarding, and succession development efforts.  
Encourage creativity and professional growth across the culinary team.  
 
Financial & Administrative Management 
Manage catering food costs, labor expenses, and event profitability goals.  
Support forecasting, budgeting, purchasing, and inventory management activities.  
Maintain accurate event documentation, production schedules, staffing plans, and operational reports.  
Ensure timely communication and coordination across all stakeholders.  
Monitor operational performance metrics and identify opportunities for improvement.  
 
Food Safety & Compliance 
Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, allergen, and workplace safety standards.  
Maintain adherence to company policies, HACCP guidelines, and local regulatory requirements.  
Lead corrective action efforts and support audit readiness activities.  
Qualifications
Associate degree in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.  
5+ years of progressive culinary leadership experience.  
3+ years of catering, events, banquet, or hospitality management experience.  
Experience managing high-volume catering operations and complex event execution.  
Demonstrated success leading culinary teams in a hospitality-driven environment.  
Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and allergen management practices.  
Experience managing labor, food cost controls, and operational budgets.  
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and catering/event management systems.  
ServSafe Manager Certification or equivalent food safety certification.  
 
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
 
Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or related field.  
Corporate dining, luxury hospitality, conference center, or large-scale catering experience.  
Certified Executive Chef (CEC) or other professional culinary certification.  
Experience supporting executive-level events and VIP hospitality programs.  
Experience developing innovative food programs and culinary activations.  
Strong understanding of event planning, hospitality design, and guest experience strategies. 

Apply to Bon Appetit today!

Bon Appetit is a member of Compass Group USA.

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

Associates at Bon Appetit 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/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_BAMCO.pdf

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. 

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

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Bon Appetit maintains a drug-free workplace.

Req ID:  1567920

Bon Appetit 

BRYAN GONI 

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