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Contract Caterer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary Working as a Catering Director , you have the responsibility for Catering and Events ... Booking, selecting and costing menu items, pricing contracts, and resourcing temporary help and ...

Catering Sales & Event Manager

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

Manage clients from contract through final billing, includes in person meetings. * Prepare Banquet ... Catering Sales * Event Planning * Revenue Generation * Client Relationship Management * Operational ...

Catering Sales Manager

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

Negotiate contracts, suggest menus, and coordinate room setups according to policy and client needs ... Minimum 2 years' experience in catering sales, hotel convention services, banquet management, hotel ...

Catering Sales & Event Manager

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

Manage clients from contract through final billing, includes in person meetings. * Prepare Banquet ... Catering Sales * Event Planning * Revenue Generation * Client Relationship Management * Operational ...

Catering Sales Manager

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

Negotiate contracts, suggest menus, and coordinate room setups according to policy and client needs ... Minimum 2 years' experience in catering sales, hotel convention services, banquet management, hotel ...

Independent Catering Delivery Driver

Cary, NC · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

We're seeking confident and dependable independent contract delivery professionals across the U.S. to fulfill catering and route-based food deliveries. Join a driver-first platform that values your ...

... catering, AV, space setup, and coordination with IT/facilities. * Directly responsible for event setup, teardown, and on-site execution. * Manage vendor relationships, contracts, and performance.

Support special events and catered functions by preparing, cooking, and presenting menu items as ... Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Clayton, NC. Pay and Benefits The pay ...

Registered Nurses needed! FT, PT, PRN, TRAVEL and LOCAL CONTRACTS. Top Pay and Bonuses. Variety of ... This means assignments catered to your need, whether that is something challenging, diverse or just ...

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Contract Caterer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$10

$16

$23

How much do contract caterer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract caterer in Raleigh, NC is $16.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.04 and $17.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do caterers get clients?

Contract caterers typically get clients through networking, referrals, and building relationships with event planners, corporate clients, and venues. They also use marketing strategies such as social media, website presence, and participating in industry events to attract new business. Providing quality service and maintaining a strong reputation are key to securing repeat clients.

What are contract caterers?

Contract caterers are companies or individuals hired to provide food and beverage services for organizations, events, or institutions on a contractual basis. They typically manage all aspects of food preparation, service, staffing, and sometimes menu planning according to the client's requirements. These services are often used by businesses, schools, hospitals, and event venues that prefer to outsource their catering rather than operate their own kitchens. Contract caterers can offer a wide range of cuisine options and service styles, from casual buffets to formal dining. Their flexibility and expertise make them a popular choice for organizations seeking reliable and professional food service solutions.

What is a contract caterer?

A contract caterer is a professional or company hired to provide food services for events, institutions, or organizations on a contractual basis. They typically handle menu planning, food preparation, and service, often working in settings like corporate offices, schools, or hospitals. Contract caterers may require food safety certifications and experience in large-scale food service operations.

What are some common challenges faced by contract caterers and how can they be managed?

Contract caterers often face challenges such as fluctuating client demands, managing food costs, and ensuring consistent quality across multiple locations. Effective communication with clients and staff, careful menu planning, and strong supplier relationships are key strategies to address these issues. Additionally, staying adaptable to changing dietary trends and regulations helps maintain high standards and client satisfaction in a dynamic environment.

What does a caterer charge per hour?

Contract caterers typically charge between $20 and $50 per hour, depending on factors such as event size, menu complexity, location, and experience. Rates may also include additional costs for staffing, equipment, and transportation. It is common for caterers to provide customized quotes based on specific event requirements.

What is the difference between Contract Caterer vs Food Service Worker?

AspectContract CatererFood Service Worker
CredentialsMay require food safety certifications, culinary trainingTypically no formal certifications required
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, catering events, institutionsRestaurants, cafeterias, hospitals, schools
Employer & Industry UsageContract companies, catering firms, hospitality industryRestaurants, cafeterias, food service establishments

Contract Caterers focus on providing food services through contracted agreements, often handling large events or institutional contracts. Food Service Workers perform daily food prep and service in various settings. While both roles involve food handling, Contract Caterers typically have more specialized training and work in larger-scale or contractual environments, whereas Food Service Workers are more involved in routine food service tasks.

What type of catering is most profitable?

For contract caterers, the most profitable catering types often include corporate events, weddings, and large-scale institutional contracts due to higher volume and repeat business. Specializing in niche markets like health care or educational institutions can also increase profitability through steady contracts and tailored services. Success depends on efficient operations, pricing strategies, and building strong client relationships.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Caterer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Caterer, you need strong culinary skills, knowledge of food safety regulations, and experience in large-scale food preparation, typically supported by relevant catering or hospitality qualifications. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and food safety certifications such as ServSafe is commonly required. Excellent organizational abilities, communication, and customer service skills help set top performers apart in this role. These competencies ensure efficient operations, compliance with health standards, and high client satisfaction in catering environments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Caterer jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Caterer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Contract Caterer jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Contract Caterer job openings:
Infographic showing various Contract Caterer job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Locum Tenens, 3% Internship, 47% As Needed, 19% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 22% Nights. Highlights an 19% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 73% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,411 per year, or $16.1 per hour.
DIR, CATERING

DIR, CATERING

Compass Group

Chapel Hill, NC • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,081 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

342nd of 487 rated business services


Job description

Salary: 

Other Forms of Compensation:  

What makes FLIK click


What makes FLIK click? Our people. The decisions, actions and attitudes of our associates earn the trust and loyalty of our clients every day. We know how to pick them and we know how to grow them. It starts with hiring people who share our passion for food and hospitality. Once we find the right talent, we encourage, value and recognize their contributions.
 

We keep our people renewed, excited and engaged by providing hands-on training and educating them about the latest trends. We give them a stake in successfully raising the bar. Our people love what they do and they love sharing their passion. Join our team and see the FLIK difference. Where a job isn't merely a job but the start of a career where you can flourish.

Job Summary

Working as a Catering Director, you have the responsibility for Catering and Events. You will manage a team of staff, build client relations, along with ensuring the catering offered to our guests is of outstanding quality. 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Coordinates and oversees internal and external catering events
  • Develops and maintains the catering marketing plan including a comprehensive event planning service to clients and detailed menu development
  • Hires, trains, and schedules catering staff, and will be actively involved in the development of existing catering staff in-service techniques, menu presentation, policies, and procedures
  • Ensures successful operations of catering functions including labor cost control, foods cost control and preparation, transportation, setup, operation, and cleanup of all events

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree is required in Hospitality or Culinary Arts
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in the hospitality industry including 2 years in management (preferably Catering Management) is required
  • Booking, selecting and costing menu items, pricing contracts, and resourcing temporary help and equipment experience is key
  • The ability to supervise food preparation, service, and cleanup is also essential

Apply to Flik today!

Flik is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

 

Associates at Flik Hospitality 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_FlikHospitality.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. 

Flik maintains a drug-free workplace.

Req ID: 1549704

Flik Hospitality Group 

Jenah Freeman 

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