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Contract Catering Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bon Appetit

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 ... We are a restaurant company that operates in contract food service. That means you will have the ...

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 ... We are a restaurant company that operates in contract food service. That means you will have the ...

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 ... We are a restaurant company that operates in contract food service. That means you will have the ...

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 ... We are a restaurant company that operates in contract food service. That means you will have the ...

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 ... We are a restaurant company that operates in contract food service. That means you will have the ...

Grand View Lodge

Director of Catering

Nisswa, MN · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

... closing a contract as you are collaborating with the Executive Chef on a custom menu or ... You'll own the catering revenue line, build and mentor your team, and help shape what elevated ...

New

Food City

Catering Coordinator

Johnson City, TN · On-site

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

Finalize event pricing and contract agreements with clients * Ensure event planning sheets are drawn up and posted in designated areas and forwarded to Catering Chef and Banquet Manager * Proactively ...

Compass Group

Catering Sous Chef

Foster City, CA · On-site

Catering Sous Chef Salary: 85,000-90,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is Food! At Bon ... We are a restaurant company that operates in contract food service. That means you will have the ...

Compass Group

Catering Sous Chef

Foster City, CA · On-site

Catering Sous Chef Salary: 85,000-90,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is Food! At Bon ... We are a restaurant company that operates in contract food service. That means you will have the ...

Location Gourmet,

Be Seen First

Chef/cook

Park City, UT · On-site

$33/hr

Film Catering Chef / Cook Busy film catering company is potentially hiring a dependable ... Overtime Overtime availability and rates may depend on the production contract. When applicable ...

New

Bon Appetit

Catering Sous Chef

Foster City, CA · On-site

Catering Sous Chef Salary: 85,000-90,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is Food! At Bon ... We are a restaurant company that operates in contract food service. That means you will have the ...

Compass Group

Catering Sous Chef

Foster City, CA

Catering Sous Chef Salary: 85,000-90,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is Food! At Bon ... We are a restaurant company that operates in contract food service. That means you will have the ...

Location Gourmet,

Be Seen First

Chef/cook

Park City, UT · On-site

$33/hr

Film Catering Chef / Cook Busy film catering company is potentially hiring a dependable ... Overtime Overtime availability and rates may depend on the production contract. When applicable ...

New

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Contract Catering Chef information

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How much do contract catering chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract 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 a contract catering chef?

A Contract Catering Chef is a professional chef who prepares and manages meals in settings such as schools, hospitals, corporate offices, or event venues under a contractual agreement. Unlike restaurant chefs, they typically work for catering companies or organizations that provide food services as part of a contract. Their responsibilities include menu planning, food preparation, overseeing kitchen staff, ensuring food safety standards, and managing budgets. The role often requires flexibility, as they may work at different locations depending on the client's needs. Contract Catering Chefs play a crucial role in delivering high-quality meals tailored to the specific requirements of each contract.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract catering chef?

To thrive as a Contract Catering Chef, you need strong culinary skills, menu planning expertise, and relevant food safety certifications, often supported by experience in large-scale food preparation. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and compliance with HACCP or similar food safety protocols is typically required. Leadership, adaptability, and effective communication are vital soft skills for managing teams and meeting client expectations in diverse environments. These abilities are crucial for ensuring high-quality, safe, and cost-effective food service delivery in dynamic contract catering settings.

What are some common challenges faced by contract catering chefs when working with diverse client requirements?

Contract Catering Chefs often work with a variety of clients, each with unique dietary needs, event themes, and budget constraints. Balancing these diverse requirements while maintaining high-quality food and service can be challenging. Additionally, chefs must adapt quickly to different kitchen environments, manage temporary staff, and ensure compliance with food safety standards. Effective communication and flexibility are essential for success in this dynamic role.

What is the difference between Contract Catering Chef vs Cafeteria Chef?

AspectContract Catering ChefCafeteria Chef
CredentialsCooking certifications, culinary trainingCooking certifications, culinary training
Work EnvironmentContract catering sites, corporate or event venuesSchool, hospital, or institutional cafeterias
Employer & IndustryContract catering companies, hospitality industryEducational institutions, healthcare facilities
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Contract Catering Chef and Cafeteria Chef both require culinary skills and certifications. However, the Contract Catering Chef typically works for catering companies at various client sites, focusing on large-scale events or corporate catering. In contrast, the Cafeteria Chef usually works within specific institutions like schools or hospitals, preparing daily meals for students or patients. While their roles overlap in food preparation, their work environments and employer types differ significantly.

What cities are hiring for Contract Catering Chef jobs?

Cities with the most Contract Catering Chef job openings:

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

The most popular types of Catering Chef jobs are:

What states have the most Contract Catering Chef jobs?

States with the most job openings for Contract Catering Chef jobs include:

Contract Catering Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Catering Chef job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 32% 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.

Executive Catering Chef

Bon Appetit

Mountain View, CA • On-site

$84K - $116K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Bon Appétit Management Company rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 58 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 68 rated caterers

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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