1

Contract Catering Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

We are a restaurant company that operates in contract food service. That means you will have the ... Produces and execute catering events. * Rolls out new culinary programs in conjunction with Company ...

Executive Chef

Potomac, MD · On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

Associate's Degree or five or more years of related food service experience. * 3-5 years of Executive Chef experience * 5+ Years of experience in Contract Food Service Operation, High-End Catering ...

Catering Manager

Arden Hills, MN · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

We are a restaurant company that operates in contract food service. That means you will have the ... Works with the Chef in creating menus. * Trains catering associates in service techniques, menu ...

Catering Manager

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

We are a restaurant company that operates in contract food service. That means you will have the ... Works with the Chef in creating menus. * Trains catering associates in service techniques, menu ...

We are a restaurant company that operates in contract food service. That means you will have the ... Works with the Chef in creating menus. * Trains catering associates in service techniques, menu ...

We are a restaurant company that operates in contract food service. That means you will have the ... Works with the Chef in creating menus. * Trains catering associates in service techniques, menu ...

Chef Manager/ General Manager Location: Dodge County Hospital, Eastman GA This position is a ... Contract Dining Services background that includes Cafe Operations, Retail, Catering and all ...

Catering Sales Manager

Dallas, TX · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

With locations in Austin, TX, Chicago, IL, and Nashville, TN, the menu features Top Chef Alum, Chef ... Develop and write catering proposals, contracts and event orders; schedule catering events in ...

Sous Chef

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$59K - $79K/yr

We are a restaurant company that operates in contract food service. That means you will have the ... Execute and support catering events from production through service * Maintain high standards of ...

Executive Chef

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$74K - $102K/yr

... contracts. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Culinary Leadership & Innovation * Develop and implement ... Experience in off-premise catering and large-scale event production highly preferred. Skills ...

We are a restaurant company that operates in contract food service. That means you will have the ... Works with the Chef in creating menus. * Trains catering associates in service techniques, menu ...

Showing results 21-40

Contract Catering Chef information

See salary details

$14

$25

$40

How much do contract catering chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 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 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 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 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:
Infographic showing various Contract Catering Chef job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 34% 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.

Sous Chef

Compass Group

Cleveland, OH • On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,088 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

338th of 483 rated business services


Job description

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

Working as the Sous Chef, you will be responsible for the successful operation of the Culinary Department for a facility. You will assist in the supervision, preparation, and cooking of various food items, developing daily menu items and their preparation and garnishment. You may supervise hourly associates and you work with Executive Chef/Chef to develop new menus and assist with ordering. This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, entrepreneurial Culinary professional. 
This position is located at Case Western University.
 
Key Responsibilities:
  • Assists the Executive Chef with managing cost controls and control expenditures for the account.
  • Assists the Executive Chef with planning and creating menus.
  • Produces and execute catering events.
  • Rolls out new culinary programs in conjunction with Company marketing and culinary team.
 
Preferred Qualifications:
  • A.S. or equivalent experience.
  • Some progressive culinary/kitchen management experience, depending upon formal degree or training.
  • Catering experience a plus.
  • High volume, complex foodservice operations experience - highly desirable.
  • Institutional and batch cooking experiences helpful.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation.
  • Must be experienced with computers; to include Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Power Point), Outlook, E-mail and the Internet.
  • Must be willing to participate in client satisfaction programs/activities.
  • ServSafe certified - highly desirable.

What Compass Group employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom