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Contract Catering Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$68 - $72/hr

Has discretion and authority to negotiate contracts and commit company with customers and set ... Liaise withdepartment heads such as Chefs, Banquet Managers, and Front Office Manager to ensure ...

New

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 ...

Executive Chef

Bethesda, MD

$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 ...

Since its 1989 inception, Preferred Hospitality, Inc. (Management Company for Provider Contract ... Meets with Chef's weekly to verify event details and menu items. -Event Set-up: Understands basic ...

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, and event operations team to develop compelling experiences that maximize revenue, strengthen ... Negotiate contracts, deposits, and cancellation terms in line with hotel policy and profitability ...

Director of Catering

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90 - $110/hr

... Chef, and event operations team to develop compelling experiences that maximize revenue, strengthen ... Negotiate contracts, deposits, and cancellation terms in line with hotel policy and profitability ...

Director of Catering

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

... Chef, and event operations team to develop compelling experiences that maximize revenue, strengthen ... Negotiate contracts, deposits, and cancellation terms in line with hotel policy and profitability ...

Catering Manager

Glendale, AZ · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Since its 1989 inception, Preferred Hospitality, Inc. (Management Company for Provider Contract ... Meets with Chef's weekly to verify event details and menu items. -Event Set-up: Understands basic ...

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 ...

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 ...

CATERING MANAGER

Long Island City, NY · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Job Summary The Catering Manager holds duties related to successful execution and coordination for ... Plans menus in consultation with the clients and chefs * Negotiates individual vendor contracts

CATERING MANAGER

Long Island City, NY · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Job Summary The Catering Manager holds duties related to successful execution and coordination for ... Plans menus in consultation with the clients and chefs * Negotiates individual vendor contracts

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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:

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.

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Metz Culinary Management rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 88 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 68 rated caterers


Job description

Position Title: Chef Manager/ General Manager
Location: Dodge County Hospital, Eastman GA
This position is a General Manager role that requires a Chef background
We are seeking a stellar Chef Manager to lead our AMAZING dining services team at Dodge County Hospital. This is a great opportunity for a first time GM with a solid Contract Dining Services background that includes Cafe Operations, Retail, Catering and all operations management FOH &BOH.
Metz Culinary Management is growing and we have an opening for a Rock Star Culinary and Hospitality driven Chef Manager who shares our passion for Food and Service as well as the CULINARY CHOPS to design, implement and oversee a delicious menu for our valued clients and guests. This is a GENERAL MANAGER role for an experienced Hospitality and Culinary Director.
This position is a prominent opportunity in a busy commercial kitchen and café operations setting and requires a polished and professional identity and winning attitude from a Director with experience leading a team in all operations. Experience desired in a Contract Dining Food Service setting such as Hospital, School, College, Senior Living or Corporate Dining accounts. Must be a trained Chef.
The Chef Manager has an overall responsibility of food service operations and service. He/She institutes company cycle menus and recipes; plans and oversees purchasing, employee personnel programs, scheduling, bookkeeping, customer and client relations; overseas the food preparation service and sanitation; and is accountable for the total operation results.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
  • 3+Plus Years in a Food Service Manager role (front and back)
  • Trained Executive Chef
  • Knowledgeable in Retail Sales and POS systems
  • Catering Management Experience
  • Impeccable Communication Skills
  • Restaurant Management knowledge
  • Thorough knowledge of Menu implementation with stunning presentation ideas
  • Team Building with strong Recruiting and Retention Program
  • Technology Savvy
  • Hospitality/Culinary Degree a strong plus

Metz Culinary Management Values are what separates us from the competition. Our Leaders share our Values, Attributes, and Strategic Focus reinforcing our culture and values every day to our Team Members creating an environment for personal growth, enrichment and career success.
As one of the fastest growing companies in the industry, we continually seek talented and dedicated individuals who share our commitment to excellence. Join our team of over 7,000 team members who share a passion for Onsite Dining and Support Services, working together toward one common goal, excellence, in quality and service. We are committed to providing the atmosphere, opportunity, and benefits that enable us to be an employer of choice in the industry.
We are a family-driven company that delivers restaurant-inspired hospitality to everyone we serve.

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