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Contract Catering Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Executive Chef

Andover, NH · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

... Contract Food Service Operation, High-End Catering Management, and High-Volume Dining, and Multi ... What the Executive Chef will get: * Competitive Pay, Meals, Uniforms, Benefits such as Health ...

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

New

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 ...

Executive Chef

Newtown, PA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

... Contract Food Service Operation, High-End Catering Management, and High-Volume Dining, and Multi ... What the Executive Chef will get: * Competitive Pay, Meals, Uniforms, Benefits such as Health ...

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

New

CATERING MANAGER

Queens, 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

New

Chef Manager

Riverview, FL · On-site

$80K/yr

Chef Manager Apply now Job no: 722241 Work type: Full Time Location: Riverview Categories: Chef ... catering for residents in this aged care facility * Ensure contract compliance is met and ...

EXECUTIVE CHEF I

Sumter, SC

$63K - $87K/yr

If you come from restaurants, hotels, resorts, corporate dining, universities, catering, contract ... Chef de Cuisine, Executive Sous Chef, or similar leadership experience High-volume, complex ...

EXECUTIVE CHEF I

Sumter, SC · On-site

$63K - $87K/yr

If you come from restaurants, hotels, resorts, corporate dining, universities, catering, contract ... Chef, Chef de Cuisine, Executive Sous Chef, or similar leadership experience • High-volume ...

EXECUTIVE CHEF I

Sumter, SC

$63K - $87K/yr

If you come from restaurants, hotels, resorts, corporate dining, universities, catering, contract ... Chef, Chef de Cuisine, Executive Sous Chef, or similar leadership experience • High-volume ...

Executive Chef - Adobe

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120K - $123K/yr

We are a restaurant company that operates in contract food service. That means you will have the ... This role oversees two café locations and a robust catering operation, serving a sophisticated ...

Executive Chef - Adobe

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120K - $123K/yr

We are a restaurant company that operates in contract food service. That means you will have the ... This role oversees two café locations and a robust catering operation, serving a sophisticated ...

... the top contract dining and refreshment providers in the nation according to Food Management ... Experience with catering, banquets, or special event food preparation. * Familiarity with cost ...

Showing results 41-60

Contract Catering Chef information

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$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.

$22 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Description

About Us:

Since its 1989 inception, Preferred Hospitality, Inc. (Management Company for Provider Contract Food Service and Market Broiler Restaurants) has had the advantage of living, learning, and leading in the competitive food service arena. Specializing in providing exciting concepts, systems, food offerings and efficient, well-trained staff Preferred Hospitality addresses any challenges facing an organization with on-site food service capabilities.


We recruit, train, and develop candidates who enjoy people, will provide excellent service, and take genuine pride in their work. We aim to be the employer of choice where employees know they are always treated fairly with genuine concern.


We are currently seeking an experienced and energetic Catering Manager who can successfully help to lead a dynamic staff in the University Food Service environment.


This is a Full time position that collaborates with the Food and Beverage Director in planning and executing of events, communicating with managers, chefs and catering staff, prior, during and after events. A successful Catering Manager will maintain a strong faculty, staff and client relationship in order to provide a positive event experience.  


Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

-Event Ordering Process: Creates requisitions for each event with all event details. Meets with Chef's weekly to verify event details and menu items.

-Event Set-up: Understands basic buffet and served meal standards. Assists catering team, when needed, for event execution. 

-Catering Team Management: Supervises hourly catering staff to ensure readiness and ability to perform to company standards. Trains on service, hospitality standards, and different event styles. Available to answer all questions or concerns that may arise with catering crew and client. Communicates any issues with behavior or job performance to Catering Director.

-Disposable & Beverage ordering: Inventories and orders disposables, beverages, and products accordingly for upcoming event needs. Tracks in-coming orders and verifies correct placement of inventory. Maintains inventory pars and expiration dates.

-Pull Lists and Equipment: Creates a detailed equipment pull list for each event. Works with staff on pulling and loading all equipment into vehicles. Supervises cleanup and breakdown of a function, accounting for safe return of all equipment and supplies. Meets sanitation standards for all equipment post event.

-Scheduling: Creates weekly schedule, verifies with Catering Director, and posts. Responsible for day-to-day shift coverage.

-Linen: Inventories, orders and receives linen weekly from linen company for upcoming events. Organizes and labels linen for staff usage.


Required Qualifications:

-College degree preferred

-Minimum of 2-4 years experience in catering or the food industry

-Proven successful leadership and people skills. 

-Ability to read and speak English proficiently to effectively communicate with co-workers and guests. Ability to read and speak Spanish is a plus.

-Ability to calculate food/beverage quantities for each event. Keep adequate records of disposable and linen inventory for all events. 

-Proficient in Excel, Word, Outlook, and Google Suite. Experience with CaterEase is a plus.

-Ability to apply common sense understanding and make independent decisions, based on the needs of an event and the department.

-Must maintain a valid driver's license and have a clean driving record.


What We Can Offer you:

  • Pay Range: $22 - $25 per hour.
  • Choice of Medical and Dental plans
  • Vision plan 
  • Employer sponsored Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability and Life Insurance
  • Paid Time Off accruing first day of employment
  • Monthly Dining card 
  • 3 week paid Sabbatical


We are an E-Verify Employer

Successful candidates are subject to criminal background check