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Contract Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Pastry Sous Chef (Meadow Point) Salary: $76,240 - $80,000 / year Location: Onsite in San Jose, CA ... We are a restaurant company that operates in contract food service. That means you will have the ...

Pastry Sous Chef

San Jose, CA · On-site

$76K - $80K/yr

Pastry Sous Chef (Meadow Point) Salary: $76,240 - $80,000 / year Location: Onsite in San Jose, CA ... We are a restaurant company that operates in contract food service. That means you will have the ...

Executive Chef

La Mirada, CA · On-site

$72K - $99K/yr

Executive Chef Salary: 110,000-115,000 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 ...

Executive Chef

La Mirada, CA · On-site

$72K - $99K/yr

Executive Chef Salary: 110,000-115,000 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 ...

Executive Chef

La Mirada, CA

$72K - $99K/yr

Executive Chef Salary: 110,000-115,000 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 ...

Executive Chef

La Mirada, CA · On-site

$72K - $99K/yr

Executive Chef Salary: 110,000-115,000 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Sous Chef Pepperdine University

Malibu, CA · On-site

$58K - $78K/yr

Sous Chef Pepperdine University Salary: 75,000-85,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is ... We are a restaurant company that operates in contract food service. That means you will have the ...

SOUS CHEF - 6 Month Contract

Big Sur, CA · On-site

$58K - $79K/yr

This role serves on the culinary management team as an on the floor leader in the kitchen and reports to the Chef and F&B Manager. Responsible for supporting and ensuring food safety and culinary ...

Catering Sous Chef ServiceNow

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$59K - $79K/yr

Catering Sous Chef ServiceNow Salary: 80,000-85,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is ... We are a restaurant company that operates in contract food service. That means you will have the ...

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 ...

Sous Chef Pepperdine University

Malibu, CA · On-site

$58K - $78K/yr

Sous Chef Pepperdine University Salary: 75,000-85,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is ... We are a restaurant company that operates in contract food service. That means you will have the ...

Sous Chef Pepperdine University

Malibu, CA · On-site

$58K - $78K/yr

Sous Chef Pepperdine University Salary: 75,000-85,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is ... We are a restaurant company that operates in contract food service. That means you will have the ...

Catering Sous Chef ServiceNow

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$58K - $79K/yr

Catering Sous Chef ServiceNow Salary: 80,000-85,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is ... We are a restaurant company that operates in contract food service. That means you will have the ...

Catering Sous Chef ServiceNow

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$59K - $79K/yr

Catering Sous Chef ServiceNow Salary: 80,000-85,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is ... We are a restaurant company that operates in contract food service. That means you will have the ...

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 ...

Catering Sous Chef ServiceNow

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$59K - $79K/yr

Catering Sous Chef ServiceNow Salary: 80,000-85,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is ... We are a restaurant company that operates in contract food service. That means you will have the ...

Showing results 41-60

Contract Chef information

What is a contract chef?

A Contract Chef is a culinary professional hired on a temporary or project basis to provide cooking services for restaurants, catering companies, private clients, or events. They may work short-term assignments or long-term contracts, depending on the needs of the employer. Contract Chefs are responsible for menu planning, food preparation, and ensuring high-quality meals while adapting to different kitchen environments. This role offers flexibility and variety, making it ideal for chefs who enjoy diverse work experiences.

What are the typical work assignments and environments for contract chefs?

Contract Chefs often work on short-term assignments ranging from private events and corporate dining to temporary placements at restaurants, catering companies, or remote sites. Each assignment can present unique kitchen setups, menus, and team dynamics, which makes adaptability essential. You may work autonomously or alongside an existing culinary staff, depending on client needs and assignment scale. This role provides exposure to a variety of cuisines and operational styles, offering valuable experience and networking opportunities for future culinary advancement.

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

To thrive as a Contract Chef, you need advanced culinary skills, menu planning expertise, and experience in various cuisines, usually backed by a culinary degree or relevant apprenticeship. Familiarity with kitchen management software, food safety certifications (such as ServSafe), and inventory systems is important. Excellent communication, flexibility, and problem-solving abilities are soft skills that distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies ensure a Contract Chef can efficiently adapt to different client needs, lead kitchen teams, and consistently deliver high-quality meals in diverse environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in California?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Chef jobs in California?

For Contract Chef jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Chef jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Chef jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Contract Chef jobs?

Cities in California with the most Contract Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Chef job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

$76K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,099 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

351st of 500 rated business services


Job description

Position Title: Pastry Sous Chef (Meadow Point) 

Salary:  $76,240 - $80,000 / year

Location: Onsite in San Jose, CA

Hours: Sunday-Thursday with a 5:00AM start time

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

We are seeking a dynamic Pastry Sous Chef to join our exceptional Bon Appétit team in a pivotal culinary leadership role. 

The Pastry Sous Chef is responsible for shaping the daily culinary experience within the café, overseeing all facets of food quality, driving the culinary process, and ensuring the efficiency of service. This position requires an understanding of diverse culinary techniques, an unyielding passion for crafting exceptional dishes, and a strong ability to mentor and inspire a high-performing kitchen team. On a daily basis, you will manage a wide range of administrative and operational tasks, including the monitoring of the overall budget. Beyond these responsibilities, the Pastry Sous Chef collaborates closely with the Chef de Cuisine to cultivate robust relationships with key stakeholders, collectively driving operational excellence and enhancing the overall user experience. 

Bon Appétit is deeply committed to a culture of workplace and food safety, which you will champion every day. As the Pastry Sous Chef, you will set the standard for responsible practices, ensuring the well-being of our guests, our valued team members, and yourself.

The Food program’s vision is to inspire and enable the world to make food choices and use food experiences to develop more sustainable lifestyles and communities. 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Food & Workplace Safety: Rigorously manage workplace and food safety standards, including meticulous allergen management, to ensure the highest levels of guest well-being and operational safety.
  • Culinary Vision: Contribute to the overall dining experience by executing and refining the culinary offerings with precision and creativity.
  • Operational Flow: Strictly adhere to all menu, production, and preparation guidelines; diligently follow opening/closing checklists and uphold responsibility guides to maintain seamless operations.
  • Nourishing Meals: Prepare and present thoughtfully balanced meals that effectively fuel and delight our users throughout their day.
  • Exceptional Hospitality: Set and maintain a consistent expectation of genuinely engaging hospitality across all service interactions.
  • Team Talent: Actively train, coach, and develop kitchen team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.
  • Sustainable Sourcing: Assist the Chef de Cuisine in ensuring all ingredients and products are procured in alignment with sector and Food purchasing standards, emphasizing our commitment to sustainability.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Education: Degree from an accredited culinary institution is preferred, not required.
  • Culinary Experience: A minimum of 2 years of kitchen supervisory experience or applicable culinary leadership experience within a similar volume, high-quality food service establishment.
  • Safety Leadership: Demonstrated ability to champion and enhance a culture focused on Food and Workplace Safety.
  • Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, capable of inspiring and guiding a team.
  • Technical Proficiency: Proficient in computer and technical skills, including a working knowledge of Google Suite tools.
  • Operational Alignment: Passion for the intersection of exceptional food, sustainability, and hospitality.
  • Certifications: ServSafe Certification is preferred.
  • Union Experience: Experience managing in a Union Environment is a plus.

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:  1560834

Bon Appetit 

Allison Murphy 


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