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Contract Chef Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

CocuSocial

CHEF INSTRUCTOR

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$200 - $350/day

... experienced Chef Instructors to lead fun, hands-on cooking classes in Chicago. Our classes are ... Part-time, Contract Pay: $200.00 - $350.00 per day Benefits: * Flexible schedule * Referral ...

CocuSocial

CHEF INSTRUCTOR

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

... experienced Chef Instructors to lead fun, hands-on cooking classes in Chicago. Our classes are ... Part-time, Contract Pay: $200.00 - $350.00 per day Benefits: * Flexible schedule * Referral ...

CocuSocial

CHEF INSTRUCTOR

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$200 - $350/day

... experienced Chef Instructors to lead fun, hands-on cooking classes in Chicago. Our classes are ... Part-time, Contract Pay: $200.00 - $350.00 per day Benefits: * Flexible schedule * Referral ...

BBQ Holdings

Executive Chef

Schaumburg, IL ยท On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

A Head Chef is a highly skilled professional cook who oversees the operations of a restaurant or ... This description is not a contract or guarantee of employment nor does it alter the "at-will ...

BBQ Holdings

Executive Chef

Schaumburg, IL ยท On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

A Head Chef is a highly skilled professional cook who oversees the operations of a restaurant or ... This description is not a contract or guarantee of employment nor does it alter the "at-will ...

Granite City

Executive Chef

Schaumburg, IL ยท On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

A Head Chef is a highly skilled professional cook who oversees the operations of a restaurant or ... This description is not a contract or guarantee of employment nor does it alter the "at-will ...

Compass Group

Chef Manager

Highland, IL ยท On-site

$49K - $55K/yr

We are seeking a growth minded Chef Manager for our growing business. In this role you will be ... Knowledge of P&L accountability and contract-managed service experience is desirable * Proficient ...

Compass Group

Chef Manager

Highland, IL ยท On-site

$49K - $55K/yr

We are seeking a growth minded Chef Manager for our growing business. In this role you will be ... Knowledge of P&L accountability and contract-managed service experience is desirable * Proficient ...

Compass Group

Chef Manager

Highland, IL

$49K - $55K/yr

We are seeking a growth minded Chef Manager for our growing business. In this role you will be ... Knowledge of P&L accountability and contract-managed service experience is desirable * Proficient ...

Compass Group

TRAVELING SOUS CHEF

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$55K - $60K/yr

Job Summary TRAVELING SOUS CHEF 10 DAYS ON, 4 DAYS OFF | TRAVEL | CAREER GROWTH Ready to take the ... Experience in restaurants, hotels, catering, contract foodservice, or high-volume kitchens * Strong ...

Compass Group

TRAVELING SOUS CHEF

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$55K - $60K/yr

Job Summary TRAVELING SOUS CHEF 10 DAYS ON, 4 DAYS OFF | TRAVEL | CAREER GROWTH Ready to take the ... Experience in restaurants, hotels, catering, contract foodservice, or high-volume kitchens * Strong ...

Compass Group

TRAVELING SOUS CHEF

Chicago, IL

$55K - $60K/yr

Job Summary TRAVELING SOUS CHEF 10 DAYS ON, 4 DAYS OFF | TRAVEL | CAREER GROWTH Ready to take the ... Experience in restaurants, hotels, catering, contract foodservice, or high-volume kitchens * Strong ...

Compass Group

CHEF MANAGER - DECATUR, IL

Decatur, IL

$60K - $70K/yr

CHEF MANAGER - DECATUR, IL Salary: $60,000-$70,000 As the leader in business and industry dining ... Knowledge of P&L accountability and contract-managed service experience is desirable * Proficient ...

Eurest

CHEF MANAGER - DECATUR, IL

Decatur, IL ยท On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

CHEF MANAGER - DECATUR, IL Salary: $60,000-$70,000 As the leader in business and industry dining ... Knowledge of P&L accountability and contract-managed service experience is desirable * Proficient ...

Compass Group

CHEF MANAGER - DECATUR, IL

Decatur, IL ยท On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

CHEF MANAGER - DECATUR, IL Salary: $60,000-$70,000 As the leader in business and industry dining ... Knowledge of P&L accountability and contract-managed service experience is desirable * Proficient ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsContract Chef JobsContract Chef Jobs in Illinois

Contract Chef information

See Illinois salary details

$9

$23

$43

How much do contract chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract chef in Illinois is $23.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.30 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Illinois?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Illinois are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Contract Chef jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Contract Chef job openings:

Contract Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Chef job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,638 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

Sous Chef

Hatty's Club | The Market by Hatty's

Rosemont, IL

$60K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Sous Chef Job Description

Reports to: Executive Chef

Summary of Position:

A Sous Chef assists the Executive Chef in overseeing all kitchen operations, maintaining high standards of food quality and presentation, and ensuring a seamless dining experience for guests. The Sous Chef collaborates with a skilled culinary team, leads by example, and contributes to menu development while adhering to established recipes and guidelines. Creativity, leadership abilities, and attention to detail are essential in upholding a restaurant's reputation for excellence.

Duties & Responsibilities:

§ Support the Executive Chef in managing and supervising all kitchen activities, including food preparation, cooking, and plating, to ensure exceptional quality and consistency.

§ Lead and motivate the culinary team, promoting a positive, inclusive work environment that fosters collaboration, creativity, and professional growth.

§ Collaborate with the Executive Chef to develop innovative and seasonally inspired menus, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.

§ Ensure all food items are prepared and served in accordance with established recipes, portion control guidelines, and presentation standards.

§ Maintain a well-organized and efficient kitchen, optimizing workflow, and implementing effective systems for inventory management, ordering, and cost control.

§ Monitor food quality and freshness, actively participating in regular inspections, and taking appropriate corrective actions when necessary.

§ Assist in training and mentoring kitchen staff, providing guidance on proper cooking techniques, safety procedures, and sanitation practices.

§ Schedule and organize shifts to ensure adequate coverage and optimal productivity.

§ Monitor food inventory levels, place orders, and manage food costs to maximize profitability.

§ Monitor kitchen equipment functionality, arrange repairs or replacements as needed, and maintain model information and maintenance records.

§ Assist in developing annual budgets, forecasting expenses, and managing costs within the kitchen department.

§ Analyze food and labor costs, identify areas for improvement, and implement cost-saving measures without compromising quality.

§ Maintain accurate records of inventory, invoices, and receipts to facilitate accounting and financial reporting.

§ Establish and maintain relationships with food suppliers and negotiate pricing, contracts, and delivery schedules.

§ Evaluate the quality and suitability of ingredients, conduct product tastings, and source new suppliers when necessary.

§ Monitor and manage inventory levels to minimize waste, ensure freshness, and prevent stock shortages.

§ Stay up to date with industry trends and best practices, continuously seeking opportunities to enhance culinary skills and knowledge.

§ Collaborate with the front-of-house team to ensure smooth communication, efficient service, and prompt resolution of any guest concerns or special requests.

§ Adhere to all food safety and sanitation regulations, promoting a safe and clean working environment.

More detail about Hatty's Club | The Market by Hatty's part of Big Fish Hospitality, please visit https://culinaryagents.com/entities/943331-Hatty%2527s-Club-%257C-The-Market-by-Hatty%2527s