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Contract Chef Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Lancer-Hospitality

Floating Chef Manager

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$53K - $55K/yr

Floating Chef Manager Job Reference Number: 39897 Employment Type: Full-Time , Onsite Segment ... Experience in contract foodservice, hospitality, corporate dining, or attractions (zoos, museums ...

Elior North America

Floating Chef Manager

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$53K - $55K/yr

Floating Chef Manager Job Reference Number: 39897 Employment Type: Full-Time , Onsite Segment ... Experience in contract foodservice, hospitality, corporate dining, or attractions (zoos, museums ...

Eurest

CHEF MGR

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$70K - $79K/yr

CHEF MANAGER - MINNEAPOLIS, MN Salary: $70,000-$79,000 As the leader in business and industry ... Knowledge of P&L accountability and contract-managed service experience is desirable * Proficient ...

Compass Group

CHEF MGR

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$70K - $79K/yr

CHEF MANAGER - MINNEAPOLIS, MN Salary: $70,000-$79,000 As the leader in business and industry ... Knowledge of P&L accountability and contract-managed service experience is desirable * Proficient ...

Compass Group

CHEF MGR

Minneapolis, MN

$70K - $79K/yr

CHEF MANAGER - MINNEAPOLIS, MN Salary: $70,000-$79,000 As the leader in business and industry ... Knowledge of P&L accountability and contract-managed service experience is desirable * Proficient ...

Compass Group

CHEF MGR

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$70K - $79K/yr

CHEF MANAGER - MINNEAPOLIS, MN Salary: $70,000-$79,000 As the leader in business and industry ... Knowledge of P&L accountability and contract-managed service experience is desirable * Proficient ...

Compass Group

CHEF MANAGER - EAGAN, MN

Eagan, MN · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

CHEF MANAGER - EAGAN, MN Salary: $70,000-$75,000 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 - EAGAN, MN

Eagan, MN · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

CHEF MANAGER - EAGAN, MN Salary: $70,000-$75,000 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 - EAGAN, MN

Eagan, MN · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

CHEF MANAGER - EAGAN, MN Salary: $70,000-$75,000 As the leader in business and industry dining ... Knowledge of P&L accountability and contract-managed service experience is desirable * Proficient ...

Eurest

CHEF MANAGER - EAGAN, MN

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

CHEF MANAGER - EAGAN, MN Salary: $70,000-$75,000 As the leader in business and industry dining ... Knowledge of P&L accountability and contract-managed service experience is desirable * Proficient ...

Performance Food Group

Contract Sales Manager

Rice, MN · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

A team of sales reps, chefs, consultants, and other experts builds close relationships with customers - providing advice on improving operations, menu development, product selection, and operational ...

Compass Group

Catering Manager

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

... 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 ...

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All JobsContract Chef JobsContract Chef Jobs in Minnesota

Contract Chef information

See Minnesota salary details

$9

$24

$43

How much do contract chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract chef in Minnesota is $24.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.49 and $30.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 is a Contract Chef job?

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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Contract Chef position, and why are they important?

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 Minnesota? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Chef jobs in Minnesota? For Contract Chef jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Chef jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Chef jobs in Minnesota are:
Contract Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Chef job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,170 per year, or $24.1 per hour.
Floating Chef Manager

Floating Chef Manager

Elior North America

Saint Paul, MN

$53K - $55K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Floating Chef Manager

Job Reference Number: 39897
Employment Type: Full-Time, Onsite 
Segment: Dining & Events
Brand: Lancer-Hospitality
Location: Saint Paul, Minnesota (US-MN) 

The Role at a glance:

We are looking to add an experienced, motivated Traveling Chef Manager for our Lancer Hospitality team. As a traveling chef manager, you will have the opportunity to prepare innovative cuisine and manage BOH operations. This position will be a traveling chef manager for Lancer Hospitality and Corporate Chefs units in the Twin Cities area.

The Traveling Chef Manager is a dynamic, high-impact culinary leader responsible for supporting multiple accounts across Lancer Hospitality and Corporate Chefs. This role operates as a floating chef/manager, providing on-site leadership during periods of transition, peak operating times PTO, vacations, or vacancies.

The Traveling Chef Manager serves as a stabilizer and performance driver, ensuring continuity in food quality, safety, team leadership, and client satisfaction. This individual partners closely with Chef Managers and operations leadership to uphold brand standards, execute culinary programs, and deliver consistent, high-quality guest experiences and will directly report to District Manager.

What you'll be doing:

Operational Support & Coverage

Provide on-site culinary and managerial leadership during:

  • Chef PTO/vacation coverage
  • Open or transitional leadership roles
  • High-volume or peak operating periods (POT)
  • Assume full responsibility of kitchen operations including:
  • Production and execution
  • Staffing and scheduling
  • Ordering and inventory management
  • Food safety and sanitation compliance
  • AR and accounting as needed - Dependent on leave status to who they are supporting

Culinary Execution & Program Support

  • Execute and reinforce Lancer and Corporate Chefs culinary standards, recipes, and menu programs
  • Support rollout and consistency of:
  • Seasonal menus
  • Promotional programs
  • Client-driven initiatives
  • Partner with Chef Managers to improve:
  • Menu execution
  • Plate presentation
  • Speed of service

Leadership & Team Development

  • Provide hands-on leadership, coaching, and mentorship to kitchen teams
  • Support Chef Managers with:
  • Training and onboarding
  • Performance coaching
  • Accountability to standards
  • Step in as the acting Food Service Manager/Chef Manager when needed

Standards, Compliance & Financial Performance

Ensure strict adherence to:    

  • Health department regulations
  • Company food safety and sanitation standards
  • Allergen awareness and compliance protocols
  • Support locations in achieving:
  • Food cost control targets
  • Labor efficiency goals
  • Waste reduction initiatives
  • Identify operational gaps and implement immediate corrective actions

Client & Business Support

  • Maintain a strong, professional presence with clients and stakeholders
  • Support account teams in delivering contractual expectations and service excellence
  • Provide feedback and reporting to leadership on:
  • Operational challenges
  • Team performance
  • Opportunities for improvement
What we're looking for:

Must-haves:

  • 3+ years of progressive culinary leadership experience (Executive Chef, Chef Manager, Food Service manager or similar)
  • Strong background in multi-unit or high-volume foodservice operations is a plus
  • Proven ability to step into new environments quickly and drive results
  • ServSafe Certification
  • Willingness to travel frequently across assigned regions

Nice-to-haves:

  • Experience in contract foodservice, hospitality, corporate dining, or attractions (zoos, museums, venues)
  • Experience with menu development and program execution
  • Previously worked in a corporate culinary structure
Compensation Range

$53,000-55,000/yr.  #LIGG1 #boost

Our Benefits:
  • Medical (FT Employees)
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Voluntary UNUM offering for Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity
  • Discount Program
  • Commuter Benefits (Parking and Transit) 
  • EAP
  • 401k
  • Sick Time
  • Holiday Pay (9 paid holidays)
  • Tuition Reimbursement (FT Employees)
  • Paid Time Off 

About Lancer:

Lancer Hospitality has over 30 years of experience supporting a diverse clientele in a variety of settings with their foodservice needs. Our management experience has allowed us to develop strong, long-lasting, and personal relationships with clients and to build a scope of service that can make a real difference in businesses and communities.

About Elior North America:

Elior North America is an equal opportunity employer.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to diversity and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities. We take pride in supporting the development of our employees and their skills at all levels and in fostering an environment of growth.

At Elior North America, we are committed to offering growth and advancement opportunities for all of our employees. The valuable skills and experience you've gained with Elior will propel you further in your career, whether with our corporate office or one of our brand segments.

Disclaimer: This job description can be revised by management as needed.

Elior North America logo

About Elior North America

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Elior North America enhances people's lives through culinary innovation and a commitment to providing exemplary service. Our family of companies, with more than 17,000 employees, provides food services and catering to over 1,500 client accounts in five industry segments across the continental United States. We are proud to be the fifth largest culinary management company in the country and excited to be the fastest growing organization in the industry. We focus on three ingredients for success to differentiate Elior from our competitors and position our company as a disruptor in the markets we serve. To support our ingredients for success and drive our mission and values, we need talented team members throughout our family of companies.

Industry

Food and beverage stores

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US

Year founded

2008

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