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Contract Chef Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

AM Cook

Columbus, OH · On-site

$13.25 - $17.50/hr

Executive Chef FLSA: Non-Exempt Job Summary: We are seeking a skilled and passionate Cook to join ... This document does not constitute a contract of employment, and nothing contained in this issued by ...

AM Cook

Columbus, OH · On-site

$13.25 - $17.50/hr

Executive Chef FLSA: Non-Exempt Job Summary: We are seeking a skilled and passionate Cook to join ... This document does not constitute a contract of employment, and nothing contained in this issued by ...

AM Cook

Columbus, OH · On-site

$18.50/hr

Executive Chef FLSA: Non-Exempt Job Summary: We are seeking a skilled and passionate Cook to join ... This document does not constitute a contract of employment, and nothing contained in this issued by ...

Production Cook

Delaware, OH · On-site

$15 - $17.25/hr

Cooking and Food Prep · Assist Executive Chef and Sous Chef with daily operations, as assigned · ... Nothing in this , nor any other communication, should be construed as creating a contract of ...

Production Cook

Delaware, OH · On-site

$15 - $17.25/hr

Cooking and Food Prep Assist Executive Chef and Sous Chef with daily operations, as assigned Assist ... Nothing in this , nor any other communication, should be construed as creating a contract of ...

Production Cook

Delaware, OH · On-site

$15 - $17.25/hr

Cooking and Food Prep • Assist Executive Chef and Sous Chef with daily operations, as assigned ... Nothing in this , nor any other communication, should be construed as creating a contract of ...

Senior AWS Cloud Engineer (No H1B)

Dayton, OH

$54.25 - $72.50/hr

Deep understanding of AWS and related services (Senior/Architect level) Using Puppet / Chef with ... This is a Contract job opportunity for you. * Only US Citizen , Green Card Holder , GC-EAD , H4-EAD ...

Showing results 21-40

Contract Chef information

See Ohio salary details

$9

$23

$42

How much do contract chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract chef in Ohio is $23.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $29.47 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 Ohio?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Ohio are:

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

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

What cities in Ohio are hiring for Contract Chef jobs?

Cities in Ohio with the most Contract Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Chef job openings in Ohio 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 $48,699 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

Executive Chef- Wilberforce University

Thompson Hospitality Corporation

Wilberforce, OH • On-site

$62K - $86K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 hours ago


Thompson Hospitality rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview
Are you an experienced culinary professional with a passion for great food and strong leadership? We're looking for an Executive Chef to lead our campus dining team and deliver high-quality meals that make a difference in students' lives.
In this role, you'll be responsible for managing daily kitchen operations, creating innovative menus, overseeing food preparation, managing staff, controlling food costs, and ensuring food safety standards are met. You'll have the opportunity to shape the culinary experience on campus and be part of a team that values creativity, teamwork, and excellence.
Responsibilities
  • Design and plan diverse, nutritionally balanced menus, considering cost-efficiency and sustainability while meeting the preferences and needs of the university community.
  • Provide culinary expertise and creative direction to the culinary team, maintaining high standards of food quality, presentation, and consistency.
  • Recruit, train, and lead kitchen staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, growth, and excellence.
  • Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback.
  • Develop and manage culinary budgets, control food and labor costs, and minimize waste while maximizing operational efficiency and maintaining food quality.
  • Oversee compliance with food safety regulations, sanitation guidelines, and organizational policies to ensure a safe and hygienic food preparation and service environment.
  • Establish and maintain relationships with food suppliers and vendors, negotiate contracts, and coordinate procurement for quality ingredients and supplies.
  • Stay informed about culinary trends, emerging dining preferences, and sustainability practices to integrate new ideas into the menu and service, enhancing the dining experience.
  • Requires 50-55 hours per week, including evenings and weekends as business needs dictate.

Qualifications
  • Culinary degree from an accredited institution and relevant professional certifications.
  • Proven experience as an Executive Chef or in a high-level culinary leadership role.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of culinary techniques, menu development, and food safety standards.
  • Experience with higher level education food service and dining facility it preferred.
  • Exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and manage a diverse culinary team.
  • Proficient computer skills, including culinary software and Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Ability to communicate clearly in a noisy kitchen environment.

Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during long shifts.
  • Frequent bending, reaching, stooping, and twisting.
  • Ability to lift, carry, and move items weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Manual dexterity to handle knives, cookware, and kitchen equipment safely.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure kitchen environment.
  • Tolerance for exposure to heat, steam, noise, and open flames.
  • Ability to navigate tight kitchen spaces and multitask efficiently.
  • Visual and sensory acuity to inspect food quality, presentation, and safety.
  • Flexibility to work early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays as required.

Competitive Benefits:
  • Health/Dental/Vision
  • Paid Time Off
  • 401(k), matched up to 4%
  • Short- and Long-Term Disability
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Employee Referral Program
  • Pet Insurance
  • Discounts: Hotels, Travel, Tickets, Restaurants
  • Employees and their relatives are eligible for a discounted meal plan at any of our HBCU client locations while they are attending school.

Who We Are:
Wilberforce University is the nations oldest private historically Black university located in Wilberforce, Ohio, USA, and blends faith, tradition, and rigorous academics to prepare students as leaders and change-makers. Offering 21 majors across business, sciences, humanities, and more, Wilberforce fosters critical thinking, ethical values, and workforce readiness. Rooted in Christian principles and community commitment, the university empowers students to thrive personally and professionally while making a lasting impact. Wilberforce University is more than a school - it's a movement built on history, driven by purpose, and focused on creating a better future.
Thompson Hospitality is of the largest restaurants, food service, and facilities management companies in the country. We are highly built upon our values, do the right thing, do the best you can, and treat others how you want to be treated, which are shaped by more than 33 years of relationships with our clients, guests, and communities. We offer competitive benefits, see our website for more. https://www.thompsonhospitality.com/
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

What Thompson Hospitality employees say

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About Thompson Hospitality

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Thompson Hospitality is the nation's largest minority-owned food and facilities management company. Our services include hospitality, full dining and quick service restaurants, campus dining, diversity consultation, facility operations and maintenance management. We are a family-run organization with more than twenty-five years providing services built on our core mission to provide a positive experience to every relationship we are involved in: one guest, one client, one team member at a time. As a fast growing company, we have a growth plan to more than double in size over the next three years. We are looking for team members who are interested in developing their careers to the next level while joining our team of over 4,000 employees, serving clients in over 40 states to include more than 1.9 million guests each year.

Industry

Hospitality services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

Year founded

1992

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