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Contract Chef Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Executive Chef

Potomac, MD · On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

Our ideal candidate has strong culinary and management skills and is well versed in contract dining services in a school setting. What the Executive Chef will do: * Communicate daily with production ...

Sous Chef

Bethesda, MD

$52K - $70K/yr

The Sous Chef is responsible for managing the day-to-day food production for our high-volume operation, servicing a wide variety of high-end off-premise events and contract accounts. RESPONSIBILITIES:

Regional Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$75K - $103K/yr

Our Regional Chefs manage Business and Industry operations while connecting food and our clients ... We offer contract food services for schools, businesses, seniors, catering, micro-market, vending ...

Food Service Chef-Executive (OCONUS)

Reston, VA · On-site

$75K - $104K/yr

This position is contingent upon contract award *** SOS International LLC (SOSi) is seeking a Food Service Chef-Executive to provide support for a Facilities and Life Support Contract performed at an ...

Food Service Chef-Executive (OCONUS)

Reston, VA · On-site

$75K - $104K/yr

This position is contingent upon contract award *** SOS International LLC (SOSi) is seeking a Food Service Chef-Executive to provide support for a Facilities and Life Support Contract performed at an ...

Executive Chef

Bethesda, MD

$74K - $102K/yr

... contracts. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Culinary Leadership & Innovation * Develop and implement ... Chef or comparable senior role. * Experience in off-premise catering and large-scale event ...

Executive Chef 2

Clinton, MD · On-site

$64K - $83K/yr

Sodexo is seeking a driven Executive Chef 2 at Southern Maryland Hospital, located in Clinton, MD ... contract management company; * strong computer skills, especially with Microsoft Word and Excel ...

Executive Chef 2

Clinton, MD · On-site

$71K - $97K/yr

Sodexo is seeking a driven Executive Chef 2 at Southern Maryland Hospital, located in Clinton, MD ... contract management company; * strong computer skills, especially with Microsoft Word and Excel ...

Executive Chef 2

Clinton, MD

$71K - $97K/yr

Sodexo is seeking a driven Executive Chef 2 at Southern Maryland Hospital, located in Clinton, MD ... contract management company; * strong computer skills, especially with Microsoft Word and Excel ...

The Senior Executive Chef provides strategic culinary leadership for Dining Services by overseeing ... Experience in higher education dining, healthcare, hospitality, contract food service, or other ...

Sales Associate

Washington, DC · On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

About The Chefs' Warehouse The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. ( combines exceptional quality and brand ... Sealing The Deal: Quote prices and credit terms to prepare contracts for orders obtained

About The Chefs' Warehouse The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. ( combines exceptional quality and brand ... Sealing The Deal: Quote prices and credit terms to prepare contracts for orders obtained

About The Chefs' Warehouse The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. ( combines exceptional quality and brand ... Sealing The Deal: Quote prices and credit terms to prepare contracts for orders obtained

About The Chefs' Warehouse The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. ( combines exceptional quality and brand ... Sealing The Deal: Quote prices and credit terms to prepare contracts for orders obtained

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Contract Chef information

See Washington salary details

$11

$27

$50

How much do contract chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract chef in Washington is $27.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.04 and $35.14 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 Washington? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Chef jobs in Washington? For Contract Chef jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Chef jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Chef jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Contract Chef jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Contract Chef job openings:
Infographic showing various Contract Chef job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,017 per year, or $27.9 per hour.
Executive Chef

$85K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Meriwether Godsey is looking for an Executive Chef responsible for leading and managing a high-volume food production program, as well as special events and high-end catering for the dining program at an exceptional private school account in Washington, DC. Our ideal candidate has strong culinary and management skills and is well versed in contract dining services in a school setting.


What the Executive Chef will do:

  • Communicate daily with production staff on all food production activities.

  • Purchase organically and locally produced foods, whenever possible, and work alongside production staff to incorporate these products into recipes and menu offerings on a daily basis.

  • Oversee menu development, purchasing, and production, incorporating the latest trends and practices.

  • Ensure proper food temperatures are reached, maintained, and recorded; ensure daily records of food usage, organization of storage/cooler areas, and other compliance regulations are kept.

  • Lead by example, engaging and developing direct reports and team members through ongoing support, monitoring, coaching, and feedback.

  • Establish and maintain strong vendor relationships while researching price variations.

  • Implement and maintain HACCP standards.

  • Maintain effective client and customer-centric relationships.

  • Deliver high-end catering.

  • Assist in Back of House phases of financial planning, budget/cost analysis, and reporting to set, monitor, and achieve operating and financial goals.

What the Executive Chef needs:

  • Associate’s Degree or five or more years of related food service experience.

  • 3-5 years of Executive Chef experience

  • 5+ Years of experience in Contract Food Service Operation, High-End Catering Management, High-Volume Dining, and Multi-Unit experience.

  • Experience in a school setting is preferred.

  • Application and promotion of current food trends.

  • Proficiency and growing knowledge of sustainable practices.

  • Participative management style and excellent leadership skills.

  • Demonstrated experience cultivating talent and promoting an inclusive work environment.

  • Strong communication and presentation skills.

  • Account and Project Management Skills.

  • Knowledge of food safety (HACCP), sanitation, and overall workplace safety standards.

  • Ability to work in a collaborative team environment while fostering strong client and customer relationships.

  • ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Certification preferred and Allergen Training and experience.

  • Must be able to pass a background check

What the Executive Chef will get:

  • Competitive Pay, Meals, Uniforms, Benefits such as Health, Vision, Dental, and more!

Meriwether Godsey offers significant opportunities for growth and career advancement. The work environment is fast-paced, team-oriented, and high-energy. You’ll be surrounded by people who are passionate about what they do. Interested in learning more? Visit our About Us Page

Enjoy a people and food-focused environment where you have the opportunity to make a difference every day and advance your career. Help Meriwether Godsey set the standard for hospitality in the Greater DC market!

  • Meriwether Godsey is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable workplace.