1

Contract Chef Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef

Cary, NC ยท On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Sous Chef Location: Apex, North Carolina (Local training program provided) Company Overview: At ... Candidates must demonstrate stable career progression (stay-away backgrounds include contract food ...

Sushi Chef Now Offering a Signing Bonus for Sushi Chefs & Sushi Rollers! We are currently seeking ... contract. The Indigo Road Hospitality Group is an equal opportunity employer. We will not ...

Sushi Chef Now Offering a Signing Bonus for Sushi Chefs & Sushi Rollers! We are currently seeking ... contract. The Indigo Road Hospitality Group is an equal opportunity employer. We will not ...

Sushi Chef

Raleigh, NC ยท On-site

Sushi Chef Now Offering a Signing Bonus for Sushi Chefs & Sushi Rollers! We are currently seeking ... contract. The Indigo Road Hospitality Group is an equal opportunity employer. We will not ...

Sushi Chef

Raleigh, NC ยท On-site

Sushi Chef Now Offering a Signing Bonus for Sushi Chefs & Sushi Rollers! We are currently seeking ... contract. The Indigo Road Hospitality Group is an equal opportunity employer. We will not ...

Sushi Chef Now Offering a Signing Bonus for Sushi Chefs & Sushi Rollers! We are currently seeking ... contract. The Indigo Road Hospitality Group is an equal opportunity employer. We will not ...

Executive Chef

Cary, NC

$66K - $91K/yr

Executive Chef Hospitality Starts Here: Welcome to The Indigo Road Hospitality Group (IRHG) , where ... contract. The Indigo Road Hospitality Group is an equal opportunity employer. We will not ...

Executive Chef

Cary, NC ยท On-site

$70K - $96K/yr

Executive Chef Hospitality Starts Here: Welcome to The Indigo Road Hospitality Group (IRHG) , where ... contract. The Indigo Road Hospitality Group is an equal opportunity employer. We will not ...

Chef de Cuisine SNF

Chapel Hill, NC

$55K - $75K/yr

Reports repairs or maintenance needed to Executive Chef, VP of Dining, Plant Operations or contract Repair Company. * Assures kitchen is inspection ready at all times. Inventory and Purchasing 4. ...

Executive Chef

Cary, NC ยท On-site

$66K - $91K/yr

Executive Chef Hospitality Starts Here: Welcome to The Indigo Road Hospitality Group (IRHG) , where ... contract. The Indigo Road Hospitality Group is an equal opportunity employer. We will not ...

Executive Chef

Cary, NC ยท On-site

$70K - $96K/yr

Executive Chef Hospitality Starts Here: Welcome to The Indigo Road Hospitality Group (IRHG) , where ... contract. The Indigo Road Hospitality Group is an equal opportunity employer. We will not ...

Executive Chef

Raleigh, NC ยท On-site

$69K - $95K/yr

Executive Chef Hospitality Starts Here: Welcome to The Indigo Road Hospitality Group (IRHG) , where ... contract. The Indigo Road Hospitality Group is an equal opportunity employer. We will not ...

Executive Chef

Raleigh, NC ยท On-site

$69K - $95K/yr

Executive Chef Hospitality Starts Here: Welcome to The Indigo Road Hospitality Group (IRHG) , where ... contract. The Indigo Road Hospitality Group is an equal opportunity employer. We will not ...

Executive Chef

Cary, NC

$70K - $96K/yr

Executive Chef Hospitality Starts Here: Welcome to The Indigo Road Hospitality Group (IRHG) , where ... contract. The Indigo Road Hospitality Group is an equal opportunity employer. We will not ...

Sales Associate

Raleigh, NC ยท On-site

$60K - $100K/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

We are currently seeking experienced Sushi Chefs and Sushi Rollers to join our team. We are ... contract. The Indigo Road Hospitality Group is an equal opportunity employer. We will not ...

We are currently seeking experienced Sushi Chefs and Sushi Rollers to join our team. We are ... contract. The Indigo Road Hospitality Group is an equal opportunity employer. We will not ...

We are currently seeking experienced Sushi Chefs and Sushi Rollers to join our team. We are ... contract. The Indigo Road Hospitality Group is an equal opportunity employer. We will not ...

We are currently seeking experienced Sushi Chefs and Sushi Rollers to join our team. We are ... contract. The Indigo Road Hospitality Group is an equal opportunity employer. We will not ...

We are currently seeking experienced Sushi Chefs and Sushi Rollers to join our team. We are ... contract. The Indigo Road Hospitality Group is an equal opportunity employer. We will not ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Contract Chef information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$9

$23

$43

How much do contract chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract chef in Raleigh, NC is $23.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $30.14 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 Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Chef jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Contract Chef jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Chef jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Chef jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Contract Chef jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Contract Chef job openings:
Infographic showing various Contract Chef job openings in Raleigh, NC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% As Needed, 67% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,795 per year, or $23.9 per hour.
Sous Chef

Sous Chef

Goodwin Recruiting

Cary, NC โ€ข On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired 1 day ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Position Title:ย 

Sous Chef


Location:ย 

Apex, North Carolina (Local training program provided)


Company Overview:

At Tramonto Food Group, we embody a culture where amazing food meets exceptional service. We believe that dining is an immersive experienceโ€”savoring authentic flavors, appreciating the craft of scratch cooking, and creating lasting memories. For our brand-new, upscale casual Italian concept in Apex, Serafina Ristorante, we are building a dedicated, culture-driven culinary team. We offer an environment centered on work-life balance, structured operational systems, and uncapped financial growth.


Position Summary:

We are seeking a highly motivated, skilled, and disciplined Sous Chef to join our chef-driven, scratch-Italian kitchen. Operating as the right hand to the Executive Chef, the Sous Chef will lead back-of-house (BOH) operations by example, maintaining uncompromising standards for recipe execution, cleanliness, and team morale. This role requires a professional who thrives in a structured corporate environment but possesses the creative, agile problem-solving mindset of an independent restaurateur.


Key Responsibilities:

โ€ข Culinary Excellence: Oversee daily back-of-house operations, ensuring all scratch menu items are executed with strict adherence to recipes, portion controls, and plate presentations.

โ€ข Operational Leadership: Manage kitchen shifts effectively; step in to lead line production and expedite during peak volumes while maintaining a calm, composed demeanor.

โ€ข Financial & Inventory Controls: Execute bi-weekly inventory counts with team participation. Assist in managing food cost, labor percentages, ordering, and strategic receiving.

โ€ข Team Development: Train, coach, and mentor line cooks and prep staff. Assist with scheduling to optimize labor metrics while supporting a positive, status-quo-challenging BOH culture.

โ€ข Food Safety & Compliance: Maintain a pristine kitchen environment; ensure absolute compliance with health department regulations and food safety standards (ServSafe certification required).

โ€ข In-House Events: Support the execution of frequent in-house private events, such as rehearsal dinners and banquet gatherings.


Qualifications & Candidate Profile:

โ€ข Experience: Minimum of 2 years of consistent tenure as a Sous Chef within a high-volume, full-service upscale casual or fine dining environment.

โ€ข Culinary Background: Proven expertise in chef-driven, scratch-food concepts is required. Strong foundational knowledge or experience in premium Italian cuisine is highly preferred.

โ€ข Tenure Integrity: Minimal job changes over a 5-year period. Candidates must demonstrate stable career progression (stay-away backgrounds include contract food service, country clubs, and hotels).

โ€ข Systems & Mindset: A background operating within structured corporate systems paired with the innovative problem-solving capability of independent environments.

โ€ข Location: Local to the Apex/Cary/Raleigh market, or willing to relocate independently (no relocation assistance provided). Must be available for a local 45-day training program.


Appearance Standards:

โ€ข Professional Grooming: Beards must be close-groomed and no longer than 2 inches. Long hair must be pulled back and maintained in a natural color. Tattoos are acceptable (though polished casual presentation is required; no ties or jackets).


Compensation & Benefits:

โ€ข Base Salary: $55,000 โ€“ $65,000 (commensurate with experience)

โ€ข Bonus Structure: Lucrative 4-week profit-based bonus program, tiered by position and completely uncapped.

โ€ข Benefits: Comprehensive package starting April 2025 including Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance.ย 

โ€ข Paid Time Off: 2 weeks of starting PTO.

โ€ข Retirement: 401(k) program coming soon.

  • โ€ข Growth: Significant career advancement potential with multiple new location openings actively planned.

Goodwin Recruiting logo

About Goodwin Recruiting

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

REACH: We have successfully recruited in the hospitality, medical, finance and accounting, and manufacturing and engineering industries. We have a diverse group of clients within each of our industries that support our ability to connect candidates with the opportunities that are right for them. DEPTH: We approach things a little differently than most recruiting companies. We build relationships with our clients and candidates in order to aid in making a successful long-term match. SUPPORT: As a job seeker, there are no fees - we are here to support and assist you in finding that successful long-term match. We pride ourselves on being partners and guides with our candidates and clients as we develop an intelligent, hand-tailored process that does not waste their time.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Exeter, NH, US

Year founded

1999