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Contract Cooking Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Estimate Writer

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$17 - $25/hr

Job Responsibilities * Acquire new commercial contracts made during direct sales. * Write up ... cooks and retail. Compensation: $17.00 - $25.00 per hour Fish Window Cleaning has grown to be the ...

... Cook Biotech in IN. and Collagen Solutions, MN. Our new brand identity emphasizes our unique ... Evergen is a global industry-leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) in ...

Theatre Team Member

Indianapolis, IN

$11.50 - $15/hr

... cooking, warming, and popping equipment Consistently wipes down and sanitizes Employee and Guest ... binding contract. Cinemark reserves the right to amend, change or terminate the , as it deems ...

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Contract Cooking information

See Indiana salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do contract cooking jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract cooking in Indiana is $16.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $18.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Cook, you need strong culinary skills, knowledge of food safety regulations, and often formal training or certification in food handling. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, menu planning software, and inventory management systems is typically required. Excellent time management, adaptability, and teamwork help contract cooks excel in various kitchen environments and client settings. These skills ensure high-quality meal preparation, compliance with health standards, and reliable service delivery across diverse assignments.

What are some common challenges faced by contract cooks, and how can they be successfully managed?

Contract cooks often work in diverse settings, from corporate cafeterias to event venues, which means adapting quickly to different kitchens and equipment. One challenge is managing varying client expectations while maintaining consistent food quality under tight deadlines. Flexibility, strong organizational skills, and clear communication with both clients and team members are key to overcoming these obstacles. Building a reputation for reliability and versatility can also open up more opportunities for advancement and recurring contracts.

What is contract cooking?

Contract cooking is a service where a professional chef or catering company is hired to prepare meals for clients under a formal agreement. This arrangement can be for individuals, families, businesses, or large-scale events. Contract cooks may work on-site in private homes, commercial kitchens, or company cafeterias, providing customized menus based on clients' dietary needs and preferences. The service can be short-term, like for a special event, or ongoing, such as providing daily meals for a business or institution.

What is the difference between Contract Cooking vs Restaurant Cooking?

AspectContract CookingRestaurant Cooking
Work EnvironmentVarious locations, often temporary or project-basedSpecific restaurant or food service establishment
CredentialsCooking experience, food safety certifications often preferredCooking experience, food safety certifications typically required
Employment TypeTemporary, freelance, or contract basisFull-time or part-time employment within a restaurant
Industry UsageUsed by catering companies, event services, or food contractorsUsed within the hospitality and food service industry

Contract Cooking involves preparing food at various locations on a temporary basis, often for events or catering, while Restaurant Cooking is based within a specific restaurant or food establishment. Both roles require similar culinary skills and certifications, but their work environments and employment types differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cooking jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Indiana are:
Infographic showing various Contract Cooking job openings in Indiana as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $33,859 per year, or $16.3 per hour.
1st shift (6:45am - 3pm) Department Lead (Sur La Table)

1st shift (6:45am - 3pm) Department Lead (Sur La Table)

CSC Generation

Brownsburg, IN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

With over 59 stores and the largest avocational cooking program in the US, Sur La Table offers an unsurpassed selection of exclusive and premium-quality goods for the kitchen and table - and the culinary expertise and inspiration to go along with it. Whether the job entails interacting with our customers, driving digital growth, or providing vital behind-the-scenes support, we're all here for the same reason - to roll up our sleeves and create happiness through cooking and sharing good food.
The Department Lead contributes to the success of Sur La Table by coordinating department workflow, monitoring department production, and training all associates in the proper procedures in the picking, packing, and shipping functions. The Department Lead reports to either a Distribution Supervisor or Operations Manager.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
  • Monitor flow of daily workload, assuring all duties are properly assigned and completed, making daily adjustments when necessary.
  • Train employees to department standards.
  • Perform all required procedures and documentation in a safe and efficient manner to maintain the highest quality finished product to our customers
  • Accountable for meeting quality and productivity standards
  • Will routinely work in cross functional roles to assist in meeting daily productivity goals
  • General housekeeping, maintenance and organization of work area
  • Record time worked, accurately and according to SLT policy
  • Consistently follows all Sur La Table policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
  • Additional responsibilities as assigned

Essential Functions
  • Ability to communicate verbally and work cooperatively with employees, customers, and vendors
  • Ability to use the computer and other office equipment to accomplish work tasks
  • Ability to adapt to change and work in a fast-paced warehouse environment
  • Ability to stand and/or walk for extended periods of time
  • Ability to read, count and write to accurately complete all documentation
  • Able to work overtime and weekends as business dictates
  • Ability to regularly lift and/or move merchandise weighing up to 35 lbs; occasionally up to 50 lbs
  • Ability to grab, reach, push, pull, bend, stoop, kneel, twist, and crouch in order to retrieve and/or replenish merchandise
  • Ability to ascend and descend stairs in order to retrieve and/or move merchandise
  • Ability to learn and operate general warehouse equipment (RF, Pallet Jack)
  • Ability to perform duties in an environment that is not climate controlled and will be exposed to dust, odors and noise

Experience and Required Qualifications
  • Prior experience in a leadership role preferred
  • Experience with warehouse management systems and hand-held devices
  • Basic PC knowledge
  • Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and problem-solving skills
  • Basic math calculations for selecting, counting, and checking work
  • Must be at least 18 years old

  • Focus on the Customer: You inspire and delight your customers.
  • Be Genuine: Your communication style is respectful, effective and sincere.
  • Make the Right Call: You effectively blend knowledge, experience, wisdom & decisive action.
  • Take Ownership: You are committed, responsible and provide solutions.
  • Achieve Results: You meet and exceed goals and expectations.

This job description represents a summary of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties. Responsibilities, tasks, and duties of the jobholder might differ from those outlined in the job description and other duties, as assigned, may be part of the job. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Sur La Table has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.
The CSC family of brands provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial, state or local laws.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
Washington state applicants only: If you believe that this job posting does not comply with applicable Washington state law, please notify us by sending an email to [email protected].
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie-detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
The CSC family of brands is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact [email protected].
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

CSC Generation logo

About CSC Generation

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

CSC Generation is a multi-brand technology platform based in Merrillville, IN, United States. The organization operates in the retail sector and utilizes technology to save retail companies from going into bankruptcy, while also offering consumers the ability to lease their purchases. Founded by serial entrepreneur, Justin Yoshimura, CSC Generation has leveraged its proprietary technology and customer database to quickly revitalize distressed retail brands. The company's mission revolves around the concepts of reinvention and innovation as it aims to redefine traditional retail and direct-to-consumer models in today's digital age. Notably, the company has, to date, acquired several brands such as DirectBuy, Killion, and most notably, Z Gallerie, growing fast within the e-commerce sector.

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Merrillville, IN, US

Year founded

2016