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Contract Cooking Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Southern Foodservice Management Inc

Lead Cook

Salina, KS · On-site

$22/hr

Description Southern Foodservice Management, a national contract food service company, is now looking to hire a Lead Cook for our location at Kansas Army National Guard, KS. * The pay is $22.00 per ...

Southern Foodservice Management Inc

Lead Cook

Salina, KS · On-site

$22/hr

Southern Foodservice Management, a national contract food service company, is now looking to hire a Lead Cook for our location at Kansas Army National Guard, KS. * The pay is $22.00 per hour. * Must ...

Jack Stack BBQ

Culinary Prep Cook

Overland Park, KS · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

C ulinary Prep Cook SUMMARY Responsible for production of all culinary food prep. ESSENTIAL ... This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise. Fiorella's Jack Stack ...

Southern Foodservice Management, Inc

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

Southern Foodservice Management, a national contract food service company, is looking to hire a ... Perform simple cooking tasks such as 1 step heating (i.e. scoop and bake cookies) as assigned by ...

Southern Foodservice Management Inc

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

Description Southern Foodservice Management, a national contract food service company, is looking ... Perform simple cooking tasks such as 1 step heating (i.e. scoop and bake cookies) as assigned by ...

Jack Stack BBQ

Catering - Hot Prep Cook

Overland Park, KS · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Hot Prep Cook Reports to: Executive Chef SUMMARY Responsible for production of all Hot Prep food ... This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise. Fiorella's Jack Stack ...

Latour Restaurant Group

Dishwasher / Porter

Wichita, KS

$11.75 - $15/hr

... to many contract locations; including The Wichita Art Museum, Hotel at Old Town, Kansas Heart ... Place clean dishes, utensils, or cooking equipment in storage areas. Store supplies or goods in ...

Latour Restaurant Group

Dishwasher / Porter

Wichita, KS

$11.75 - $15/hr

... to many contract locations; including The Wichita Art Museum, Hotel at Old Town, Kansas Heart ... or cooking equipment in storage areas. • Store supplies or goods in kitchens or storage areas ...

Latour Management

Dishwasher / Porter

Wichita, KS · On-site

$11.75 - $15/hr

... to many contract locations; including The Wichita Art Museum, Hotel at Old Town, Kansas Heart ... or cooking equipment in storage areas. • Store supplies or goods in kitchens or storage areas ...

Saint Francis Ministries

Cook Part Time

Salina, KS · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

... the contract between Saint Francis Ministries and DCF * Ensures clients' rights are protected. * Is knowledgeable of and follows all safety procedures. * High School Diploma/GED. * First Aid/CPR.

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Contract Cooking information

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How much do contract cooking jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract cooking in Kansas is $15.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.51 and $16.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Cooking jobs in Kansas? The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Kansas are:
What cities in Kansas are hiring for Contract Cooking jobs? Cities in Kansas with the most Contract Cooking job openings:
Contract Cooking jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Cooking job openings in Kansas as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 29% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 52% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,734 per year, or $15.3 per hour.

Lead Cook

Southern Foodservice Management Inc

Salina, KS • On-site

$22/hr

Other

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Description

Southern Foodservice Management, a national contract food service company, is now looking to hire a Lead Cook for our location at Kansas Army National Guard, KS.

  • The pay is $22.00 per hour.
  • Must be available to work a rotating schedule in a seven-day-per-week operation, including weekends and holidays as needed.

Job Summary

  • Responsible for preparation of meals with correct quantities and quality on shift according to company standards
  • Supervises kitchen staff and assigns duties and menu preparation items to each
  • Maintains order, structure and professionalism of work environment
  • Responsible for ensuring food safety standards are met and HACCP program is adhered to as it pertains to kitchen
  • Responsible for ensuring that company employee safety procedures and OSHA standards are being met throughout facility.
  • Establishes operating and work procedures
  • Maintain progressive cooking techniques throughout meal to ensure food served is fresh throughout meal period.
  • Responsible for quality of food prepared
  • Determines subsistence requirements.
  • Request, receive, and account for subsistence items.
  • Prepares the production schedule and make necessary menu adjustments.
  • Administers, and maintains OJT and apprenticeship training programs.
  • Becomes manager on duty when needed

Southern Foodservice Management's Culture

We have a philosophy for each and every one on our service team to give something extra. A Southern Foodservice Management employee:

  • Exhibits a positive, friendly, and respectful attitude towards guests and other team members.
  • Arrives to work on time and in correct uniform, clean shoes, clean and pressed black pants and shirt, apron, name tag, and a SMILE.
  • Understands job duties and responsibilities, as well as having an eagerness to learn more and develop new skills.
  • Promotes a fun and efficient work environment, focusing on guest satisfaction.

Duties and Responsibilities 

  • Assist Manager with ration orders and kitchen requisitions
  • Preparation of food products should be according to the daily menu recipes, tasted for good quality / texture, not to be over salted, and properly cooked. 
  • Maintain Production Schedules as required.
  • Preparation of required meal items according to the daily menu and other required items
  • Check and record menu item temperatures for required ranges using DA Form 7800 
  • Ensure menu items are properly cooked and set out products for no more than 30 minutes prior to the meal service.
  • Replenish food items on serving lines required during service 
  • Greet and care for our customers while working on the serving lines 
  • Monitoring serving lines during meal periods 
  • Break down service areas after the meal period ends. 
  • Ensure all areas of the kitchen, food storage and serving areas are properly cleaned after meal period to include tables, floors, food service equipment
  • All staff members are also responsible for other duties or tasks that are assigned by the Assistant Managers or Supervisors, as part of any "Job" or "Position" assigned during a normal work schedule. Team members may be assigned to support the meal production, service and cleaning after the meal or the dining facility.

Requirements

Physical Requirements

  • Strength: Lift up to 50lbs
  • Posture: Standing 50%, Walking 50%
  • Movement of objects: Frequent
  • Heavy Lifting, Heavy Carrying, Pushing, Pulling
  • Climbing or Balancing: Occasional
  • Stooping: Occasional
  • Reaching: Frequent
  • Handling: Frequent
  • Talking/Hearing: Frequent
  • Seeing: Frequent


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