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Contract Cooking Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Chef Manager

Wakarusa, KS · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Experience with exposition cooking needed * Knowledge of P&L accountability and contract-managed service experience is desirable * ServSafe certified is a plus Apply to Compass Group today! Click ...

Chef Manager

Wakarusa, KS · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Experience with exposition cooking needed * Knowledge of P&L accountability and contract-managed service experience is desirable * ServSafe certified is a plus Apply to Compass Group today! Click ...

Assists in the training of concessions employees engaged in preparing and cooking food to ensure ... Oversees all NPO groups including scheduling, time keeping, Payroll, and NPO contract management.

The company's products include ware washing equipment; cooking equipment, including ovens, ranges ... Maintain, diagnose, and repair basic mechanical commercial food equipment for customers on contract ...

Assists in the training of concessions employees engaged in preparing and cooking food to ensure ... Oversees all NPO groups including scheduling, time keeping, Payroll, and NPO contract management.

Sales Associate (Sur La Table)

Wichita, KS · On-site

$13.50 - $15.50/hr

With over 58 stores and the largest avocational cooking program in the US, Sur La Table offers an ... This is not an employment agreement or contract. Sur La Table has the exclusive right to alter this ...

Sales Associate (Sur La Table)

Wichita, KS · On-site

$13.50 - $15.50/hr

With over 58 stores and the largest avocational cooking program in the US, Sur La Table offers an ... This is not an employment agreement or contract. Sur La Table has the exclusive right to alter this ...

Emphasizes discovery-based learning and connects math to everyday contexts like cooking, shopping ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Theatre Team Member

Merriam, KS · On-site

$11.25 - $14.75/hr

Prepares food and properly operates cooking, warming, and popping equipment * Consistently wipes ... binding contract. Cinemark reserves the right to amend, change or terminate the , as it deems ...

New

Theatre Team Member

Derby, KS

$11 - $14.50/hr

Prepares food and properly operates cooking, warming, and popping equipment * Consistently wipes ... binding contract. Cinemark reserves the right to amend, change or terminate the , as it deems ...

Theatre Team Member

Merriam, KS

$11.25 - $14.75/hr

Prepares food and properly operates cooking, warming, and popping equipment * Consistently wipes ... binding contract. Cinemark reserves the right to amend, change or terminate the , as it deems ...

New

Showing results 21-40

Contract Cooking information

See Kansas salary details

$8

$15

$19

How much do contract cooking jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 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 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 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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Contract Cooking job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $31,734 per year, or $15.3 per hour.

$65K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,093 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

347th of 495 rated business services


Job description

Position Title: Chef Manager-Topeka, KS
Salary: $65,000-$75,000/annually
A family of companies and experiences
As the leading foodservice and support services company, Compass Group USA is known for our great people, great service and our great results. If you've been hungry and away from home, chances are you've tasted Compass Group's delicious food and experienced our outstanding service. We have over 284,000 US associates who work in award-winning restaurants, corporate cafes, hospitals, schools, arenas, museums, and more in all 50 states. Our reach is constantly expanding to shape the industry and create new opportunities for innovation. Join the Compass family today!
great people. great services. great results.
Each and every individual plays a key role in the growth and legacy of our company. We know the next big idea can come from anyone. We encourage developing and attracting expertise that differentiates us as a company as we continue to raise the bar.
Job Summary
Job Summary:
This is a Great Opportunity to join a great company. We are seeking a growth minded Chef Manager for our growing business. In this role you will be responsible for the success of both the culinary and food service operation.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Full culinary management of food service operation to include inventory, ordering and receiving
  • Knowledge of P&L accountability and contract-managed service experience is desirable
  • Proficient in menu development, cost controls, purchasing and inventory with a focus on sourcing and utilizing local food products
  • Possesses a passion for sustainability

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Must have a working knowledge of HACCP
  • Three years of culinary management experience in contract foodservice, fine dining setting, or restaurant with inventory and purchasing knowledge and control
  • Extensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation
  • Experience with exposition cooking needed
  • Knowledge of P&L accountability and contract-managed service experience is desirable
  • ServSafe certified is a plus

Apply to Compass Group today!
Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story
Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.
Compass Corporate maintains a drug-free workplace.
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Associates at Corporate are offered many fantastic benefits.
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Personal Leave
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.
https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_CorpAndFoodbuy.pdf
Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
Req ID: 1562483
Compass Corporate
Nichelle Miller
((req_classification))

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