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Event Chef Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Event Chef to lead culinary operations for a premier fine-dining event venue. This position is ideal for a seasoned chef with extensive experience ...

MDV, retirement, PTO Luxury catering company seeks experienced Event Chef in NYC. Qualifications: * 5+ years of culinary leadership experience , preferably in luxury catering, fine dining, or high ...

Catering and Event Chef (Seasonal) Reports To: Executive Chef, Director of Events Compensation: $1500 week/$75,000 ​Roberta's is hiring experienced chefs who are looking to work with a small ...

Catering -Chef

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$1.5K/wk

Catering and Event Chef (Seasonal) Reports To: Executive Chef, Director of Events Compensation: $1500 week/$75,000 Roberta's is hiring experienced chefs who are looking to work with a small, dynamic ...

Catering -Chef

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$1.5K/wk

Catering and Event Chef (Seasonal) Reports To: Executive Chef, Director of Events Compensation: $1500 week/$75,000 Roberta's is hiring experienced chefs who are looking to work with a small, dynamic ...

Catering and Event Chef (Seasonal) Reports To: Executive Chef, Director of Events Compensation: $1500 week/$75,000 Roberta's is hiring experienced chefs who are looking to work with a small, dynamic ...

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Event Chef information

See New York salary details

$11

$26

$48

How much do event chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for event chef in New York is $26.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.41 and $33.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an event chef?

Event Chefs are professional cooks who specialize in preparing and serving food for special occasions such as weddings, corporate gatherings, parties, and other events. They plan menus tailored to the event, manage food preparation, and often oversee a team of kitchen staff to ensure timely and high-quality service. Event Chefs may work for catering companies, hotels, or as independent contractors, adapting their skills to suit various cuisines and event sizes. Their role is crucial in creating memorable dining experiences that complement the overall event atmosphere.

How does an event chef typically collaborate with event planners and service staff during large functions?

Event Chefs work closely with event planners to understand the theme, dietary requirements, and timing of each event. They coordinate with service staff to ensure efficient food delivery, maintain food quality during service, and address any on-site changes or guest requests. Clear communication and adaptability are essential, as the Event Chef must often adjust menus or service styles in real-time to accommodate unexpected challenges, ensuring a seamless dining experience for guests.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an event chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Event Chef, you need advanced culinary skills, experience in high-volume food preparation, and often formal culinary training or certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food safety standards, and event management software is typically required. Strong leadership, time management, and adaptability are essential soft skills for coordinating teams and handling the dynamic nature of events. These abilities ensure exceptional food quality, efficient service, and successful event execution under pressure.

What is the difference between Event Chef vs Catering Chef?

AspectEvent ChefCatering Chef
Credentials Culinary degree or equivalent, food safety certifications Culinary degree or equivalent, food safety certifications
Work Environment Temporary, event-specific settings like weddings, parties Often in catering kitchens, large-scale food prep for events
Industry Usage Commonly employed in event planning and hospitality Used in catering companies, banquet halls, and large events
Job Focus Preparing food for specific events, managing event kitchens Preparing large quantities of food for catering services

Both Event Chefs and Catering Chefs require culinary skills and certifications. Event Chefs focus on preparing food for specific events in temporary settings, while Catering Chefs handle large-scale food prep for multiple events in more permanent catering facilities. The roles often overlap but differ mainly in work environment and scope.

What cities in New York are hiring for Event Chef jobs?

Cities in New York with the most Event Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Event Chef job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, and 23% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,042 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Event Chef to lead culinary operations for a premier fine-dining event venue. This position is ideal for a seasoned chef with extensive experience in fine dining, high-end events, and large-scale banquet operations who thrives in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
The ideal candidate will have strong New York City culinary experience, a sophisticated understanding of fine-dining standards, and a proven ability to execute flawless events for large guest counts. They must be an effective leader who can motivate and develop a culinary team while maintaining the highest standards of food quality, presentation, sanitation, and organization.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead day-to-day culinary operations for a high-end event venue, working closely with the Executive Chef and management team.
  • Execute sophisticated, fine-dining menus while maintaining consistency, quality, and presentation across large-volume events.
  • Manage multiple events and competing priorities while maintaining composure and attention to detail.
  • Lead and supervise large culinary teams, including sous chefs, line cooks, prep cooks, pastry, and stewarding staff.
  • Collaborate with the events and operations teams to ensure menus are executed according to client expectations and event specifications.
  • Review event BEOs, menus, production schedules, staffing requirements, and special dietary requests.
  • Develop detailed production plans and ensure all prep is completed accurately and on schedule.
  • Maintain exceptional standards for food quality, flavor, temperature, consistency, and presentation.
  • Ensure smooth execution during service, including coordinating timing between kitchen stations and front-of-house teams.
  • Anticipate potential challenges during events and proactively develop solutions.
  • Train, mentor, and develop culinary staff while holding the team accountable to established standards.
  • Assist with scheduling, labor management, ordering, inventory, and food-cost control.
  • Maintain strict compliance with food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards.
  • Ensure the kitchen is organized, clean, properly stocked, and fully prepared for each event.
  • Monitor food waste and portion control and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and profitability.
  • Lead by example and foster a professional, respectful, and collaborative kitchen culture.
Qualifications
  • 7+ years of professional culinary experience, with significant experience in fine dining, luxury hospitality, banquets, or high-end events.
  • Previous experience as an Executive Sous Chef, Chef de Cuisine, Sous Chef, or similar senior culinary leadership role.
  • New York City culinary experience strongly preferred.
  • Extensive experience executing large-scale events and banquet service is highly preferred.
  • Proven experience managing high-volume culinary operations while maintaining fine-dining standards.
  • Strong knowledge of classical and contemporary culinary techniques.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage and lead a large, diverse culinary team.
  • Experience working with detailed event timelines, BEOs, production sheets, and banquet menus.
  • Strong understanding of food cost, labor cost, ordering, inventory, and waste management.
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills.
  • Ability to make sound decisions quickly and remain calm under pressure.
  • Ability to work long hours, weekends, evenings, holidays, and extended event schedules as required.
  • Culinary degree or formal culinary training preferred.


The Dinex Group LLC is an equal opportunity employer. The Dinex Group does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law. 

 
More detail about Chef Daniel Boulud Restaurants part of The Dinex Group, the Restaurant Group of Chef Daniel Boulud, please visit https://culinaryagents.com/entities/237-Chef-Daniel-Boulud-Restaurants