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Executive Catering Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Executive Chef Position Managed: Catering Sous Chef, Part-Time Employees, Seasonal Associates Location: Bronx Zoo / On Site Department: Events & Catering Scope: Bronx Zoo Position Type: Full Time ...

Catering Chef

Saint Petersburg, FL · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

This Chef will oversee all culinary operations for the new catering kitchen, leading menu execution ... Collaborate with the Executive Chef and leadership team on seasonal menus and special event ...

$17 - $20/hr

Chef - Catering - Private Aviation Atikis MN Aviation Catering is hiring a chef to work at our Twin ... Our clients are from the Private Aviation Catering industry - corporate executives, professional ...

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Executive Catering Chef information

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$40K

$86.9K

$130K

How much do executive catering chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive catering chef in the United States is $86,886.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Executive Catering Chef, you need advanced culinary skills, menu planning expertise, and several years of experience in large-scale food preparation, typically supported by a culinary degree or certification. Proficiency with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and food safety certifications like ServSafe is essential. Strong leadership, organizational skills, and creativity are vital soft skills for managing diverse teams and adapting to client needs. These skills and qualities ensure the delivery of high-quality cuisine and seamless event execution in a demanding catering environment.

What does an executive catering chef do?

An Executive Catering Chef is responsible for planning, directing, and overseeing all culinary operations for catered events. This includes designing menus, sourcing ingredients, managing kitchen staff, and ensuring food quality and safety standards are met. They also work closely with clients to tailor menus to event themes and dietary needs, and often supervise food presentation and service at the event itself. Their role is essential to creating memorable culinary experiences for guests at weddings, corporate functions, and other special occasions.

What is the difference between Executive Catering Chef vs Executive Chef?

AspectExecutive Catering ChefExecutive Chef
CredentialsCulinary degree, culinary certifications, extensive experience in cateringCulinary degree, certifications, broad culinary management experience
Work EnvironmentEvent venues, catering companies, large-scale catering operationsRestaurants, hotels, resorts, culinary establishments
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in catering and event planning industriesIn hospitality, restaurant, and hotel industries

The main difference is that an Executive Catering Chef specializes in managing large-scale catering events, focusing on event-specific menus and logistics. An Executive Chef oversees overall kitchen operations, menu development, and staff management across various dining settings. Both roles require culinary expertise and leadership skills, but their work environments and primary responsibilities differ.

How does an executive catering chef typically collaborate with event planners and clients to create customized menus?

An Executive Catering Chef works closely with event planners and clients to understand the unique requirements, themes, and dietary needs of each event. This often involves initial consultations to discuss preferences, followed by menu tastings and adjustments based on feedback. The chef must coordinate with both the culinary team and front-of-house staff to ensure smooth execution, while also managing logistics like ingredient sourcing and event timelines. Strong communication and flexibility are key to delivering a memorable culinary experience that aligns with the client's vision.
What cities are hiring for Executive Catering Chef jobs? Cities with the most Executive Catering Chef job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Catering Chef jobs? The most popular types of Catering Chef jobs are:
What states have the most Executive Catering Chef jobs? States with the most job openings for Executive Catering Chef jobs include:
Infographic showing various Executive Catering Chef job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,886 per year, or $41.8 per hour.

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Wildlife Conservation Society rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 37 rated wildlife parks and zoos


Job description

Position: Catering Chef
Reports to: Executive Chef
Position Managed: Catering Sous Chef, Part-Time Employees, Seasonal Associates 
Location: Bronx Zoo / On Site
Department: Events & Catering
Scope: Bronx Zoo
Position Type: Full Time 
About Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS):
WCS stands for wildlife and wild places. As the world's premier wildlife conservation organization, WCS has a long track record of achieving innovative, impactful results at scale. We run field programs spanning 60 countries and the entire ocean. We build on a unique foundation: Our reach is global; we discover through best-in-class science; we protect through work on the ground with local and indigenous people; we inspire through our world-class zoos, aquarium, and education programs; and we leverage our resources through partnerships and powerful policy influence. Our more than 4,000 diverse, passionately committed team members in New York City and around the world work collectively to achieve our conservation mission.
Position Summary: 
This role will be the primary culinary leadership for the events & catering operation. You will oversee production of catering menus, the execution of events, supervision of staff, inventory and cost controls, kitchen cleanliness, equipment maintenance, and the overall service of guests.
Principal Responsibilities (include but are not limited to): 
  • Responsible for menu planning, food purchasing, and food transportation throughout the Zoo.
  • Responsible for the development of production documents in accordance with the Executive Chef's policies and procedures on executing catered events. 
  • Assists with managing overall kitchen expenses by managing food and supplies inventory and limiting product waste.
  • Directly responsible for managing the preparation, production, presentation, and execution of food products for events. As well as assisting daily food service operations in these areas. 
  • Interview, select, train, schedule, coach, and support associates, ensuring they perform in accordance with established standards and norms.
  • Responsible for updating costs for recipes and maintenance of menu database.
  • Maintain food safety standards in accordance with the NYC Department of Health's requirements, as well as internal Compliance Manager's standards and requirements. 
  • Follow sustainability guidelines and practices set by WCS's Business Operations leadership.
  • Communicates with Executive Chef and culinary team, providing feedback on any issues including but not limited to staff, product, and processes to ensure all goals are met.
  • Perform additional responsibilities as directed by Catering Chef.

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