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Head Catering Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hearty Boys Caterers

Event Head Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

Hearty Boys Caterers is seeking an experienced Event Head Chef for gig-based, event-driven work. Shifts are offered based on event bookings. In this role, you will lead offsite catering operations ...

Hearty Boys Caterers

Event Head Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$30/hr

Hearty Boys Caterers is seeking an experienced Event Head Chef for gig-based, event-driven work . Shifts are offered based on event bookings. In this role, you will lead offsite catering operations ...

Lee Epting Catering INC

Catering Head Waiter

Athens, GA · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

... catering team. Description of Position The Head Waiter primarily leads servers and bussers at ... Work closely with the Executive Chef and in-house kitchen staff to ensure all food/serving ...

Heart n Belly

Head Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Our operations span food trucks, catering, and production kitchens, all driven by our mission: to ... We are growing fast and seeking a passionate, creative, and detail-oriented Head Chef to lead our ...

Heart n Belly

Head Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Our operations span food trucks, catering, and production kitchens, all driven by our mission: to ... We are growing fast and seeking a passionate, creative, and detail-oriented Head Chef to lead our ...

Bambola!

Head Chef

Boston, MA

... Head Chef to bring our vision to life! If you live and breathe Italian cuisine, thrive on ... Catering experience * Minimum 2 years of BOH experience in fine dining environment * Minimum 2 ...

Bambola!

Head Chef

Boston, MA · On-site

... Head Chef to bring our vision to life! If you live and breathe Italian cuisine, thrive on ... Catering experience * Minimum 2 years of BOH experience in fine dining environment * Minimum 2 ...

Beach House

Head Chef

Jekyll Island, GA

Head Chef - Beach House Restaurant & TaproomLead the Kitchen. Reinvent the Menu. Inspire the Team ... Develop appealing and profitable catering offerings in partnership with the Sales & Catering team.

Heart n Belly

Head Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

... Head Chef to join! **How to Apply: To proceed with your application, please complete our online ... Our operations span food trucks, catering, and production kitchens, all driven by our mission: to ...

Starhired

Head Chef Kitchen Manager

Fitchburg, MA · On-site

Catering servicing the Fitchburg area. We are looking for Head Chef/Manager to manage the kitchen, train new staff, budget, create schedules, purchases, and manage the overall flow of the restaurant.

Starhired

Head Chef Kitchen Manager

Fitchburg, MA

$65K - $95K/yr

Catering servicing the Fitchburg area. We are looking for Head Chef/Manager to manage the kitchen, train new staff, budget, create schedules, purchases, and manage the overall flow of the restaurant.

Boca Recovery Center

Head Chef

Pompano Beach, FL · On-site

Head Chef - Pompano, FL Location: On-Site - Pompano Beach, Florida Department: Operations Reports ... Prior experience in food service within a healthcare setting or large group catering environment is ...

Boca Recovery Center

Head Chef

Pompano Beach, FL · On-site

Head Chef - Pompano, FL Location: On-Site - Pompano Beach, Florida Department: Operations Reports ... Prior experience in food service within a healthcare setting or large group catering environment is ...

Boca Recovery Center

Head Chef

Pompano Beach, FL · On-site

Head Chef - Pompano, FL Location: On-Site - Pompano Beach, Florida Department: Operations Reports ... Prior experience in food service within a healthcare setting or large group catering environment is ...

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Head Catering Chef information

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$28.5K

$64K

$95K

How much do head catering chef jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for head catering chef in the United States is $63,994.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $75,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a head catering chef do?

A Head Catering Chef is responsible for overseeing all aspects of food preparation and presentation for catering events, such as weddings, corporate gatherings, and parties. They develop menus, manage kitchen staff, order ingredients, and ensure that all dishes meet quality and safety standards. In addition to culinary skills, they coordinate logistics, maintain budget controls, and often interact with clients to customize menus and accommodate special requests. Their goal is to deliver a seamless dining experience that meets the client's needs and exceeds expectations.

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

To thrive as a Head Catering Chef, you need advanced culinary skills, menu planning expertise, and experience managing kitchen operations, usually supported by a culinary degree and significant industry experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and food safety certifications (such as ServSafe) is essential. Strong leadership, creativity, organizational skills, and the ability to perform under pressure set outstanding Head Catering Chefs apart. These abilities ensure high-quality cuisine, efficient kitchen workflow, and client satisfaction during events of varying size and complexity.

What are some common challenges faced by a head catering chef when managing large-scale events?

A Head Catering Chef often encounters challenges such as coordinating multiple menu items to ensure timely service, accommodating diverse dietary requirements, and managing a large team in high-pressure environments. Balancing quality and consistency across hundreds of portions while adapting to unexpected changes (like last-minute guest counts or venue limitations) is essential. Effective communication with event planners, front-of-house staff, and suppliers is key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring a successful event.

What is the difference between Head Catering Chef vs Sous Chef?

AspectHead Catering ChefSous Chef
CredentialsCulinary degree, extensive experience, culinary certificationsCulinary degree or equivalent, experience in kitchens
Work EnvironmentOversees catering operations, manages staff, plans menusAssists head chef, manages kitchen stations, supervises cooks
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in catering companies, large events, hospitality industryCommon in restaurants, hotels, catering services

The Head Catering Chef is responsible for overseeing all catering operations, menu planning, and staff management, while the Sous Chef supports the head chef by managing kitchen stations and supervising cooks. Both roles require culinary expertise, but the Head Catering Chef holds a higher managerial position focused on event catering, whereas the Sous Chef is more hands-on in daily kitchen tasks.

More about Head Catering Chef jobs

What cities are hiring for Head Catering Chef jobs?

Cities with the most Head 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 Head Catering Chef jobs?

States with the most job openings for Head Catering Chef jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Head Catering Chef jobs?

For Head Catering Chef jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Head Catering Chef job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,994 per year, or $30.8 per hour.

Event Head Chef

Chicago, IL • On-site

Hearty Boys Caterers
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Job description

Job Summary:

Hearty Boys Caterers is seeking an experienced Event Head Chef for gig-based, event-driven work. Shifts are offered based on event bookings. In this role, you will lead offsite catering operations for weddings, private parties, corporate functions, and other special events across the Chicago area. Success requires strong leadership, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to deliver high-quality food and service in fast-paced, varied event settings.


Shifts are primarily on weekends and scheduled as needed, making this an ideal opportunity for culinary professionals seeking flexible, hands‑on work without a fixed weekly schedule.


Key Qualifications:

  • Minimum 4+ years of experience as a Head Chef in a catering or banquet environment.

  • Punctual, dependable, and able to perform efficiently under pressure.

  • Strong leadership and communication skills to effectively manage kitchen staff.

  • Excellent problem‑solving abilities and a keen eye for detail.

  • Proficiency in catering‑specific cooking techniques, including \"cave\" cooking.

  • Ability to adapt to different kitchen setups and execute seamless food service at offsite locations.


Primary Responsibilities:
Event Preparation & Logistics

  • Review Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) and sales notes to ensure all required kitchen equipment, ingredients, and tools are packed for each event.

  • Lead the food pack‑out process at the Hearty Boys kitchen before departure.

  • Ensure food items are properly stored and transported following safety and quality standards.


Onsite Culinary Execution

  • Oversee the setup and breakdown of kitchens at various offsite venues.

  • Direct and supervise kitchen staff, delegating tasks based on skill levels and event needs.

  • Maintain food quality, consistency, and presentation standards, ensuring all dishes meet company and client expectations.

  • Adapt to different kitchen layouts and troubleshoot challenges related to space, equipment, or timing.


Team Leadership & Training

  • Conduct pre‑shift meetings with both kitchen and floor staff to review event menus, service timing, plating styles (plated, buffet, stations), and dietary restrictions.

  • Train and mentor new or less experienced kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and efficient work environment.

  • Ensure all kitchen personnel adhere to proper food handling, sanitation, and safety regulations.


Client & Event Coordination

  • Work closely with sales and event teams to coordinate service timelines and fulfill client‑specific requests.

  • Communicate effectively with event managers and service staff to ensure a seamless dining experience.


Post‑Event Reporting & Quality Improvement

  • Provide detailed event feedback to management, identifying operational successes and areas for improvement.

  • Maintain accurate records of kitchen performance, equipment usage, and any challenges encountered.

  • Implement best practices for continuous quality enhancement in catering operations.


Additional Requirements:

  • ServSafe Manager Certification.

  • Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.

  • Ability to lift 50+ lbs and stand for extended periods.

  • Reliable transportation to and from event venues across the Chicago area

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