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Union Chef Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

NCSU

Executive Catering Chef

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$69K - $95K/yr

... Union. In this dynamic administrative and culinary leadership role, you will balance creative ... A Dual-Threat Chef: You possess a proven track record blending large-scale catering production with ...

NCSU

Stock Clerk Technician

Raleigh, NC · On-site

... Union and Rave! Catering . In this role, you aren't just moving boxes; you are the backbone of our ... Partner closely with Chefs and the Purchasing Specialist to ensure accurate and timely product ...

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Union Chef information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$9

$23

$43

How much do union chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for union chef in Raleigh, NC is $23.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $30.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Union Chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Union Chef, you need advanced culinary skills, menu planning expertise, and often completion of a culinary arts program or apprenticeship, along with relevant food safety certifications. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and union workplace protocols is typically required. Strong leadership, teamwork, and time management skills set top chefs apart in managing kitchen staff and maintaining high service standards. These competencies ensure efficient operations, consistent food quality, and adherence to union regulations, which are crucial for success in this role.

What is a Union Chef?

A Union Chef is a professional chef who is a member of a labor union that represents culinary workers. These chefs typically work in environments where the workforce is unionized, such as hotels, convention centers, or large-scale dining establishments. Union chefs benefit from collectively bargained agreements that provide standardized wages, benefits, job security, and workplace protections. Their responsibilities are similar to those of other chefs, including menu planning, food preparation, and kitchen management, but they also adhere to the rules and guidelines set forth by their union.

What is the difference between Union Chef vs Line Cook?

AspectUnion ChefLine Cook
CredentialsMay require culinary certifications, union membershipTypically culinary training or experience
Work EnvironmentUnionized kitchens, structured work hoursVaries, often non-unionized kitchens
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in large hotels, resorts, unionized restaurantsWidespread across various restaurants, non-union
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for union benefits, job stabilityCompared for entry-level roles, daily tasks

The main difference between a Union Chef and a Line Cook lies in union membership and work environment. Union Chefs are part of organized labor unions, often working in unionized establishments with structured benefits and work hours. Line Cooks are typically non-unionized, focusing on daily kitchen tasks. Both roles require culinary skills, but Union Chefs often have additional union-related credentials and job protections.

What are some unique challenges Union Chefs face when managing kitchen staff in a unionized environment?

Union Chefs often work within strict guidelines regarding scheduling, job duties, and workplace policies set by collective bargaining agreements. This means they must carefully coordinate staffing and task assignments while respecting seniority and union rules. Navigating these requirements can be challenging, especially during busy periods or when last-minute changes are needed. However, strong communication and collaboration with both staff and union representatives help ensure smooth operations and a positive work environment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Union Chef jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Union Chef job openings:
Union Chef jobs near you
Executive Catering Chef

Executive Catering Chef

NCSU

Raleigh, NC • On-site

$69K - $95K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

North Carolina State University rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

406th of 552 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Information
Posting Number PG194751EP Internal Recruitment No Working Title Executive Catering Chef Anticipated Hiring Range $81,000 - $84,327 Work Schedule Hours are variable based on business needs, may include evening and weekend shifts. Job Location Raleigh, NC Department Dining Administration About the Department
Campus Enterprises is NC State University's division of retail and hospitality organizations - NC State Dining, NC State Stores, Lonnie Poole Golf Course, NC State Student Centers (Witherspoon and Talley), and the One Card Office. Each department is dedicated to providing service excellence, value and enrichment of the student experience in support of academic success.

NC State Dining provides campus wide food services to students, staff, and faculty on the North Carolina State University Campus. NC State Dining operates 10 cafes, 3 food courts and 6 dining halls, 4 markets, 1 restaurant, vending, a nutritional counseling service, and a catering department. The department employs approximately 1000 temporary and student employees and approximately 180 permanent EHRA and SHRA employees.
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits
As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What we offer:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Retirement Programs
  • Disability Plans
  • Life Insurance
  • Accident Plan
  • Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
  • 12 Holidays Each Year
  • Tuition and Academic Assistance
  • And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.
Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties
NC State Dining is seeking a visionary, high-energy Executive Catering Chef to steer our thriving $4M catering operation and oversee retail food production at the bustling Talley Student Union. In this dynamic administrative and culinary leadership role, you will balance creative artistry with operational excellence-crafting everything from daily retail favorites to high-profile, VIP events like the Chancellor's dinners.
If you are a culinary professional who thrives on mentoring a talented kitchen team, staying ahead of food trends, and delivering unforgettable guest experiences, we want you to lead our kitchen!

What You'll Do

Culinary Artistry & Innovation
  • Set the Standard: Develop, test, and standardize innovative menus and recipes that incorporate modern food trends and elevate the campus dining experience.
  • Flawless Execution: Oversee high-volume production while maintaining fine-dining execution, technical precision ("just-in-time" production), and visually stunning plating for VIP events.
  • Tech-Driven Kitchen: Utilize industry software (NetMenu) to manage recipes, forecast accurately, and streamline production schedules.

Kitchen Leadership & Operations
  • Inspire the Team: Direct, schedule, and mentor a talented Back-of-House (BOH) team, including the unit chef, sous chefs, and cooks.
  • Smart Financial Management: Manage labor and food costs to hit financial targets, overseeing inventory, procurement, and budget planning without sacrificing quality.
  • Grow Talent: Lead the hiring, onboarding, and continuous professional development of kitchen staff, building a collaborative, growth-oriented workplace culture.

Gold-Standard Safety & Customer Service
  • Maintain Excellence: Ensure the kitchen consistently achieves a Grade A sanitation rating (95% or better) in alignment with ServSafe and Wake County Health Department guidelines.
  • Client-Centric Focus: Partner closely with Front-of-House (FOH) teams, nutritionists, and campus partners to customize events, resolve issues quickly, and deliver exceptional customer service.

Who You Are
  • A Dual-Threat Chef: You possess a proven track record blending large-scale catering production with elite, fine-dining execution.
  • A People Developer: You love to coach, train, and build high-performing, safe, and positive kitchen environments.
  • An Organized Leader: You can seamlessly pivot from the chopping block to administrative tasks, managing budgets, schedules, and cross-departmental communication with ease.
Other Responsibilities
  • Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Dietetics, Home Economics, Hospitality Management, or a related field plus one year of food management experience; OR an Associate's degree in a related field plus three years of food management experience; OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Other Required Qualifications
N/A
Preferred Qualifications
  • A Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts
  • Five or more years of culinary management experience in a large-volume food service environment, preferably in a college/university food service environment
  • Professional culinary certification such as Certified Executive Chef (CEC), Certified Culinary Educator (CCE), and/or Certified Culinary Cook (CCC)
  • Previous experience as an Executive Chef
  • Previous experience with a computer food production program such as NetMenu
  • 3-5 years management experience (planning, forecasting, ordering, budgeting)
  • 3-5 years of supervisory experience
Required License(s) or Certification(s)
  • Serv Safe Certificate or ability to obtain with 90 days of employment.
  • A valid North Carolina driver's license or the ability to obtain one within 60 days of start date is required.
  • Food Allergen trained and certified or ability to obtain within 90 days of start date.
  • Licenses and certifications must be maintained as a condition of employment.
Valid NC Driver's License required Yes Commercial Driver's License required No
Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions
Job Open Date 07/08/2026 Anticipated Close Date Open until filled Special Instructions to Applicants
Along with your completed application, please include as attachments a cover letter and resume.
Position Details
Position Number 00041462 Position Type EPS/SAAO Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) 1.0 Appointment 12 Month Recurring Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather Mandatory - Adverse Weather Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Mandatory - Evacuations/Natural Hazards Department ID 471501 - Dining Administration EEO
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

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About North Carolina State University

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North Carolina State University (NCSU), located in Raleigh, NC, US, is a leading educational institution with a strong emphasis on research, academics, and public service. Established in 1887, NCSU operates in the education industry and endeavors to foster student success, and promote economic development by providing high-quality, affordable education, and conducting groundbreaking research across a variety of disciplines. With more than 100 majors, its academic offerings range from undergraduates to postgraduates along with doctoral studies - in various fields like engineering, natural resources, humanities, and social sciences. NCSU is firmly anchored on the core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, and innovation. Its mission is to create economic, societal, and intellectual prosperity for the people of North Carolina and the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1887

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