Catering & Event Chef

Catering & Event Chef Job Description

05.29.25

NOTE: WE ARE LOOKING FOR SERIOUS & QUALIFIED CANDIDATES. If you do not fit our job description, please do not apply. If you DO fit our job description, we encourage you to apply and please show up for your interview.

Canapés Catering is Frederick's premiere upscale caterer and we are seeking to add an experienced Catering Chef to our talented team. Canapés provides exemplary food and service to our client's and always aims to meet each individual client’s vision and needs. An ideal candidate is friendly, efficient, and a team player who takes pride in the food they produce.

Catering & Event Job Responsibilities

• Specialize in providing food for events such as weddings, private events, & corporate events.
• Ability to work at unique locations including mansions, private homes, museums, art centers, barns, vineyards, distilleries, & more.
• Day of events, you will oversee that all your preparation is completed, oversee the loading of your event food before leaving for your assigned event.
• At event sites, be able to lead the kitchen staff through the entirety of the event from setting up the kitchen, to meal service, to leaving the venue facilities cleaner than you found it.
• Communicate with event staff and event coordinators to ensure operational needs are met
• Prepare and execute a variety of menu items following established recipes and guidelines.
• Cook and grill food items according to specified cooking methods, temperatures, and portion sizes, ensuring optimal taste, texture, and presentation.
• Adhere to strict food safety and sanitation standards, including proper handling, storage, and labeling of ingredients (following safe thawing and cooling protocols), cooking foods to food-safe temperatures, and maintaining a clean and organized work area.
• Monitor and manage cooking times to ensure that each dish is prepared and served in a timely manner, coordinating with other kitchen staff to maintain a consistent flow of orders.
• Ensure that all dishes leaving the kitchen meet Canapés quality standards in terms of taste, appearance, and portion size.
• Work closely with the kitchen team, including chefs and other cooks, to coordinate orders, communicate special requests or dietary restrictions, and maintain a harmonious and efficient working environment.
• Assist in monitoring and controlling inventory levels, notifying the kitchen manager or supervisor of any shortages or discrepancies.
• Participate in cleaning and maintenance tasks, including equipment cleaning, dishwashing, and kitchen organization, to uphold cleanliness standards and ensure a safe working environment.
• Know the menu and be able to answer questions about menu items and ingredients
• Be able to accommodate special requests and dietary restrictions to include gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan, and other specialty dietary requests and restrictions.

Catering & Event Qualifications

• Proven experience working as a catering & event cook or in a similar culinary role, demonstrating a solid understanding of cooking techniques, flavor profiles, and food safety practices.
• Familiarity with operating and maintaining various kitchen equipment, including grills, ovens, fryers, and other essential culinary tools.
• An ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively in a fast-paced environment to meet service demands and maintain a smooth workflow.
• Strong focus on accuracy and precision to ensure consistency and quality in every dish prepared.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively as part of a team, supporting and assisting colleagues as needed.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time

Job Details

Pay: Stage: $18.00 per hour for a two to three day “stage” period

Hourly: $20-23.00 for a thirty day training period

Hourly: $23-$27.00 per hour with the opportunity for potential hourly increases (you prove yourself to us and we will reward your dedication and service)

Pay is per hour. Overtime is possible

Work Week Scenario:

• Monday thru Friday: Averages 8 hours (can be more during busy seasons)
• Friday thru Sunday: Can run from 4 hours to 12 hours
• Weekends (required during busy seasons, staffing chef makes every attempt to be fair and accommodating)

Benefits:

• Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance | Company pays 75%, Employee invests 25%
• 401(k) saving plan
• Paid Time Off | 1st year of service = 1 week, 2nd year of service = 2 weeks,
• Paid Sick Time
• Meals Provided
• Employee discount
• Creative, communicative, & safe environment
• Comprehensive employee handbook

Ability to commute:

• Frederick, MD 21701: Reliable transportation to and from work and events is required

Education:

• Associate (Preferred)

Experience:

• Culinary: 2 year (Preferred)

Work Location:

• In Person

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 - $29.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Ability to Commute:

• Frederick, MD 21701 (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Frederick, MD 21701: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person