1099 Independent Chef Contractor

Reports To: Assigned Culinesse Leader
Job Type: Contract / Per Diem
Location: Varies by assignment (travel will be required) Pennsylvania & North Carolina

Position Summary

Culinesse is seeking talented, reliable, and creative Independent Chef Contractors (1099) to support our culinary programs across a variety of senior living, healthcare, and hospitality environments. This role is ideal for chefs who are self-directed, passionate about food, and able to adapt quickly to different kitchen environments and standards of service.

As a 1099 contractor, you will not be an employee of Culinesse, but a partner we engage for short-term or project-based assignments. Assignments may include interim support, catering events, staff training, menu implementation, or high-volume production.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and execute high-quality meals in accordance with Culinesse and client standards
  
• Ensure compliance with food safety and sanitation guidelines (ServSafe required)
  
• Support daily kitchen operations, including prep, production, and plating
  
• Follow all assigned schedules, service times, and menu guidelines
  
• Communicate effectively with on-site teams, clients, and Culinesse leaders
  
• Adapt to multiple kitchen environments and styles (scratch cooking, batch, a la carte)
  
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of workstations and equipment
  
• Represent Culinesse professionally in appearance, conduct, and communication
  
  

Compensation & Schedule

• Pay is based on assignment scope and experience
  
• Rates and expectations are outlined in the 1099 Consulting Agreement
  
• All travel and meal expenses must be pre-approved and meet Culinesse reimbursement guidelines (only expenses beyond 20 miles from assigned location are eligible)
  
• Invoices and receipts must be submitted in a timely manner, as outlined in the contractor info sheet
  

Additional Notes

• This is a 1099 independent contractor role—no benefits, taxes, or insurance are provided by Culinesse
  
• All contractors are required to sign a Consulting Agreement and submit required documents (W-9, ID, certifications)
  
• Background checks may be required for certain assignments

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of professional culinary experience  
• ServSafe Certification or equivalent food safety certification  
• Proven ability to work independently and follow culinary directives  
• Strong time management and kitchen organization skills  
• Ability to travel to assignment locations as needed (reimbursable if >20 miles)  
• Must provide own tools, chef coat, and non-slip footwear unless otherwise agreed  
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation (if travel required)

Competencies

• Presents self in a highly professional manner to others and understands that honesty and ethics are essential.
• Ability to monitor or assess the performance of yourself, other individuals, or organization to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Ability to motivate, develop, and direct people as they work and identify best people for the job.
• Ability to manage one's own time and the time of others.
• Willingness to be open to learning and growing.
• Maturity of judgment and behavior.
• Maintains high standards for work areas and appearance.
• Maintains a positive attitude.
• Ability to communicate with clients, co-workers and other departments with professionalism and respect; Holds all staff to the same standards of professionalism. (ie; no cursing in the kitchen)
• Requires complete knowledge of kitchen equipment.
• Physical Requirements:
• Close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus, with or without corrective lenses.
• Significant walking or other means of mobility.
• Ability to work in a standing position for long periods of time. (up to 8 hours)
• Ability to reach, bend, stoop, push and/or pull, and frequently lift up to 35 pounds and occasionally lift/move 40 pounds.
• Dependability: Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
• Stress Tolerance: Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
• Leadership: Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
• Self-Control: Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
• Attention to Detail: Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.