Catering - Associate
About The Position
The Catering Associate helps deliver warm, welcoming, and memorable hospitality experiences for guests and clients at catered events. The role supports event setup, execution, breakdown, and cleanup, including front-of-house, back-of-house, and side work. It involves monitoring product quality, inventory, and levels; assisting with rental orders, buffet cards, and catering items; addressing guest needs and complaints; and supporting catering leaders in resolving event issues. The associate is expected to maintain a professional, approachable manner, communicate clearly, work with urgency, and keep the work environment clean, safe, and organized. The role also supports inclusion, team development, sustainability and conservation efforts, and community engagement. Duties may vary as business needs change.
Requirements
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to communicate with clients, the General Manager, and headquarters personnel.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills and the ability to stay organized.
- Ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to operate all equipment necessary to perform job duties.
- Physical ability to stand for extended periods and move and handle boxes weighing up to 35 pounds, including lifting and performing the listed duties.
- Ability to work varied hours and days, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed.
- All educational backgrounds are eligible.
Nice To Haves
- Previous catering and/or event industry experience.
Responsibilities
- Deliver warm, welcoming, and memorable experiences for guests and clients.
- Oversee product quality, product levels, and inventory.
- Respond to guest needs quickly and efficiently and resolve complaints effectively.
- Set up, execute, break down, and clean up catered events to expected standards.
- Perform assigned back-of-house, front-of-house, and side work for banquet events.
- Apply knowledge of menus, food presentation, and food service techniques with a focus on guest service.
- Perform manual labor as required, including equipment storage and event setup and teardown of tables and chairs.
- Assist with placement, movement, and storage of rental orders, buffet cards, and catering items.
- Support catering supervisors and the Catering Operations Manager with event problems and creative solutions.
- Maintain a friendly, approachable attitude toward clients, guests, and staff.
- Communicate clearly and openly with leaders.
- Maintain a sense of urgency and a professional appearance and manner.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
- Demonstrate an understanding of company policies and procedures.
- Promote an inclusive and supportive approach within the brand team and across units.
- Help remove barriers and empower growth and opportunity for team members.
- Lead by example in sustainability and conservation efforts and share relevant knowledge with unit staff.
- Engage in unit and company community activities and opportunities to give back.
- Perform other tasks as necessary.
Benefits
- Eligible for overtime pay.
- On-Demand Pay Program providing access to a portion of earned wages before payday.
- Meal plan and employee discounts at applicable locations.
- 401(k) program with a 15% company match, subject to eligibility requirements.
- Tuition discount through a partner college.
- Up to 8 hours of bereavement leave.
- Holiday pay at 1.5 times the regular rate for hours worked on Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day.
- Paid sick leave in accordance with applicable state and local laws.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
