Catering - Associate

SSA Group, LLC • Cincinnati, OH

9d • $15 - $17

About The Position

The Catering Associate delivers warm, welcoming, and memorable experiences for guests and clients while supporting the execution of catered events. The role oversees product quality, levels, and inventory; responds efficiently to guest needs and complaints; and carries out event setup, service, breakdown, cleanup, and related front-of-house, back-of-house, and side-work duties. The associate supports catering leaders during events, maintains a clean, safe, and organized work environment, and upholds company policies and professional service standards. The position requires physical work, including moving and storing equipment, tables, chairs, boxes, and catering items. It also contributes to an inclusive team environment, sustainability and conservation efforts, and community engagement.

Requirements

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to communicate with clients, General Manager, and headquarters personnel.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, along with 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, move and handle boxes weighing up to 35 pounds, and perform the job's listed functions.
• 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 every guest and client.
• Oversee product quality, product levels, and inventory.
• Fulfill guest needs quickly and efficiently and resolve complaints effectively.
• Meet expectations for setup, execution, breakdown, and cleanup of each catered event.
• Perform assigned front-of-house, back-of-house, and side-work duties to support banquet event productivity.
• Demonstrate 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.
• Support placement, movement, and storage of rental orders, buffet cards, and catering items.
• Support Catering Supervisors and the Catering Operations Manager with event problems and provide creative solutions.
• Maintain a friendly and approachable attitude toward clients, guests, and staff.
• Communicate clearly and openly with leaders.
• Display a sense of urgency and uphold a professional appearance and manner.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
• Uphold and demonstrate an understanding of company policies and procedures.
• Promote an inclusive and supportive approach within the brand team and help remove barriers and empower team members.
• Lead by example in sustainability and conservation efforts, and support teaching unit staff about those efforts.
• Engage with SSA and the unit in 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 partnership 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; accrual rates, caps, and usage rules vary by location.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed