Catering - Associate

SSA Group • San Antonio, TX

3d

About The Position

The Catering Associate helps deliver warm, welcoming, and memorable experiences for guests and clients at catered events. The role supports event setup, execution, breakdown, and cleanup, as well as front-of-house, back-of-house, and side-work duties. Associates maintain product quality, product levels, and inventory; meet guest needs promptly; and resolve complaints effectively. They share knowledge of menus, food presentation, and food-service techniques, support the placement and storage of rentals and catering materials, and assist catering leaders in addressing event challenges. The position also requires a professional, approachable manner, clear communication, urgency, and a clean, safe, and organized work environment.

The role involves operating the equipment necessary for assigned duties and performing manual labor, including moving and storing equipment and setting up or taking down tables and chairs. Catering Associates may work varied hours and days, including nights, weekends, and holidays. SSA describes a commitment to inclusion, team growth, sustainability and conservation efforts, and community engagement. Catering or event-industry experience is a plus, and applicants from all educational backgrounds are eligible.

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 as needed; duties include lifting and other physical functions described in the posting.
• Ability to work varied hours and days, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Catering and/or event-industry experience is a plus.

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.
• Set up, execute, break down, and clean up catered events to expected standards.
• Perform assigned back-of-house, front-of-house, and side-work duties to support banquet-event productivity.
• Apply knowledge of menus, food presentation, and food-service techniques with guest service in mind.
• Perform manual labor as needed, including equipment storage, event setup, and moving or taking down 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 creative solutions.
• Maintain a friendly and approachable attitude toward clients, guests, and staff.
• Communicate clearly and openly with leaders.
• Maintain 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 across units.
• Support efforts to 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 as needed.
• Engage with SSA and unit teams 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.
• Participation in a 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 terms vary by location.

What This Job Offers

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