Catering - Associate

SSA Group • Cincinnati, OH

2d

About The Position

The Catering Associate helps deliver welcoming, memorable experiences for guests and clients at catered events. The role oversees product quality, levels, and inventory; responds to guest needs and complaints; and carries out event setup, execution, breakdown, and cleanup. It performs front-of-house, back-of-house, and side-work duties, supports rental and catering-item handling, and works with catering leaders to address event issues. The associate is expected to maintain a professional, approachable manner and a clean, safe, organized work environment while following company policies and procedures. The position may also involve other tasks as circumstances require.

Requirements

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to communicate with clients, the General Manager, and HQ personnel.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, combined 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 35 pounds as needed, and perform the role's other functions; accommodation is available upon request through the hiring manager.
• 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.
• Respond to guest needs quickly and efficiently and resolve complaints effectively.
• Set up, execute, break down, and clean up catered events to expectations.
• Perform assigned back-of-house, front-of-house, and side-work duties to support banquet-event productivity.
• Demonstrate knowledge of menus, food presentation, and food-service techniques with guest service in mind.
• Perform manual labor such as storing equipment and setting up or tearing down tables and chairs.
• Support placement, movement, and storage of rental orders, buffet cards, and catering items.
• Support Catering Supervisor(s) and the Catering Operations Manager with event problems and provide creative solutions.
• Maintain a friendly, 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 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 at all levels.
• 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.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

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