CATERER JOB DESCRIPTION

A Caterer handles the physical and logistical reality of an event: what gets set, what gets served, and whether every guest leaves without a complaint. The role sits within a catering or banquet operations team, typically reporting to a catering manager or event lead, and owns the full execution window from prep to post-event breakdown. Food safety compliance - including sanitation logs and proper storage of perishables under established guidelines - is a non-negotiable constant. Getting this right on a Friday evening for 300 guests is a different skill set than it looks.

As the Caterer, you execute catering arrangements end to end - coordinating food production, managing load lists, and delivering consistent service quality across every event handled by the department. You work within a catering operations team, supporting management on scheduling and logistics while directly supervising setup staff and interfacing with a diverse customer base.

Career Impact: Experience in event-volume food service and ServSafe-certified operations positions a Caterer to move into catering coordinator or banquet manager roles within two to three years.

Business Impact: When food is plated correctly, tables are set to spec, and guests are acknowledged from arrival to departure, the department's reputation for service quality directly drives repeat bookings.

Growth Opportunity: Managing load lists, overseeing event staff, and navigating multi-event scheduling builds the operational judgment that distinguishes a lead caterer from an entry-level server.

• Coordinate delivery, setup, and execution of catered events according to function specifications and banquet orders.
• Prepare and arrange food, beverage, and service items on tables and buffets to established presentation standards.
• Manage event prep areas by stocking supplies and verifying load list completion within required timeframes.
• Maintain food safety and sanitation standards across all storage areas including coolers, freezers, and dry storage.
• Communicate special meal requirements, order details, and production needs to kitchen staff and catering management.
• Supervise and support catering event staff during setup, staging, and service to ensure smooth execution.
• Greet, serve, and assist guests throughout the event, maintaining a courteous and professional presence.
• Clean, restock, and secure catering equipment and supplies after each event.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• One or more years of experience in food service, banquet service, or catering operations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices, including proper storage and temperature compliance.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent tasks under time pressure in a fast-paced event environment.
• Physical capability to stand for extended periods and lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds routinely.
• Strong verbal communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with guests, staff, and management.
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays as events require.

• ServSafe certification or equivalent food handler credential.
• Prior experience supervising or mentoring junior catering or banquet staff.
• Familiarity with banquet order systems and production scheduling in a multi-event operation.
• Comfort working in varied environments including both indoor and outdoor event settings.

• Load list completion rate per event cycle, measuring pre-event readiness within required timeframes.
• Post-event sanitation and storage compliance score, tracking adherence to food safety guidelines.
• Guest acknowledgment consistency across arrival, service, and departure interactions per event.
• Setup accuracy rate against banquet order specifications, measured per function.
• Staff supervision effectiveness, reflected in event execution with no service gaps or missed assignments.

• Base Salary Range: $30,000 to $42,000 per year; hourly roles typically $14 to $20/hr
• Bonus: Gratuity or event-based tip pools common in banquet settings
• Equity: Not typical at this level
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision; eligibility often after 60 to 90 days
• PTO: 5 to 10 days annually; sick leave per applicable state law
• Common Perks: Meal allowance during shifts, uniform provided, flexible scheduling options

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Employment contingent on successful completion of a background check, which may include verification of prior food service credentials. Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process. All candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

The Caterer delivers end-to-end coordination of catering arrangements - from stocking event prep areas and completing load lists to supervising setup, staging, and post-event storage compliance across coolers, freezers, and dry storage areas. Reporting to the catering manager and working alongside student catering staff, this role shapes the department's service reputation by ensuring every event is executed to standard and every customer interaction reflects professionalism.

Key Responsibilities

• Utilize strong organizational and communication skills to assist with the overall coordination of catering arrangements for the customers.
• Responsible for delivery, setup, execution and service of catered events.
• Assist the catering manager with execution of all catering related functions.
• Provide superior customer service and reflect a positive image of catering and the department.
• Ensure event prep areas are fully stocked according to event needs on a daily basis.
• Ensure all load list items for events are accurately completed within three days.
• Organize and ensure the delivery of all food production and event items.
• Actively assist and supervise the setup and staging of all events.
• Maintain clean, properly stocked storage areas including all coolers, freezers, dry storage areas, paper and chemical storage areas, and vehicles by following established food safety and sanitation guidelines.
• Oversee student catering staff.
• Attempt to improve the workplace.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience managing multiple priorities, meeting tight deadlines, and interacting with a diverse customer base.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Comfortable in a variety of public and social settings with ability to work with a diverse on-and-off-campus clientele.
• Flexible availability with ability to stand for long periods of time and lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds.

Embedded within a banquet service team, the Caterer owns the preparation and execution of food and beverage service for events, from setting up rooms and buffets to greeting guests and communicating dietary requirements to the kitchen. Working closely with supervisors and kitchen staff, this role builds a reliable service experience that reflects the standards of the broader hospitality operation.

Core Functions

• Prepare banquet room, tables, and buffet as stated in banquet order or supervisor's instructions.
• Serve food and drinks per banquet orders.
• Ensure glasses are filled and clear plates as needed.
• Communicate special meal requirements to the kitchen.
• Greet, acknowledge, and thank guests.

Qualifications & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• ServSafe certification may be required.
• Some prior experience as a banquet server preferred.
• Able to efficiently carry food and cocktail trays.
• Strong communication skills and a friendly, courteous manner.
• Able to meet uniform requirements.

Reporting to the Deli Department leadership, the Caterer leads customer catering order management and deli tray preparation on the retail sales floor, handling everything from production scheduling and transportation coordination to maintaining sanitation logs and mentoring new associates. Partnering with Deli Salad Production, cooks, and department associates, this role shapes the store's catering output and ensures food safety standards are met consistently across all preparation areas.

Primary Duties

• Serve customers in the Deli Department while modeling company culture and providing best-in-class customer service, including greeting, engaging, delighting, and thanking every guest.
• Communicate directly with catering customers via phone, email, or in person regarding event details and make recommendations for catering needs.
• Manage catering orders including production scheduling, coordinating transportation for deliveries, and preparing orders for the following day.
• Communicate with Deli Salad Production and Deli Associates regarding product needed for catering orders.
• Prepare items for Deli island including packaged foods, taco salads, pizzas, and wraps.
• Prepare catering trays including cheese and meat trays, fruit trays, sandwich trays, vegetable trays, and shrimp trays.
• Maintain sanitation and temperature logs.
• Assist Deli Chef and Cook with minimal food preparation.
• Operate, maintain, and clean deli equipment including knives, ovens, fryers, dishwashers, coolers, and slicers.
• Assist with the training and mentoring of new associates in the Deli Department.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment by adhering to safety and sanitation regulations and procedures.

Skills & Qualifications

• Proficient knife-handling skills with comfort working with various types of food.
• Eagerness to interact with customers.
• Ability to anticipate the needs of the team.
• Ability to work at a fast-paced and efficient manner.
• Ability to take initiative and make decisions independently regarding department needs and priorities under general supervision.
• Excellent time management, prioritization, and organization skills.
• Ability to stand, walk, lift, bend, and push or pull for extended periods of time.

Sitting at the intersection of event logistics and guest-facing hospitality, the Caterer leads table arrangement, service execution, and post-event cleanup for a range of functions, ensuring all setups meet established standards and every guest receives courteous, professional attention from start to finish. Operating across indoor and outdoor event environments alongside the event lead, venue staff, and vendors, this role builds the on-the-ground reliability that keeps each event running smoothly.

Duties

• Assist with setting up the event based on function specifications.
• Arrange tables with food, beverage, and service items according to standards.
• Maintain table setting by removing courses as completed, refilling water glasses, and working in a fast-paced environment.
• Ensure all tables are cleaned up after the event.
• Stock, clean, and maintain catering equipment and supplies as needed.
• Build trust and relationships with guests and team members.
• Ensure guests always receive friendly and courteous service.
• Perform other duties as requested by the event lead.

Experience & Qualifications

• Able to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to work flexible hours including weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• Ability to routinely lift 30 to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand on feet for extended periods of time.
• Ability to work independently or in a team setting to properly execute the event.
• Customer-oriented, organized, and detail oriented.
• Maintains a positive and professional attitude during events with all venue staff, vendors, guests, and co-workers.
• Comfortable working in both indoor and outdoor environments.
• Must maintain personal hygiene and a well-groomed appearance and comply with dress code requirements.