Catering Staff Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s fast-paced world, the focus on catering staff has never been greater.

Events and gatherings are becoming more elaborate, and with each occasion, the demand for proficient personnel who can plan, prepare, and provide an excellent dining experience escalates.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a catering staff member?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the essence of this role,
• A hiring manager detailing the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the dynamics of the catering industry,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable catering staff job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Catering Staff Duties and Responsibilities

Catering Staff are responsible for providing quality food and beverage services to clients at various events such as weddings, parties, and corporate events.

They ensure that all clients’ dietary requirements are met and that all food and beverage services are delivered to a high standard.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Preparing and setting up the venue for catering events
• Preparing food and beverages according to the menu and dietary requirements
• Serving food and drinks to guests in a professional and timely manner
• Managing buffet tables or food stations, ensuring they remain well-stocked and clean
• Communicating with clients and guests to ensure satisfaction with food and service
• Clearing tables and cleaning up venue after the event
• Adhering to food safety and sanitation guidelines
• Assisting in the inventory management and ordering of catering supplies
• Working closely with the Catering Manager to plan and execute events

 

Catering Staff Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated and experienced member to join our catering staff team.

Catering staff responsibilities include serving food, setting up and clearing away equipment and furniture, and maintaining cleanliness in dining areas.

Our ideal candidates are able to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment and have a friendly, customer-focused attitude.

Ultimately, the role of the catering staff is to provide an excellent dining experience, ensuring high-quality service and customer satisfaction at all times.

 

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve food and beverages to guests
• Set up catering equipment and furniture for events
• Clean and maintain dining and serving areas
• Assist with food and drink preparation
• Adhere to food safety and sanitation standards
• Provide excellent customer service to guests
• Assist with event clean-up and closing duties
• Handle customer inquiries and complaints
• Assist with inventory and stock management

 

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a catering or hospitality role
• Knowledge of food safety standards and procedures
• Excellent customer service skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Physical stamina to stand for long hours
• Able to work flexible hours, including weekends and evenings

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Meal provided during shift
• Flexible work hours
• Paid time off
• Training and development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Catering Staff
• Work Environment: This role requires working in various environments such as event venues, corporate offices, and outdoor settings. Physical tasks such as lifting and carrying equipment are involved. It may also require working in shifts and during weekends and holidays.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Catering Manager or Event Coordinator.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $20,000 minimum to $35,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time/Part-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Catering Staff Do?

Catering Staff are integral parts of the food services industry, mainly working for catering companies, restaurants, or event venues.

Their key responsibility is to prepare and serve food at events.

This includes setting up the dining area, preparing tables, and arranging food items attractively on serving trays or buffet tables.

Catering Staff often interact directly with clients and guests, serving food and beverages, and responding to their requests promptly and courteously.

They also ensure that food safety and hygiene standards are maintained at all times.

This includes storing food at the correct temperatures and cleaning up dining areas and kitchen spaces before, during, and after the event.

Additionally, Catering Staff may assist in the planning and preparation of menus, liaising with the kitchen staff and the event coordinator to ensure the timely preparation and delivery of food.

They are also tasked with packing up and storing leftover food, cleaning dishes and utensils, and ensuring the catering equipment is properly cleaned and maintained.

Catering Staff often work in a fast-paced, high-stress environment and are expected to provide excellent customer service while maintaining a high standard of professionalism.

 

Catering Staff Qualifications and Skills

Catering staff should possess a combination of practical, technical and soft skills to excel in their roles, such as:

• Food and beverage knowledge to prepare and serve dishes and drinks according to the event’s requirements and guests’ preferences.
• Customer service skills to interact with guests professionally and courteously, ensuring their satisfaction with the catering service.
• Physical stamina and energy to stand for extended periods, carry heavy trays and equipment, and move around quickly during busy events.
• Attention to detail for setting up venues, arranging tables and serving food to maintain high standards of cleanliness, presentation and service.
• Time management skills to ensure that food and beverages are prepared and served promptly, and cleanup tasks are completed on schedule.
• Communication skills to understand instructions from the event planner or chef, and to interact effectively with guests and colleagues.
• Problem-solving skills to deal with unexpected challenges such as last-minute changes in guest numbers or menu requests, equipment malfunctions, or food and beverage shortages.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations to ensure all preparation, storage, serving and cleanup activities are carried out in compliance with local health codes.

 

Catering Staff Experience Requirements

Catering staff typically begin their career with minimal experience, often gaining their initial knowledge and skills through part-time roles in restaurants, cafes or hotel environments.

These individuals may also gain experience through vocational training programs or courses in hospitality or food service management.

Entry-level catering staff may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often through part-time roles or internships in the catering or hospitality industry.

These roles could include server, kitchen assistant, or event planner roles, where they learn about food preparation, customer service, and event management.

Candidates with over 3 years of experience often have a solid foundation in food service, hygiene practices, and customer management.

They may have also gained experience in roles such as catering assistant, event coordinator, or even sous chef, developing a broad skill set within the industry.

Those with over 5 years of experience usually have a well-rounded understanding of the catering business, from menu planning and food preparation to staff management and customer service.

They may be ready for higher-level roles such as catering manager or event manager, and may have experience in leading a team, managing large-scale events, and maintaining relationships with vendors and clients.

 

Catering Staff Education and Training Requirements

Catering staff usually have a high school diploma or equivalent.

This is often sufficient for entry-level positions, as most of the training is done on the job.

However, some catering roles may require post-secondary training in hospitality or culinary arts.

Vocational schools, community colleges, and culinary institutes offer programs in these fields.

A degree or certificate in culinary arts, for example, might be necessary for those who wish to work as chefs or cook within the catering service.

Such programs provide hands-on experience and teach students about food preparation, safety, and sanitation.

Many catering services provide training for new hires that covers food handling and safety, customer service, and company policies.

Further, to handle food and beverages, most states require catering staff to have a food handler’s permit or certification.

The certification usually involves passing a food safety and handling test.

For roles that involve serving alcohol, such as bartending, employees may need to obtain a separate license or certification, depending on the state regulations.

Voluntary certification, such as the Certified Professional in Catering and Events (CPCE) designation offered by the National Association for Catering and Events, can help demonstrate professionalism and commitment to the field.

Furthermore, in this customer-facing role, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and a high level of physical stamina are essential.

 

Catering Staff Salary Expectations

The average wage for a member of the catering staff is $12.15 (USD) per hour.

However, the actual earnings can fluctuate depending on factors such as experience, location, the size and prestige of the event, and the employing company.

 

Catering Staff Job Description FAQs

What skills are required for Catering Staff?

Catering staff must have excellent customer service skills and a polite demeanor.

They should be able to work effectively in a team, handle stressful situations calmly and with a solution-oriented approach.

Experience in food preparation, serving, and knowledge of safety and health regulations are often required.

Physical stamina is also important as the role may involve standing for long hours and handling heavy equipment.

 

Do Catering Staff need any specific qualifications or licenses?

Although formal education is not mandatory, a high school diploma is often preferred.

Some roles require a valid food handler’s card or certification in food safety training.

Previous experience in a catering or restaurant environment can be beneficial.

Skills like basic food preparation and serving can often be learned on the job.

 

What should you look for in a Catering Staff resume?

A good Catering Staff resume should demonstrate experience in food service or catering, customer service skills, and the ability to work well in a team.

Look for evidence of tasks such as setting up and cleaning event areas, serving food and beverages, and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Any relevant certifications, like food safety training, should also be included.

 

What qualities make a good Catering Staff member?

A good Catering Staff member is reliable, punctual, and able to work well under pressure.

They should have good interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with both team members and customers.

A good Catering Staff member is also attentive to detail, ensuring that food and service meet high standards of quality.

A passion for food and commitment to customer satisfaction can also set apart great Catering Staff.

 

Is it challenging to hire Catering Staff?

Finding the right Catering Staff can be challenging due to the often high-pressure, fast-paced environment of catering.

It requires candidates who are not only skilled in food service but can also handle stress well, have excellent customer service skills, and can work efficiently as part of a team.

However, with the right recruitment approach and clear job descriptions, you can attract suitable candidates for the role.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve served up the real scoop on what it truly means to be a part of a catering staff.

Guess what?

It’s not just about serving food.

It’s about creating memorable dining experiences, one plate at a time.

With our ready-to-use catering staff job description template and real-world examples, you’re prepared to step into the bustling world of hospitality.

But why stop there?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next course in creating precision-crafted job listings or sprucing up your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every plate served is a part of a larger event.

Let’s create unforgettable experiences. Together.

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