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Caterer Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Manager, Catering

Madison, WI · On-site

$50 - $70/hr

Meet with current and potential customers to review catering options to include the menu, budget/pricing, dietary needs, etc. Coordinate event bookings and the selection of menu items and negotiate ...

New

Catering Director I

La Crosse, WI · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

The Catering Services Director is responsible for planning and leading the entire catering operation across multiple units or in a large account. The Catering Services Director will be responsible ...

The Catering Services Director is responsible for planning and leading the entire catering operation across multiple units or in a large account. The Catering Services Director will be responsible ...

Catering Associate - Join the Zilli Hospitality Group Team!Love hospitality, working with people, and being part of unforgettable events? Zilli Hospitality Group is hiring Catering Associates to help ...

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Caterer information

See Wisconsin salary details

$10

$16

$24

How much do caterer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for caterer in Wisconsin is $16.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.57 and $18.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a caterer?

Caterers are professionals or companies that provide food and beverage services for events, parties, and gatherings. They handle menu planning, food preparation, delivery, setup, and sometimes even service and cleanup at the event location. Caterers can accommodate various event sizes, dietary preferences, and themes, ensuring guests have a memorable dining experience. Many caterers also offer additional services such as tableware, decorations, and staffing.

What is a caterer?

A caterer manages the food preparation and presentation for events in people’s homes or at other facilities. They are often in charge of the entire operation from the menu to the plating. Some specialize in particular sectors, ranging from the types of events to certain food offerings. Excellent communication skills are essential for planning with clients. Some caterers start their own businesses and freelance; others work in a partnership with a restaurant. Hours vary but often include nights, weekends, and holidays. Self-employed caterers must have an accounting system in place to manage their business.

What are some common challenges caterers face when managing multiple events simultaneously?

Caterers often juggle several events at once, which can make logistics, time management, and resource allocation challenging. It requires careful planning to ensure food quality, timely delivery, and sufficient staff for each event. Successful caterers prioritize clear communication with clients and team members, maintain organized schedules, and anticipate potential issues to keep each event running smoothly. Being adaptable and proactive is essential in this fast-paced environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a caterer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Caterer, you need strong culinary skills, food safety knowledge, and experience with menu planning, typically supported by food handling certifications. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, event management software, and health and safety regulations is vital. Excellent organization, time management, and interpersonal communication help caterers exceed client expectations and manage events smoothly. These skills and qualities ensure high-quality food service, client satisfaction, and compliance with industry standards at a variety of events.

What is the difference between Caterer vs Chef?

AspectCatererChef
CredentialsFood safety certifications, catering-specific trainingCulinary degrees, professional chef certifications
Work EnvironmentEvent venues, outdoor locations, client sitesRestaurants, kitchens, culinary establishments
Industry UsageEvent planning, hospitality, catering servicesFood preparation, restaurant industry, culinary arts
Common Search IntentEvent catering, catering jobs, catering servicesCooking, restaurant chef jobs, culinary careers

While both caterers and chefs work with food, caterers focus on providing food services for events and require skills in event coordination and client interaction. Chefs primarily prepare and cook food in kitchens, often with advanced culinary training. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find roles aligned with their skills and career goals.

How can I get a catering job?

To get a catering job, you should gain experience in food service or hospitality, develop relevant skills such as food preparation and customer service, and consider obtaining certifications like a food handler's permit. Applying to catering companies, restaurants, or event planning firms and building a strong resume can improve your chances of employment.

Is catering a stressful job?

Catering can be a stressful job due to tight deadlines, high customer expectations, and the need for quick problem-solving. It often requires long hours, physical effort, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure, especially during busy events or peak seasons.

What qualifications do you need to work in catering?

Caterers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may benefit from food safety certifications such as ServSafe. Experience in food preparation, customer service skills, and the ability to work in fast-paced environments are also important for success in catering roles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Caterer jobs in Wisconsin?

The most popular types of Caterer jobs in Wisconsin are:

What are popular job titles related to Caterer jobs in Wisconsin?

For Caterer jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Caterer jobs in Wisconsin look for?

The top searched job categories for Caterer jobs in Wisconsin are:

Infographic showing various Caterer job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,692 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


SpartanNash rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 333 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

458th of 739 rated retailers


Job description

As a member of the C&S Wholesale Grocers family of companies, SpartanNash is a food solutions company that delivers the ingredients for a better life. A distributor, wholesaler and retailer with a global supply chain network, SpartanNash distributes grocery and household goods, including fresh produce and the Our Family® portfolio of products, to locations in all 50 states.

Our braggingly happy team members — ranging from bakery managers to order selectors; from IT developers to vice presidents of finance; from HR Business Partners to export specialists — create braggingly happy customers spanning national accounts, independent and chain grocers, e-commerce retailers, U.S. military commissaries and exchanges, and the Company’s own brick-and-mortar grocery stores, pharmacies and fuel centers.

Ready to contribute to the success of our food solutions company? Apply now!

Location:

703 University Ave - Madison, Wisconsin 53715

Position Summary:

This role is responsible to provide excellent catering services; plan and execute assigned catering business to include meeting with clients, coordinating the menu, food preparation, delivery, and service, and preparing invoices and processing payments. Maintains effective working relationships with the community, vendors and clients to achieve catering revenue goals. 

Here’s what you’ll do: 

  • Meet with current and potential customers to review catering options to include the menu, budget/pricing, dietary needs, etc. Coordinate event bookings and the selection of menu items and negotiate pricing accordingly while ensuring profitability of catering services. 

  • Work with the chef(s) to ensure the food is made according to the menu and special-order requirements such as dietary needs. 

  • Ensure food orders are placed in a timely manner and work with vendors as necessary. 

  • Work with cross-functional departments (i.e., bakery, deli, etc.) to coordinate preparation and the delivery of foods to assigned venues in a timely manner.  

  • Oversee associates responsible for preparing and packaging the food, catering deliveries, and the set-up, preparation and serving of food at assigned venues. 

  • Prepare invoices for clients, process and ensure payments are applied accurately and in a timely manner and provide receipt to clients. 

  • Develop and maintain effective working relationships with the community, vendors, potential clients and current clients to ensure excellent customer service and to ensure catering services meet the expectations of customers and/or vendors, and to achieve catering revenue goals. 

  • Responsible to maintain the eCommerce site for seasonal items, gift baskets, etc. as assigned. 

  • Maintain a clean and well-stocked department; ensure the department complies with Company safety and sanitation procedures and standards. 

  • Responsible for department management including staffing, training, performance management and career development of associates, and developing and monitoring department goals.  

  • Develop and monitor department budget as required. 

  • Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed. 

Here’s what you’ll need: 

  • High School Diploma (Required) GED or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience. 

  • Two years of catering, retail, restaurant, customer service and/or related experience required. 

  • Must have a valid driver's license and able to drive company vehicles. 

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills; strong customer service skills.  

  • Good organization, prioritization, decision-making and problem-solving skills.  

  • Good bookkeeping skills and negotiation shills.  

  • Strong leadership abilities with capability to work in a hands-on environment.  

  • Knowledge of catering operations and knowledge of retail systems.  

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).  

  • Ability to travel up to 50% for customer meetings and to catering venue sites. 

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
May be required to lift and/or move up to 30 pounds frequently, and up to 50 pounds occasionally. The associate is required to stand and walk for extended periods of time and may bend, stoop, twist and turn frequently. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is subject to a typical retail store environment (varied temperatures) and is exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. Travel requirements vary by assignment.

As part of our People First culture, SpartanNash is proud to offer a robust and competitive Total Rewards benefits package.

SpartanNash is an Equal Opportunity Employer that invests in Associate development, recognizes and celebrates success, fosters two-way communication, and promotes a sense of belonging. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals, including those with disabilities and Veterans. 

We are not able to sponsor work visas for this position.


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