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Catering Associate Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Potbelly

Restaurant Team Member

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$11.75 - $15.25/hr

Associate Department/Function: Operations Location: Field, Assigned to Specific Shop Reports to ... Deliver catering orders as detailed in the Catering Driver and Delivery Agreement. * Prepare meats ...

Siouxbelly, LLC

Restaurant Team Member

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$11.75 - $15.25/hr

Associate Department/Function: Operations Location: Field, Assigned to Specific Shop Reports to ... Deliver catering orders as detailed in the Catering Driver and Delivery Agreement. * Prepare meats ...

Siouxbelly, LLC

Restaurant Team Member

Ames, IA

$10 - $13/hr

Associate Department/Function: Operations Location: Field, Assigned to Specific Shop Reports to ... Deliver catering orders as detailed in the Catering Driver and Delivery Agreement. * Prepare meats ...

Potbelly

Restaurant Team Member

Ames, IA · On-site

$10 - $13/hr

Associate Department/Function: Operations Location: Field, Assigned to Specific Shop Reports to ... Deliver catering orders as detailed in the Catering Driver and Delivery Agreement. * Prepare meats ...

Potbelly

Restaurant Team Member

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$11.75 - $15.25/hr

Associate Department/Function: Operations Location: Field, Assigned to Specific Shop Reports to ... Deliver catering orders as detailed in the Catering Driver and Delivery Agreement. * Prepare meats ...

Siouxbelly, LLC

Restaurant Team Member

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$11.75 - $15.25/hr

Associate Department/Function: Operations Location: Field, Assigned to Specific Shop Reports to ... Deliver catering orders as detailed in the Catering Driver and Delivery Agreement. * Prepare meats ...

Compass Group

Sous Chef

Davenport, IA · On-site

$51K - $56K/yr

With more than 31,000 associates nationwide, Morrison uses the Power of Food to create personalized ... Produces and execute catering events * Assist in the supervision, preparation, and cooking of ...

Compass Group

Sous Chef

Davenport, IA · On-site

$51K - $56K/yr

With more than 31,000 associates nationwide, Morrison uses the Power of Food to create personalized ... Produces and execute catering events * Assist in the supervision, preparation, and cooking of ...

Compass Group

Sous Chef

Davenport, IA

$51K - $56K/yr

With more than 31,000 associates nationwide, Morrison uses the Power of Food to create personalized ... Produces and execute catering events * Assist in the supervision, preparation, and cooking of ...

Fleet Feet

Retail Sales Associate

Davenport, IA

$13.25 - $15.25/hr

Catering to more than runners, we pride ourselves on having an inclusive environment! We believe it's a privilege to serve and to deliver unmatched service and support when outfitting every customer.

Fleet Feet

Retail Sales Associate

Davenport, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $15.25/hr

Catering to more than runners, we pride ourselves on having an inclusive environment! We believe it's a privilege to serve and to deliver unmatched service and support when outfitting every customer.

Eurest

GENERAL MANAGER - DES MOINES, IA

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

... unit associates excel as they deliver world-class meals in corporate cafes and executive dining rooms with on-site catering through vending innovations and more. Our company is innovative, high ...

Imh

Cook PRN

George, IA · On-site

$19.31 - $25.11/hr

Our hospitals employ professional chefs, culinary leaders, cooks, and nutrition care associates. We treat our hospitals and catering events like hotels, with restaurant-quality cafes and a guest ...

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All JobsCatering Associate JobsCatering Associate Jobs in Iowa

Catering Associate information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$15

$19

How much do catering associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for catering associate in Iowa is $15.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.75 and $16.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a catering associate?

Catering Associates are professionals who assist with the preparation, setup, and service of food and beverages for events such as meetings, parties, or large gatherings. Their responsibilities typically include arranging tables, setting up buffets, serving guests, and ensuring that food safety standards are met. They may also help with the cleanup after events and coordinate with kitchen staff to ensure smooth service. Catering Associates play a key role in creating a positive experience for event attendees by providing efficient and friendly service.

What does a catering associate do?

A catering associate serves food and drinks to customers at special events hosted by a catering company, such as a party or wedding. As a catering associate, your job duties include taking guests’ orders, maintaining the buffets, and refilling beverages. Although you do not need formal education to become a catering associate, the position typically requires on-the-job training and excellent customer service skills. Additional qualifications include relevant work experience and multi-tasking ability. You may also obtain a certificate or associate degree in catering to help advance your career in the foodservice industry.

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

To thrive as a Catering Associate, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and experience in food service or hospitality, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with food safety standards, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and inventory management tools is typically required. Outstanding communication, teamwork, and customer service skills help you manage client needs and collaborate with colleagues effectively. These skills ensure seamless event execution and high customer satisfaction in a fast-paced catering environment.

What are some typical challenges faced by catering associates during large events and how can they be managed?

Catering Associates often face challenges such as managing time-sensitive food service, handling last-minute changes to event details, and ensuring all dietary requirements are met. To manage these effectively, it's important to stay organized, communicate closely with the kitchen and event coordinators, and maintain flexibility in responding to guests' needs. Developing strong teamwork and problem-solving skills can help Catering Associates navigate these situations smoothly and ensure a positive experience for clients and guests.

What is the difference between Catering Associate vs Catering Server?

AspectCatering AssociateCatering Server
ResponsibilitiesAssisting with event setup, food preparation, and customer serviceServing food and beverages, attending to guests, and clearing tables
Required SkillsCustomer service, teamwork, basic food handlingCustomer service, food handling, communication skills
Work EnvironmentEvent venues, catering companies, outdoor eventsEvent venues, banquets, private parties
CertificationsFood safety certification often preferredFood safety certification often required

While both roles involve working in catering settings, Catering Associates typically assist with event setup and food prep, whereas Catering Servers focus on serving guests and attending to their needs during events. Both positions require customer service skills and food safety knowledge, but their specific duties differ based on the event stage and responsibilities.

What are the positions in catering?

In catering, common positions include Catering Assistant, Catering Server, Banquet Server, Catering Supervisor, and Catering Manager. These roles involve food service, event setup, customer interaction, and coordination, often requiring teamwork and communication skills. Certifications like food safety may be beneficial for some positions.

What is the highest position in catering associate?

The highest position for a catering associate typically is a Catering Supervisor or Catering Manager, responsible for overseeing event operations, managing staff, and coordinating client services. Advancement often requires experience, leadership skills, and sometimes relevant certifications in hospitality or food service management.

What qualifications does a catering associate need?

A catering associate typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent and strong customer service skills. Prior experience in food service or hospitality is often preferred, and knowledge of food safety standards and basic food handling is beneficial. Certifications such as ServSafe may be required or advantageous depending on the employer.
More about Catering Associate jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Catering jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Catering jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Catering Associate jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Catering Associate job openings:

Catering Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Catering Associate job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,808 per year, or $15.3 per hour.

Restaurant Team Member

Potbelly

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$11.75 - $15.25/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Potbelly Sandwich Shop rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 89 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 106 rated fast food restaurants

Job description

Job Title: Associate
Department/Function: Operations
Location: Field, Assigned to Specific Shop
Reports to (Title): General or Assistant Manager
Details: Part-Time, Nonexempt
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
A Potbelly Associate's job is to make our customers really happy. Since they are the primary point of customer contact, it is up to them to provide our customers and excellent experience by providing fast, friendly and efficient service and by delivering a quality and consistent product every time, in a clean and inviting environment.
FOCUS
Essential
  • Demonstrates and reinforces Potbelly's Behaviors and Values- Integrity, Food Loving, Teamwork,
  • Accountability, Positive Energy, Coaching, Delivering Results through Execution, Building and Inspiring
  • Teams, Creating Potbelly "Fans"- through all interactions.
  • Ability to discuss Potbelly history with others.
  • Prepare quality finished products (sandwiches, salads, soups, cookies, ice cream, etc.) efficiently per Potbelly recipe manual standards.
  • Comply with health and safety standards for food, cleanliness and safety of shop.
  • Maintain personal hygiene standards, including wearing clean Potbelly uniform.
  • Comply with established food safety requirements and practices.
  • Comply with shop security and safety standards.
  • Be speedy and accurate in fulfilling orders.
  • Handle raw and finished waste according to established procedures.
  • Make customers really happy.
  • Engage in friendly conversation with customers in line.
  • Act with a sense of urgency toward all customers in the shop.

Other Key Functions
  • Restock food line, chips and cooler.
  • Work multiple stations (load, dress, shakes, cash, prep, front) as directed by Manager or Shift Leader
  • Deliver catering orders as detailed in the Catering Driver and Delivery Agreement.
  • Prepare meats and cheeses for different sandwiches.
  • If 18 or older, uses the automatic slicer to prep food items.
  • Clean tables, counters, floors, bathrooms, kitchen and utensils; take out trash.
  • Operate cash register: handle, balance and follow all cash handling procedures.
  • Effectively handle customer complaints/issues.
  • Takes delivery/catering/pickup orders over the phone.
  • Others duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL FUNCTIONS
  • Ability to stand/walk a minimum of 3 hours or as needed.
  • Must be able to exert well-paced and frequent mobility for periods of up to 3 hours or as needed.
  • Be able to lift up to 10 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally.
  • Will frequently reach, feel, bend, stoop, carry, finely manipulate and key in data.
  • Able to work in both warm and cool environments, indoors (95%) and outdoors (5%).
  • Must be able to tolerate higher levels of noise from music, customer and employee traffic.
  • Must be able to tolerate potential allergens: peanut products, egg, dairy, gluten, soy, seafood and shellfish.

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND BEHAVIORS
  • Must represent Potbelly Advantage and Our Values.
  • Must be at least 16 years of age
  • For Illinois employees, all employees are required to become food safety certified within 30 days of employment. Failure to do so will result in termination of employment.
  • Must be friendly and customer service-oriented.
  • Strong verbal communication skills.
  • Must possess neat and clean hygiene.
  • Ability to handle a knife confidently.
  • Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and have a sense of urgency.
  • Ability to work as a team-player.
  • Ability to comprehend and communicate in English via verbal and written communication, such that employee can perform his or her job responsibilities.
  • Must demonstrate leadership behaviors and values that align with Potbelly.

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