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Catering Associate Jobs in Calgary, AB (NOW HIRING)

Supports the planning and execution of banquets, catering functions, and special events. * Assists ... We inspire associates to tap into their intuition to anticipate guest's every desire. At Westin, we ...

Supports the planning and execution of banquets, catering functions, and special events. * Assists ... We inspire associates to tap into their intuition to anticipate guest's every desire. At Westin, we ...

Catering Associate information

See Calgary, AB salary details

$8

$13

$19

How much do catering associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for catering associate in Calgary, AB is $13.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.06 and $14.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 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.

Are catering associate jobs stressful?

Catering associate jobs can be stressful during busy events or peak hours due to the need to coordinate food service, manage time efficiently, and handle customer interactions. The job often requires multitasking, working under pressure, and maintaining a professional demeanor in a fast-paced environment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Catering jobs in Calgary, AB? The most popular types of Catering jobs in Calgary, AB are:
What cities near Calgary, AB are hiring for Catering Associate jobs? Cities near Calgary, AB with the most Catering Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Catering Associate job openings in Calgary, AB as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $27,939 per year, or $13.4 per hour.

Catering Manager | Full-Time | Spruce Meadows

Oak View Group

Calgary, AB

CA$75K - CA$80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Oak View Group rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 82 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 36 rated event venues


Job description

Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services, with a platform spanning venue development and end-to-end capabilities across venue management, hospitality, and sponsorship sales. Founded in 2015, the company serves a collection of seven world-class owned venues and a client roster of the most iconic arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions, spanning four continents. 


The Catering Manager provides support and assistance with Catering activities as well as provides assistance to the concession managers in the profitable management of concession operations, as needed. The Catering Manager will independently initiate and authorize all employment actions such as hiring, termination, suspension, discipline, promotion, and transfer. The Catering Manager will actively and independently manage all aspects of employee relations to ensure a positive, harmonious, compliant, and cooperative work environment. The Catering Manager will provide oversight and resolution responsibility for employee performance issues. The Catering Manager must provide a high level of event oversight, technical proficiency, and operational/personnel support to ensure the smooth running of any assigned event. A critical function of the Catering Manager will be to actively mentor, train, and help employees and volunteers meet company quality standards. The employee must maintain excellent attendance and be available to work a variable event-driven schedule, which includes evenings and weekends. Open availability, professional presentation, outstanding interpersonal skills, self-direction, and strong technical (computer and POS) aptitude are required. 

This role pays an annual salary of $75,000-$80,000 CAD

Benefits for Full-Time roles: Health, Dental and Vision Insurance, Pension matching, and Paid Time Off (vacation days, sick days, and statutory holidays).

This position will remain open until November 6, 2026.


  • Assists in the overall effective management of Catering and Concessions operations.
  • Ensures total compliance with all alcohol service policies.
  • Monitors alcohol service throughout the event to ensure 100% compliance with Alcohol Service policies. 
  • Reports any alcohol service or compliance issues to management immediately. 
  • Provides ongoing direction, supervision, and mentoring to hourly event staff.
  • Monitor product quality and ensure a high level of guest service.
  • Assists in troubleshooting technical problems with POS systems from both a hardware and software perspective.
  • Assists in vault opening, closing, and balancing, as necessary.
  • Generates event employee schedules and verifies employee time as required.
  • Assist in the ongoing training, development, mentoring, and supervision of hourly employees, as directed by department managers.
  • Responsible for completing documentation of employee performance and attendance issues in accordance with company policy and practice.
  • Assist in the management of catered events from set-up to tear-down, including handling all communication with hourly staff, culinary staff, and guests.

  • Associate’s degree (A.A.) or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • 3-5 years of experience in catering or concessions
  • Concessions Manager Certificate from the National Association of Concessionaires.
  • Nationally recognized, advanced food service sanitation training course certification.
  • Familiar with inventory cost control and menu planning.
  • Basic computer proficiency: e-mail, Excel, Word, Outlook, Schedule+.
  • Working knowledge of POS and timekeeping systems.
  • Cash handling abilities and basic math skills, including significant number manipulation.
  • Ability to work a variable work schedule (including evenings and weekends, as required), depending upon event and business requirements.
  • Good verbal and written communication skills.

At OVG, we understand that to continue positively disrupting the sports and live entertainment industry, we need a diverse team to help us do it. We also believe that inclusivity drives innovation, strengthens our people, improves our service, and raises our excellence. Our success is rooted in creating environments that reflect and celebrate the diverse communities in which we operate and serve, and this is the reason we are committed to amplifying voices from all different backgrounds.


Oak View Group is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.


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