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Catering Associate Jobs in Normal, IL (NOW HIRING)

Eurest

BARISTA (FULL TIME)

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$22/hr

Prepares espresso orders for customers and catering using standard measures and recipes. * Enters ... Associates at Eurest are offered many fantastic benefits. Full-time and part-time positions offer ...

Compass Group

BARISTA (FULL TIME)

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$22/hr

Prepares espresso orders for customers and catering using standard measures and recipes. * Enters ... Associates at Eurest are offered many fantastic benefits. Full-time and part-time positions offer ...

Compass Group

BARISTA

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$22/hr

Prepares espresso orders for customers and catering using standard measures and recipes. * Enters ... Associates at Eurest are offered many fantastic benefits. Full-time and part-time positions offer ...

Compass Group

BARISTA (FULL TIME)

Bloomington, IL

$22/hr

Prepares espresso orders for customers and catering using standard measures and recipes. * Enters ... Associates at Eurest are offered many fantastic benefits. Full-time and part-time positions offer ...

Eurest

EVENING CHEF MANAGER - NORMAL, IL

Normal, IL · On-site

$2.0K/wk

... 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 ...

Atrium Hospitality

Sales Coordinator

Normal, IL

$19/hr

... group, catering, and business travel clients with reservations, rooming lists, updates, and ... associates and fostering a culture of growth. The company supports continuous learning and ...

Compass Group

EVENING CHEF MANAGER - NORMAL, IL

IL · On-site

$2.0K/wk

... 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 ...

Compass Group

EVENING CHEF MANAGER - NORMAL, IL

Merna, IL · On-site

$2.0K/wk

... 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 ...

Atrium Hospitality

Sales Coordinator

Normal, IL · On-site

$19/hr

... group, catering, and business travel clients with reservations, rooming lists, updates, and ... associates and fostering a culture of growth. The company supports continuous learning and ...

Atrium Hospitality

Sales Coordinator

Normal, IL

$19/hr

... group, catering, and business travel clients with reservations, rooming lists, updates, and ... associates and fostering a culture of growth. The company supports continuous learning and ...

Atrium Hospitality

Sales Coordinator

Normal, IL · On-site

$19/hr

... group, catering, and business travel clients with reservations, rooming lists, updates, and ... associates and fostering a culture of growth. The company supports continuous learning and ...

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All JobsCatering Associate JobsCatering Associate Jobs in Normal, IL

Catering Associate information

See Normal, IL salary details

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How much do catering associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for catering associate in Normal, IL is $15.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.33 and $17.40 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 Normal, IL?

The most popular types of Catering jobs in Normal, IL are:

What cities near Normal, IL are hiring for Catering Associate jobs?

Cities near Normal, IL with the most Catering Associate job openings:

Catering Associate jobs near you

Food Service - Cook, Manager

McLean County Unit District No. 5

Normal, IL • On-site

$32.29/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Food Service
Date Posted:
8/17/2026
Location:
Warehouse
Date Available:
Fall 2026
Closing Date:
Until Filled
McLean County Unit District #5
JOB DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Food Service - Cook, Manager
Department: Operations
Level/Grade: Education Support Personnel
FLSA Class: Exempt /10 Month
Location: Warehouse
Reports to: Food Service Director
Type of Position: FTE 1.0
Position Summary:
The Associate Food Service Manager assists the Director of School
Nutrition in providing direct operational oversight of multiple school kitchens and food service managers, ensuring compliance with USDA regulations, state requirements, food safety standards, financial accountability, and district policies. The Associate Food Service Manager serves as a key leader in supporting high-quality meal service, staff development, menu implementation, procurement, inventory management, and continuous operational
improvement.
Responsibilities:
  • Provide direct supervision, training, evaluation, and support to food service managers across assigned schools.
  • Monitor daily meal service operations to ensure efficiency, consistency, and customer satisfaction.
  • Conduct regular site visits to assess food quality, service standards, sanitation, and regulatory compliance.
  • Respond to operational concerns and assist with resolution of kitchen issues.
  • Assist managers, especially newly assigned food service managers, with opening and closing schools, staffing transitions, and operational troubleshooting.
  • Promote a positive workplace culture focused on teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Serve as a liaison between school food service managers, food service employees, the Director of School Nutrition, school administrators, and students.
  • Monitor recipe adherence, portion control, and product utilization at assigned school sites.
  • Assist with forecasting and order submission activities, as needed, at assigned school sites.
  • Review inventory management practices at assigned school sites to ensure they meet district policies and procedures.
  • Collaborate with menu planning staff to ensure successful implementation of district menus.
  • Ensure compliance with all USDA Child Nutrition Program regulations, including meal pattern requirements, offer versus serve, production records, meal counting and claiming, civil rights, procurement, and professional standards requirements.
  • Ensure all kitchens comply with HACCP-based food safety plans, local health department regulations, and district sanitation standards.
  • Conduct food safety audits and monitor corrective actions.
  • Conduct internal on-site compliance reviews and corrective action follow-up.
  • Ensure schools maintain required records and documentation to support federal reimbursement claims and USDA program participation.
  • Assist with Administrative Reviews, Resource Management Reviews, and state agency monitoring visits.
  • Coordinate professional development and USDA Professional Standards training.
  • Support catering functions and district initiatives as needed.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of School Nutrition.

Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Must possess a current Illinois Food Protection Manager Certificate (e.g., ServSafe ).
  • Knowledge of USDA Child Nutrition Program requirements, including meal patterns, portion sizes, production records, and reporting requirements.
  • Previous experience preparing large-scale meals in a school, hospital, or institutional food service setting preferred.
  • Previous supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
  • Strong organizational and recordkeeping skills, including maintaining inventory, ordering, meal count, and compliance records.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to supervise employees and work effectively with students, staff, and administrators.
  • Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position, including standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, and working in temperature extremes.

Compensation:
Per the 2026-2027 Associate Food Service Manager Salary Schedule, the starting pay range is $23.95 per hour to $32.29 per hour and is based upon experience.
Application Procedure:
Apply Online at www.unit5.org

Apply