Catering Lead
Apex, NC · On-site
Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...
Catering Lead
Apex, NC · On-site
Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...
Catering Lead
Chapel Hill, NC · On-site
Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...
Catering Lead
Chapel Hill, NC · On-site
Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...
Catering Lead
Knightdale, NC · On-site
Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...
Catering Lead
Knightdale, NC · On-site
Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...
Catering Lead
Apex, NC · On-site
Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...
Catering Lead
Apex, NC · On-site
Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...
Catering Lead
Morrisville, NC · On-site
Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...
Catering Lead
Morrisville, NC · On-site
Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...
Catering Lead
Durham, NC · On-site
Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...
Catering Lead
Durham, NC · On-site
Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...
Catering Lead
Garner, NC · On-site
Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...
Catering Lead
Garner, NC · On-site
Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...
Catering Lead
Holly Springs, NC · On-site
Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...
Catering Lead
Holly Springs, NC · On-site
Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...
Catering Lead
Cary, NC · On-site
Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...
Catering Lead
Cary, NC · On-site
Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...
Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...
Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...
Catering Lead
Raleigh, NC · On-site
Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...
Catering Lead
Raleigh, NC · On-site
Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...
Catering Lead
Durham, NC · On-site
Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...
Catering Lead
Durham, NC · On-site
Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...
And much, much more! As a Catering Lead at Panera, you play a crucial role in our catering ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...
Quick apply
And much, much more! As a Catering Lead at Panera, you play a crucial role in our catering ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...
And much, much more! As a Catering Lead at Panera, you play a crucial role in our catering ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...
Quick apply
And much, much more! As a Catering Lead at Panera, you play a crucial role in our catering ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...
And much, much more! As a Catering Lead at Panera, you play a crucial role in our catering ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...
Quick apply
And much, much more! As a Catering Lead at Panera, you play a crucial role in our catering ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...
And much, much more! As a Catering Lead at Panera, you play a crucial role in our catering ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...
Quick apply
And much, much more! As a Catering Lead at Panera, you play a crucial role in our catering ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...
And much, much more! As a Catering Lead at Panera, you play a crucial role in our catering ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...
Quick apply
And much, much more! As a Catering Lead at Panera, you play a crucial role in our catering ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...
And much, much more! As a Catering Lead at Panera, you play a crucial role in our catering ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...
Quick apply
And much, much more! As a Catering Lead at Panera, you play a crucial role in our catering ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...
And much, much more! As a Catering Lead at Panera, you play a crucial role in our catering ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...
Quick apply
And much, much more! As a Catering Lead at Panera, you play a crucial role in our catering ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...
And much, much more! As a Catering Lead at Panera, you play a crucial role in our catering ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...
Quick apply
And much, much more! As a Catering Lead at Panera, you play a crucial role in our catering ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...
Catering Associate information
See Raleigh, NC salary details
$10.75 - $11.58
4% of jobs
$11.58 - $12.41
3% of jobs
$12.41 - $13.23
3% of jobs
$13.23 - $14.06
12% of jobs
$14.22 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$14.06 - $14.89
14% of jobs
The median wage is $15.49 / hr.
$14.89 - $15.72
19% of jobs
$15.72 - $16.55
10% of jobs
$17.07 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$16.55 - $17.38
16% of jobs
$17.38 - $18.20
13% of jobs
$18.20 - $19.03
5% of jobs
$19.03 - $19.86
1% of jobs
$10
$15
$19
How much do catering associate jobs pay per hour?
As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for catering associate in Raleigh, NC is $15.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $17.31 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 are Catering Associates?
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?
| Aspect | Catering Associate | Catering Server |
|---|---|---|
| Responsibilities | Assisting with event setup, food preparation, and customer service | Serving food and beverages, attending to guests, and clearing tables |
| Required Skills | Customer service, teamwork, basic food handling | Customer service, food handling, communication skills |
| Work Environment | Event venues, catering companies, outdoor events | Event venues, banquets, private parties |
| Certifications | Food safety certification often preferred | Food 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.
More about Catering Associate jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Catering jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Catering jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Catering Associate jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Catering Associate job openings:
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO
Re-posted 7 days ago
Panera Bread rating
5.4
Based on 1,441 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
9th of 15 rated cafes
Job description
Catering Lead
At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow, feel supported, be yourself, enjoy great perks, and have a little fun along the way-you're in the right spot. We're here to help you succeed every day, in every way.
Get ready to rise and come join the fun where you will be a part of making the familiar fantastic! Because at Panera, the best thing of bread is sharing it!
What's In It for You?
As a Catering Lead at Panera, you play a crucial role in our catering operations. You help guests plan and choose delicious, familiar and fantastic Panera dishes for their events, respond to their inquiries and requirements, and guarantee hassle-free hosting with craveable food delivered promptly and accurately.
As a Catering Lead at Panera, Your Role Includes:
This Opportunity Is for You If:
Equal Opportunity Employer: Disabled/Veterans
The actual pay offered will be determined by multiple factors, including but not limited to the candidate's relevant experience, job-related knowledge, skills, and geographical location. Individual compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.
601650 Apex, NC - Beaver Creek Commons
At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow, feel supported, be yourself, enjoy great perks, and have a little fun along the way-you're in the right spot. We're here to help you succeed every day, in every way.
Get ready to rise and come join the fun where you will be a part of making the familiar fantastic! Because at Panera, the best thing of bread is sharing it!
What's In It for You?
- Competitive pay & eligible for team tips
- Free on-shift meals & unlimited fountain beverages
- Flexible & reliable scheduling
- Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays for full-time team members
- Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, pet insurance & 401(k) with match available
- Career advancement & leadership development opportunities
- Tuition discounts
- Perks & rewards for team members
- Team member assistance program
- And much, much more!
As a Catering Lead at Panera, you play a crucial role in our catering operations. You help guests plan and choose delicious, familiar and fantastic Panera dishes for their events, respond to their inquiries and requirements, and guarantee hassle-free hosting with craveable food delivered promptly and accurately.
As a Catering Lead at Panera, Your Role Includes:
- Manage and produce catering orders for our guests.
- Create memorable experiences with warm, friendly service, effective communication, and proactive follow-ups to ensure every guest leaves satisfied.
- Assist with delivering orders to guests' events.
- Strictly adhere to health and food safety standards.
- Maintain Panera's exceptional standards for craveable food quality.
- Build excitement and interest in Panera's products and services.
- Marketing Panera Catering to local area businesses, schools and events.
- Assist and support your Managers and Team Members as needed.
- Help build our Culture of warmth, belonging, growth, and trust.
This Opportunity Is for You If:
- Minimum age: 18 years of age.
- Complete basic food safety understanding and practice training. (Food Handler's Card, as required by law).
- Enjoy people and have effective communication skills.
- A self-starter who can meet goals with limited supervision.
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
- Must have your own vehicle that you can use for delivering orders and an acceptable driving record.
- This role requires an individual that can safely operate a passenger motor vehicle and has an acceptable driving record.
- This role requires flexible hours, including nights and weekends in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.
- Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull objects 25-50 pounds.
- Capability to stand and walk for up to 3 hours.
- Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a loud environment.
- Be an ambassador of our Guiding Values and Behaviors by making people smile, learning and growing together, finding solutions and taking initiative, working (and winning) as a team, having fun and celebrating success, and seeing the best in others!
Equal Opportunity Employer: Disabled/Veterans
The actual pay offered will be determined by multiple factors, including but not limited to the candidate's relevant experience, job-related knowledge, skills, and geographical location. Individual compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.
601650 Apex, NC - Beaver Creek Commons
What Panera Bread employees say
Pay
Benefits
Hours and flexibility
Workplace
Get the full story on Breakroom
About Panera Bread
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Panera began in 1987 as St. Louis Bread Company, a humble community bakery founded with a sourdough starter from San Francisco and a dream of putting a loaf of bread in every arm. While our business has expanded well beyond St. Louis since then, that same sourdough starter is still used in our iconic sourdough bread and the craft of baking bread fresh each day remains at the heart of Panera Bread. Each day our trained bakers fill our bakery shelves with delicious freshly baked cookies, pastries, bagels, and a range of breads from focaccia to classic baguettes. We believe in serving delicious, freshly prepared, Clean food made with carefully selected ingredients that we are proud to serve our own families. Our menu, crafted by chefs and bakers, features classic, comforting dishes, each with an intriguing twist. We respect our planet and take measures to lessen our impacts. We believe in treating people with warmth, kindness, and respect, whether it’s a guest in our cafe or one of our associates. And we believe in helping our local communities, especially in times of need.
Industry
Restaurants
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Saint Louis, MO, US
Year founded
1981