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Catering Associate Jobs in Springfield, MA (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

SOUS CHEF

Hartford, CT · On-site

$50K - $68K/yr

With more than 31,000 associates nationwide, Morrison uses the Power of Food to create personalized ... Coordinate and execute special events, physician meetings, employee functions, and other catered ...

Compass Group

SOUS CHEF

Hartford, CT · On-site

$50K - $68K/yr

With more than 31,000 associates nationwide, Morrison uses the Power of Food to create personalized ... Coordinate and execute special events, physician meetings, employee functions, and other catered ...

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Catering Associate information

See Springfield, MA salary details

$11

$16

$20

How much do catering associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for catering associate in Springfield, MA is $16.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.62 and $17.74 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 Springfield, MA?

The most popular types of Catering jobs in Springfield, MA are:

What cities near Springfield, MA are hiring for Catering Associate jobs?

Cities near Springfield, MA with the most Catering Associate job openings:

Catering Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Catering Associate job openings in Springfield, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,746 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

SOUS CHEF

Compass Group

Hartford, CT • On-site

$50K - $68K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,091 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

346th of 494 rated business services

Job description

Salary: 60,000 - 79,000 / year based on experience
Other Forms of Compensation: Flexible Paid Time Off, Benefits, 401K, Training
Pay Grade: 11
Morrison Healthcare,a Compass Healthcare company, is a leader in healthcare food and nutrition services company, serving more than 1,000 hospitals and healthcare systems across the country. With more than 31,000 associates nationwide, Morrison uses the Power of Food to create personalized dining experiences for patients and in their cafés to advance the healing and healthful missions of its clients. Morrison has been serving some of the nation's largest health systems for more than 70 years, and it leverages culinary, nutritional, and operational expertise to provide consistency and transform the healthcare experience. Since 2012, Morrison has been recognized as one of Modern Healthcare's Best Places to Work and Training Magazine has named it a Top 125/APEX Award Training Organization. Morrison has more than 1,600 registered dietitians and 1,200 executive chefs, and serves more than 600M meals annually.
Job Summary
Working as the Sous Chef in a healthcare environment, you will support the successful operation of the Culinary Services Department within a hospital, senior living community, rehabilitation center, or other healthcare facility. In this role, you will assist in overseeing daily food production, ensuring patients, residents, visitors, and staff receive high-quality, nutritious meals that meet dietary requirements and food safety standards. You will collaborate with the Executive Chef to develop menus, support therapeutic and patient-centered dining initiatives, supervise culinary team members, and help manage inventory and ordering processes. This is an outstanding opportunity for a dedicated culinary professional who is passionate about delivering exceptional hospitality and nutrition-focused dining experiences in a healthcare setting.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Assist the Executive Chef in managing food, labor, and supply costs while maintaining quality and regulatory compliance.
  • Support menu planning and recipe development, including patient, resident, and retail dining offerings that align with clinical nutrition and wellness goals.
  • Oversee daily food preparation and production, ensuring consistency, proper portioning, presentation, and adherence to therapeutic diet requirements.
  • Coordinate and execute special events, physician meetings, employee functions, and other catered healthcare hospitality services.
  • Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and infection prevention standards, including HACCP guidelines and regulatory requirements.
  • Train, coach, and supervise culinary associates to ensure exceptional service and operational excellence.
  • Partner with culinary leadership and organizational teams to implement new dining programs, patient experience initiatives, and menu enhancements.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Associate degree in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Progressive culinary and kitchen leadership experience, preferably in healthcare, senior living, hospital, or institutional food service environments.
  • Experience supporting patient dining, resident dining, retail food operations, and/or healthcare catering services.
  • Strong background in high-volume food production and complex food service operations.
  • Experience with institutional, batch, and therapeutic diet food preparation preferred.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of food safety, sanitation, quality assurance, nutrition-conscious menu development, food cost controls, and presentation standards.
  • Familiarity with healthcare regulatory requirements, including HACCP, Joint Commission standards, and/or CMS guidelines preferred.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Outlook, email, and other food service technology systems.
  • Demonstrated commitment to patient, resident, and customer satisfaction initiatives.
  • ServSafe Certification or equivalent food safety certification strongly preferred.

Apply to Morrison Healthcare today!
Morrison Healthcare is a member of Compass Group USA
Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story
Associates at Morrison Healthcare are offered many fantastic benefits.
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Flexible Time Off
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Personal Leave
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.
https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_MorrisonHealthcare.pdf
Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. We encourage applicants with a criminal history (and driving history) to apply.
Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Morrison Healthcare maintains a drug-free workplace.
Req ID: 1559379
Morrison Healthcare
AMY S MILLER
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