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Catering Associate Jobs in Tupelo, MS (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

Executive Chef

Tupelo, MS · On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

With more than 31,000 associates nationwide, Morrison uses the Power of Food to create personalized ... Extensive catering experience a plus * High volume, complex foodservice operations experience ...

Compass Group

Executive Chef

Tupelo, MS · On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

With more than 31,000 associates nationwide, Morrison uses the Power of Food to create personalized ... Extensive catering experience a plus * High volume, complex foodservice operations experience ...

Compass Group

Executive Chef

Tupelo, MS

$85K - $90K/yr

With more than 31,000 associates nationwide, Morrison uses the Power of Food to create personalized ... Extensive catering experience a plus * High volume, complex foodservice operations experience ...

All JobsCatering Associate JobsCatering Associate Jobs in Tupelo, MS

Catering Associate information

See Tupelo, MS salary details

$10

$15

$19

How much do catering associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for catering associate in Tupelo, MS is $15.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $16.92 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 cities near Tupelo, MS are hiring for Catering Associate jobs?

Cities near Tupelo, MS with the most Catering Associate job openings:

Catering Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Catering Associate job openings in Tupelo, MS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 34% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,249 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

Associate Director of Food and Nutrition Services

Tupelo, MS • On-site

Compass Group
Catering • 10K+ employees

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,095 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

350th of 499 rated business services

Free food

People enjoy working here

Recommended by students

Learn more about Compass Groupexternal

$75K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Salary: $75,000-80,000
Other Forms of Compensation: Relocation Assistance
Location: Tupelo, MS
Schedule: Monday - Friday, weekends/holidays as needed
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
This leadership position assists the successful operation of Food & Nutrition Services in an Acute Care Hospital. The Associate Director of Food and Nutritional Services will assist in the responsibility for all foodservice-related activities; including patient care, non-patient care (retail, cafeteria, coffee shop, catering etc), quality improvement, sanitation, infection control and all hospital-related activities. This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic entrepreneurial manager who is constantly seeking a better way to conduct business.
Key Responsibilities:
The Associate Director assists to ensure client, customer satisfaction and efficient cost effective management. You will direct and conduct safety, sanitation, and maintenance programs; while maintaining excellent relationships with patients and the Client, as well as other departments within the Hospital. The Associate Director is also responsible for promoting the professional growth and development of their team. In addition; you will assist in fostering strong inter-departmental relations and integrate the food-service department with the facility plan of operations.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • B.S. Degree in Food Services Technology/Management or related field; or A.A. Degree plus three (3) years of directly related experience
  • Minimum of one (1) to three (3) years of Compass Group experience is preferred - hospital, senior living, higher education, K12 sector experience is preferred
  • Three (3) to five (5) years of direct foodservice operational management experience with inventory and purchasing knowledge and control
  • Strong knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation
  • Previous P&L accountability or contract-managed service experience is desirable
  • Strong supervisory, leadership, management and coaching skills
  • Strong communication skills both written and verbal
  • Excellent financial, budgetary, accounting and computational skills
  • Proficient computer skills required to be successful
  • ServSafe® Certified

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: 1527133
Morrison Healthcare
STACEY MOONEY
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