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Catering Associate Jobs in Union, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Eataly

Catering Associate - Eataly Downtown

Manhattan, NY

$17 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

LEARN through our classes and our team's product knowledge The Catering Associate coordinates aspects of daily catering orders to ensure flawless execution. Reports to the Catering Manager.

Compass Group

CATERING TO YOU ASSOCIATE

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$18.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

* We have an opening for a part time CATERING TO YOU ASSOCIATE position. * Location: NYP Women's Center - 1283 York Avenue, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10065. Note: online applications accepted only.

Compass Group

CATERING TO YOU ASSOCIATE (PART TIME)

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$18.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

* We have an opening for a part time CATERING TO YOU ASSOCIATE position. * Location: NYP Women's Center - 1283 York Avenue, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10065. Note: online applications accepted only.

Compass Group

MGR, CATERING

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Benefits Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry's leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation's most prestigious museums, performing arts centers and corporations!

Compass Group

MGR, CATERING

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Benefits Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry's leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation's most prestigious museums, performing arts centers and corporations!

Compass Group

Catering Manager- Corporate Dining (NY)

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Benefits Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry's leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation's most prestigious museums, performing arts centers and corporations!

Eurest

CATERING MANAGER - NEW YORK, NY

New York, NY · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Trains catering associates in service techniques, menu presentation, and customer service. * Tracks ... and monitors the labor and food cost for each event. * Communicates on various levels to include ...

Compass Group

CATERING MANAGER - NEW YORK, NY

New York, NY

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Trains catering associates in service techniques, menu presentation, and customer service. * Tracks ... and monitors the labor and food cost for each event. * Communicates on various levels to include ...

Compass Group

CATERING MANAGER - NEW YORK, NY

Manhattan, NY · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Trains catering associates in service techniques, menu presentation, and customer service. * Tracks ... and monitors the labor and food cost for each event. * Communicates on various levels to include ...

Compass Group

CATERING MANAGER - NEW YORK, NY

Manhattan, NY · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Trains catering associates in service techniques, menu presentation, and customer service. * Tracks ... and monitors the labor and food cost for each event. * Communicates on various levels to include ...

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All JobsCatering Associate JobsCatering Associate Jobs in Union, NJ

Catering Associate information

See Union, NJ salary details

$11

$16

$20

How much do catering associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for catering associate in Union, NJ is $16.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $18.12 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.
More about Catering Associate jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Catering jobs in Union, NJ?

The most popular types of Catering jobs in Union, NJ are:

What cities near Union, NJ are hiring for Catering Associate jobs?

Cities near Union, NJ with the most Catering Associate job openings:

Catering Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Catering Associate job openings in Union, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,509 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Catering Associate - Eataly Downtown

Eataly North America

Manhattan, NY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Company Description

Eataly is the world’s largest artisanal Italian food and beverage marketplace! Eataly is not a chain; each Eataly is different, with its own character and own theme – but all with the same aim... for our guests to:

  • EAT authentic Italian food at our restaurants, cafés and to-go counters
  • SHOP a selection of high-quality Italian, local and homemade products
  • LEARN through our classes and our team’s product knowledge
Job Description

The Catering Associate coordinates aspects of daily catering orders to ensure flawless execution. Reports to the Catering Manager.

  • Coordinates catering needs with all store departments
  • Maintains relationships with existing customer base through follow-up phone calls, promotional food delivery, and daily order follow-up
  • Manages daily administrative responsibilities
  • Handles in-store consulting for special events and large catering orders
  • Communicates with call center, managers and clients on a regular basis to ensure excellent execution
  • Performs other duties as required or assigned

Compensation: This position pays a base rate of $17 - $18 per hour.

Qualifications
  • 1+ year of experience in catering and sales management
  • Advanced computer skills

Job Requirements

  • Availability to work a flexible scheduling often including nights, weekends and holidays
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to exert well-paced mobility for up to 8 hours, including standing, walking, bending and squatting

Additional Information

Benefits and Perks

  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • 401K with match or RRSP
  • Free family meal daily
  • Discounts at Eataly
  • Classes on products and Italian cuisine
  • Referral bonus program
  • and more!

Eataly is an equal employment opportunity employer. It is the Company’s policy to not unlawfully discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability or any other characteristic made unlawful to consider by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Eataly also prohibits harassment of applicants and employees based on any of these protected categories. It is also Eataly’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws regarding consideration of unemployment status, salary history, credit/bankruptcy history and criminal background/conviction history in making hiring decisions.  If contacted for an employment opportunity, please advise Human Resources if you require accommodation.