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Catering Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Creative Dining Services

Catering Manager

Sioux Center, IA · On-site

$47K - $52K/yr

The Catering Manager works within the Dining Services Department to ensure that excellence in customer service is being provided throughout each catered event, while assuring that food is presented ...

Creative Dining Services

Catering Manager

Sioux Center, IA · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

As the Catering Manager, you'll play a key role in creating outstanding catered events for the Dordt University community. From the first client conversation to the final detail of an event, you'll ...

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Sioux City, IA · On-site

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 ...

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

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 ...

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

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 ...

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

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 ...

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Sioux City, IA · On-site

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 ...

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Sioux City, IA

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 ...

Central College

Part-time Dining Services Employee

Pella, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $20.25/hr

Description Responsible to the Director of Events Services, Catering Manager, and Central Market Manager for various support duties. This position assists with events and meals in the Central Market ...

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Catering Manager information

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$10

$20

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How much do catering manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for catering manager in Iowa is $20.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $25.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a catering manager do?

As a catering manager, you run the operations and management of a catering business. Your job duties include hiring and supervising staff, handling client interactions and event planning, maintaining the facility, and ensuring the quality of the food and service. Organization, time management, and people skills are essential to your success as a catering manager. You are responsible for scheduling workers, making sure events go as planned, assisting your staff members, and helping manage unexpected issues.

What does a catering manager do?

A Catering Manager is responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing catering operations and services for events such as weddings, corporate meetings, and parties. They coordinate with clients to understand their needs, manage menus, supervise staff, and ensure food safety and quality standards are met. Additionally, Catering Managers handle logistics, budgeting, and vendor relationships to ensure successful and seamless events. Their role requires strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills to deliver excellent customer service.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a catering manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Catering Manager, you need expertise in event planning, food service operations, budgeting, and typically a background in hospitality management or a related field. Familiarity with catering management software, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and food safety certifications is commonly required. Strong leadership, organizational abilities, and excellent customer service skills help you effectively coordinate teams and exceed client expectations. These competencies are essential to ensure successful events, client satisfaction, and the profitability of catering operations.

What are some common challenges catering managers face when coordinating large events, and how can they be addressed?

Catering Managers often encounter challenges such as last-minute menu changes, unexpected guest count fluctuations, and logistical issues with venue layouts. To address these, effective communication with clients and vendors, detailed planning, and maintaining flexibility are essential. Building a reliable team and having contingency plans in place for menu substitutions or staffing shortages can help ensure events run smoothly. Regularly reviewing feedback and debriefing with staff after events also helps identify areas for improvement.

What is the difference between Catering Manager vs Event Coordinator?

AspectCatering ManagerEvent Coordinator
Primary FocusOversees catering operations, menu planning, staff management, and food qualityPlans, organizes, and executes events, coordinating logistics and vendors
Required CredentialsFood safety certifications, hospitality or culinary degrees often preferredEvent planning certifications, strong organizational skills
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, catering companies, hotelsEvent venues, hotels, conference centers
Employer & Industry UsageHospitality, catering services, food service industryEvent planning firms, corporate event departments, hospitality

While both roles involve coordinating aspects of events, a Catering Manager primarily manages food service operations and catering staff, ensuring quality and customer satisfaction. An Event Coordinator focuses on the overall event planning, logistics, and vendor management. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

How much do catering managers make?

Catering managers typically earn an average annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and the size of the catering operation. Salaries can vary based on factors such as certifications, management responsibilities, and the complexity of events managed.

What is the highest position in catering manager?

The highest position in catering management is typically the Director of Catering or Food Service Director, responsible for overseeing multiple catering operations, strategic planning, and staff management. These roles often require extensive experience, leadership skills, and industry certifications such as ServSafe or HACCP. Advancement may also lead to executive roles like Food Service Director or General Manager in larger organizations.

What is the work of a catering manager?

A catering manager oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of food service for events and functions. They manage staff, coordinate with clients, ensure food quality and safety, and handle budgeting and logistics to deliver successful catering experiences.
More about Catering Manager jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Catering jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Catering jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Catering Manager jobs in Iowa?

For Catering Manager jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Catering Manager jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Catering Manager jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Catering Manager jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Catering Manager job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Catering Manager jobs in IA?

For Catering Manager jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Catering Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Catering Manager job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,275 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Catering Manager

Creative Dining Services

Sioux Center, IA • On-site

$47K - $52K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Creative Dining Services rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

31st of 68 rated caterers

Job description

Creative Dining Services is looking for a full-time Catering Manager at Dordt University. The Catering Manager works within the Dining Services Department to ensure that excellence in customer service is being provided throughout each catered event, while assuring that food is presented attractively, and in a fiscally responsible and sustainable manner, according to customer wishes and company standards. Works professionally and cooperatively as a valued member of the dining services management team, assisting with any aspect of the dining services operation necessary.


Core Responsibilities of the Catering Manager

  • Maintains excellent public relations with all customers, clients, staff, vendors, and the community; achieves high levels of customer and client satisfaction; communicates professionally with clients during events to assure their needs are met
  • Builds relationships with current clients in order to grow catering sales; promptly responds to all catering inquiries
  • Maintains established food presentation and service standards; providing ongoing enhancement to these based upon current trends in the catering industry
  • Updates production and catering staff on changes that occur to a catered event
  • Communicates catering menu offerings in an attractive and effective manner, paying attention to potential special dietary needs of the customer
  • Works in conjunction with production, conference services, and sales staff to plan and coordinate details of catered events
  • Prepares all billing of catered events
  • Maintains an organized system of comprehensive record keeping for each catered event

Maintains a neat and organized office area and performs other office duties as directed by the General Manager

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

  • High school diploma or equivalent; Bachelors in hospitality or related field preferred
  • 3 + years supervisory experience
  • ServSafe Certification
  • Knowledge of proper table service techniques and design preferred
  • MS Office product computer skills, ability to learn event management software

We Offer Full-Time Employees:

  • Competitive pay and bonus opportunities
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with a company match
  • Paid time off
  • And much, much more!

About Creative Dining Services

Creative Dining Services partners with college, universities, Fortune 100 companies, full-service senior living communities, conference centers and K-12 schools and camps to provide a different kind of hospitality and facility management services experience – one that’s fun, innovative, and focused on your community. Why? Because that’s how it should be.


Creative Dining Services is an Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly Employer.

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