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Catering Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Catering Coordinator

Grimes, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

Catering Coordinator Department: Catering FLSA: Non-Exempt General Function As a Catering Coordinator, this position will be responsible for setting the department standards for customer service ...

Barista and catering experience preferred. Willing to train. *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available * Pay Range : $17.00 per hour to $18.00 per hour We Make Applying Easy! Want to apply to this ...

Catering Coordinator

Ames, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

Catering Coordinator Department: Catering FLSA: Non-Exempt General Function As a Catering Coordinator, this position will be responsible for setting the department standards for customer service ...

The Catering Services Manager is a leadership position which leads all aspects of catering solutions and special events at the location. This position will lead the Catering team to complete events ...

The Catering Services Manager is a leadership position which leads all aspects of catering solutions and special events at the location. This position will lead the Catering team to complete events ...

The Catering Services Manager is a leadership position which leads all aspects of catering solutions and special events at the location. This position will lead the Catering team to complete events ...

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Catering information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$20

$33

How much do catering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for catering 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 is the difference between Catering vs Food Service Worker?

AspectCateringFood Service Worker
CredentialsOften requires food safety certifications, catering-specific trainingTypically requires basic food handling permits
Work EnvironmentEvent venues, private parties, corporate eventsRestaurants, cafeterias, fast food outlets
Employer & IndustryEvent planning companies, catering servicesRestaurants, food establishments, hospitality industry
Job FocusPreparing, serving, and managing food at eventsServing customers, food prep, maintaining cleanliness

While both catering and food service workers handle food, catering focuses on preparing and serving food at special events and requires event-specific skills and certifications. Food service workers typically work in restaurants or cafeterias, providing daily customer service. The roles overlap in food handling but differ in environment and scope.

What is the difference between a caterer and a chef?

The main difference between a caterer and a chef is that a caterer works at private events rather than in a brick and mortar shop. Some caterers begin their careers as chefs and then change to catering full-time. However, there is no rule that you can’t be both. Many chefs run catering businesses on the side or vice versa. Additionally, many have similar training, including culinary or hospitality school. Caterers may also switch careers to become chefs.

What is catering?

Catering is a service that provides food and beverages for events, gatherings, or organizations, often including preparation, delivery, set-up, and sometimes service staff. Caterers work for a variety of occasions such as weddings, corporate events, parties, and conferences. The service can range from delivering prepared meals to full-service event planning, including menu design, table settings, and cleanup. Catering companies work closely with clients to customize menus and ensure dietary needs and preferences are met.

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

To thrive in catering, you need strong organizational skills, food safety knowledge, and experience in culinary preparation, often backed by a relevant food handling certificate. Familiarity with catering management software, commercial kitchen equipment, and event planning tools is highly beneficial. Excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help you excel in dynamic, client-focused environments. These skills ensure events run smoothly, client expectations are met, and food safety and quality standards are maintained.

What are some common challenges faced by catering professionals during large events, and how can they be addressed?

Catering professionals often encounter challenges such as managing last-minute changes to guest counts, accommodating dietary restrictions, and coordinating with multiple vendors or event planners. Successfully addressing these challenges requires strong organizational skills, effective communication, and flexibility. Establishing clear protocols, maintaining open lines of communication with clients and team members, and preparing contingency plans can help ensure events run smoothly and client expectations are met.
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 jobs in Iowa? For Catering jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Catering jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Catering jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Catering jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Catering job openings:
Infographic showing various Catering job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,275 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Catering Coordinator

HyVee

Grimes, IA • On-site

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Hy-Vee rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 1,660 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 122 rated grocery stores


Job description

Additional Considerations (if any):

-

At Hy-Vee our people are our strength. We promise "a helpful smile in every aisle" and those smiles can only come from a workforce that is fully engaged and committed to supporting our customers and each other.

Job Description:

Job Title: Catering Coordinator

Department: Catering

FLSA: Non-Exempt

General Function

As a Catering Coordinator, this position will be responsible for setting the department standards for customer service, employee relations, cleanliness, sanitation, professional appearance and overall profitability. Coordinates the delivery of the freshest and best quality product at a competitive retail price. Additionally you will ensure a positive company image by providing courteous, friendly, and efficient customer service to customers and team members.

Core Competencies

  • Partnerships
  • Growth mindset
  • Results oriented
  • Customer focused
  • Professionalism

Reporting Relations

Accountable and Reports to: District Store Director; Store Manager; Assistant Managers of Store Operations, Perishables, and Health Wellness Home

Positions that Report to you: Department Employees

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

  • Maintains a positive attitude; creates an atmosphere of friendliness and fun through flexibility and teamwork.
  • Generates a friendly atmosphere by encouraging employees to greet and speak to customers; providing prompt, courteous, and efficient service to customers and sets a good example.
  • Sets the department standards for customer service, employee relations, cleanliness, sanitation, professional appearance and overall profitability.
  • Provides prompt, efficient and friendly customer service by exhibiting caring, concern and patience in all customer interactions and treating customers as the most important people in the store.
  • Smiles and greets customers in a friendly manner, whether the encounter takes place in the employee's designated department or elsewhere in the store.
  • Makes an effort to learn customers' names and to address them by name whenever possible.
  • Assists customers by:
  • escorting them to the products they're looking for
  • securing products that are out of reach
  • loading or unloading heavy items
  • making note of and passing along customer suggestions or requests
  • performing other tasks in every way possible to enhance the shopping experience.
  • Answers the telephone promptly when called upon, and provides friendly, helpful service to customers who call.
  • Handles and satisfies customer issues.
  • Determines department goals with store director.
  • Meets with customers and determines their needs.
  • Writes a detailed order and coordinates order with all departments involved. (kitchen, bakery, delicatessen, etc.)
  • Contacts businesses and prospective customers to inform them about the catering service.
  • Develops contracts for "exclusive" Hy-Vee only caterings
  • Recommends and buys equipment with Store Directors approval.
  • Consults with customers on available rental companies.
  • Attends department Manager meetings and obtains baseline prices from them.
  • Figures retail pricing and insures correct pricing. Prepares the customer bills, extends invoices, posts invoices, and oversees department bookkeeping procedures
  • Develops and maintains standard catering practices and checks multi catering events for quality control
  • Answers phone calls and returns calls from voice mail in a timely and efficient manner
  • Develops guidelines for the departments' performance in the absence of the Manager
  • Organizes shows and events for the store, i.e. Bridal show, Holiday show. Sets up displays for events, and communicates with the events coordinator for annual events information
  • Ensures proper temperatures and storage procedures are maintained to guarantee freshness and control shrink of product
  • Understands and troubleshoots equipment and ensures maintenance is performed
  • Maintains strict adherence to department and company guidelines related to personal hygiene and dress
  • Adheres to company policies and individual store guidelines
  • Reports to work when scheduled and works expected number of hours

Secondary Duties and Responsibilities

  • Ensures pricing is competitive in the market area
  • Attends meetings and seminars and participates in continuing education
  • Performs departmental duties as needed
  • Assists in other areas of the store as needed
  • Performs other job-related duties and special projects as required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Must have the ability to solve practical problems: non-verbal symbolism: comprehend most abstruse concepts
  • Ability to do arithmetic calculations involving fractions, decimals, and percentages
  • Possess the ability to compose original correspondence; follow technical manuals and have increased contact with people

Education and Experience

  • High school or equivalent experience and over one year up to three years of similar or related work experience

Supervisory Responsibilities (Direct Reports)

  • Instructs, assigns, reviews and plans work of others and allocated personnel.
  • Maintains standards, coordinates activities, and acts on employee problems.
  • Has the authority to recommend employee discipline, transfer, and discharge.

Physical Requirements

  • Must be physically able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally; exert up to 20 pounds of force frequently; and exert up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects
  • Visual requirements include vision from less than 20 inches to more than 20 feet with or without correction, depth perception, color vision, and field of vision
  • Must be able to perform the following physical activities: Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions

Working Conditions

This position is frequently exposed to noise and occasional exposure to equipment movement hazards, temperature extremes, dirt, and cleaning chemicals/solvents. This is a fast paced work environment with significant pressure.

Equipment Used to Perform Job

Telephone, fax, copier, intercom system, computer, calculator, cash register, oven, steamer, catering equipment, gas grill, and delivery van

Financial Responsibility

Responsible for company assets, including equipment and merchandise. When sales are over $100.00 supervisor will take action.

Contacts

Daily contact with customers, employees, and the general public. Frequent contacts with federal/state governmental or regulatory agencies. Occasional contact with supplier/vendors

Confidentiality:

Has access to confidential information including, employee compensation, monthly results, quarterly inventory reports, sales and profit sheets, and warehouse pricing.

Are you ready to smile, apply today.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre employment drug screen.


What Hy-Vee employees say

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Benefits

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Hy-Vee logo

About Hy-Vee

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Hy-Vee, based in West Des Moines, IA, US, operates within the supermarket industry. Founded in 1930 by Charles Hyde and David Vredenburg, the company began as a small general store in Beaconsfield, Iowa. Over the years, Hy-Vee has evolved into a network of more than 245 supermarkets across 8 states in the Midwest. They offer a wide range of products and services, including grocery, bakery items, delicatessen, floral, and other specialty departments. With a company motto of “A helpful smile in every aisle”, Hy-Vee's mission is to make each customer's life easier, healthier, and happier. They have received several awards for their commitment to healthy living, customer service and community outreach.

Industry

Retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

West Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1930