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Catering Jobs in Riverside, IL (NOW HIRING)

Catering Sales Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Commission Plan Wolfgang Puck Catering is committed to recruiting individuals who express an interest in and passion for hospitality-driven experiences; who come from diverse backgrounds, are open ...

Catering Event Cook Company: Hearty Boys Caterers Location: Off-site at venues througout Chicago Hearty Boys Caterers is hiring experienced Event Cooks for off-site catered events including weddings ...

The Catering Supervisor supervises the total catering operations in one of our units. This position includes duties such as catering order taking, driver scheduling, catering production and ...

The Catering Supervisor supervises the total catering operations in one of our units. This position includes duties such as catering order taking, driver scheduling, catering production and ...

The Catering Supervisor supervises the total catering operations in one of our units. This position includes duties such as catering order taking, driver scheduling, catering production and ...

The Catering Supervisor supervises the total catering operations in one of our units. This position includes duties such as catering order taking, driver scheduling, catering production and ...

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Catering information

See Riverside, IL salary details

$10

$22

$36

How much do catering jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for catering in Riverside, IL is $22.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.20 and $27.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Catering jobs in Riverside, IL? The most popular types of Catering jobs in Riverside, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Catering jobs in Riverside, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Catering jobs in Riverside, IL are:
What cities near Riverside, IL are hiring for Catering jobs? Cities near Riverside, IL with the most Catering job openings:
Catering Sales Manager

Catering Sales Manager

Wolfgang Puck Catering

Chicago, IL • On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

 Salary: $65,000 - $70,000

Other Forms of Compensation: Commission Plan 

Wolfgang Puck Catering is committed to recruiting individuals who express an interest in and passion for hospitality-driven experiences; who come from diverse backgrounds, are open-minded and curious about our clients and guests; and, most of all, who possess a welcoming smile and spirit.  Our ultimate goal is to develop mentoring and career building opportunities through a talent pipeline that allows us to promote from within. 

"The most important thing in life, whatever you do, has to be passion." Wolfgang Puck

Success on our team starts with our culture:

  • We have Wolfgang’s PASSION for our business, our product, and our people / guests / clients.
  • A FLEXIBLE MINDSET is key; we are strategic business partners who wear multiple hats.  
  • Our services require a CONCIERGE mentality, a bias to action with humble hospitality.
  • We are out-of-the-box PROBLEM SOLVERS, who look around corners so our clients and guests don’t have to.  
  • We curate company and partner resources to bring our client’s vision to life.  We seek to cultivate the next generation of talent, purveyors and partnerships.
  • We bring an entrepreneurial approach to deliver results for our clients (you might call this scrappy).   
  • Collaboration and openness to innovative business tools, new ways of thinking and ability to partner across departments are essential to create optimal business solutions.

“I can have the best food, but if we don’t have good people, it won’t get you very far.”

Job Summary
Wolfgang Puck Catering is seeking a Catering Sales Manager to lead the sales, planning, and execution of exceptional catering experiences at the Harper Center in Chicago. This role blends relationship‑driven sales, strategic prospecting, and hands‑on event execution, partnering closely with culinary and operations teams to deliver memorable events for corporate and social clients.
 
The Catering Sales Manager plays a key role in growing the catering business, managing client relationships from initial inquiry through successful event delivery, and ensuring financial and service excellence. The schedule is primarily Monday–Friday, with occasional weekend events based on business needs.
 
Key Responsibilities
  • Drive catering sales through active prospecting, client outreach, and relationship building
  • Manage the full lifecycle of catering events, from inquiry and proposal through execution and post‑event follow‑up
  • Create customized menus and pricing in collaboration with culinary leadership, ensuring alignment with client needs and budget goals
  • Prepare proposals, contracts, and Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) with strong attention to detail
  • Plan, book, and coordinate catering functions, ensuring seamless communication across sales, culinary, and operations teams
  • Develop and manage catering budgets, forecasts, and financial targets
  • Monitor labor and food costs to support profitability while maintaining service excellence
  • Build and maintain a local client database and cultivate strong relationships with vendors and partners
  • Oversee on‑site event execution, including setup, service, and breakdown, as needed
  • Hire, train, and support managers and team members, contributing to a collaborative and inclusive work environment
  • Ensure compliance with all safety, sanitation, and HACCP standards
  • Prepare operational reports and assist with receivables and financial tracking
  • Support special projects and additional responsibilities as business needs evolve

What We’re Looking For

  • Experience in catering sales, hospitality sales, or event management, with demonstrated success meeting or exceeding sales goals
  • Ability to prospect, develop new business, and grow existing client relationships
  • Knowledge of current food, beverage, and hospitality trends, including fine‑dining service standards
  • Experience developing menu proposals in partnership with chefs
  • Comfort supervising or supporting food preparation, service, and event execution
  • Strong organizational, communication, and problem‑solving skills
  • Ability to remain adaptable and calm in a fast‑paced, event‑driven environment
  • Experience leading, training, or coaching team members
  • Working knowledge of A/V equipment setup and breakdown for events
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, with overall strong computer skills
  • A proactive, client‑focused mindset with a high level of integrity and professionalism
  • At least three years of experience in the hospitality industry, including catering or event sales experience

Apply to Wolfgang Puck today!

Wolfgang Puck Catering is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

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. 

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Associates at Wolfgang Puck Catering are offered many fantastic benefits.

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Paid 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)

Wolfgang Puck Catering maintains a drugfree workplace.

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_WPC.pdf

Req ID: 1521517

Wolfgang Puck Catering 

Michael Abbey 

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