ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Restaurant Catering Associate Jobs in Washington

Restaurant Associates

Catering Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $850K/yr

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! Voted ...

Restaurant Associates

Catering Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

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! Voted ...

Compass Group

Catering Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

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! Voted ...

Compass Group

Catering Manager

Washington, DC

$80K - $850K/yr

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! Voted ...

Compass Group

Catering Manager

Washington, DC

$80K - $85K/yr

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! Voted ...

Compass Group

Catering Manager

Washington, DC

$80K - $85K/yr

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! Voted ...

Compass Group

Catering Manager

Washington, DC

$80K - $850K/yr

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! Voted ...

Compass Group

Catering Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $850K/yr

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! Voted ...

Compass Group

CATERING ATTENDANT

Arlington, VA · On-site

$23/hr

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! Voted ...

Compass Group

CATERING ATTENDANT

Washington, DC · On-site

$23/hr

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! Voted ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsRestaurant Catering Associate JobsRestaurant Catering Associate Jobs in Washington

Restaurant Catering Associate information

What does a restaurant catering associate do?

A Restaurant Catering Associate coordinates and manages catering orders and events for a restaurant. Their duties include communicating with clients to understand their needs, organizing food preparation and delivery, setting up catering displays, and ensuring that events run smoothly. They also handle logistics, assist with menu planning, and provide excellent customer service throughout the catering process. This role may involve working closely with kitchen staff, delivery teams, and event coordinators to ensure all details are handled efficiently.

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

To thrive as a Restaurant 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 catering management software, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and safe food handling certifications is typically required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help you deliver exceptional service and adapt to client needs. These skills ensure efficient event coordination, customer satisfaction, and the smooth execution of catering operations.

How does a restaurant catering associate typically collaborate with kitchen staff and clients to ensure successful events?

A Restaurant Catering Associate acts as a liaison between clients and the kitchen team, ensuring that event details and dietary requirements are clearly communicated and executed. They coordinate with chefs and kitchen staff to confirm menus, timing, and special requests, while also providing updates and reassurance to clients throughout the planning process. On event days, the associate often oversees setup, monitors food quality and presentation, and addresses any last-minute adjustments to guarantee a smooth and successful catering experience.

What is the difference between Restaurant Catering Associate vs Food Service Worker?

AspectRestaurant Catering AssociateFood Service Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma; food safety certification often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification may be required
Work EnvironmentEvent venues, catering kitchens, outdoor setupsRestaurants, cafeterias, fast-food outlets
Job FocusPreparing, serving, and managing catering eventsServing customers, food prep, maintaining cleanliness
Employer & IndustryCatering companies, event planning firmsRestaurants, cafeterias, food service establishments

The main difference is that Restaurant Catering Associates focus on catering events, including setup and service, often requiring event-specific skills. Food Service Workers typically work in restaurant or cafeteria settings, handling daily food service tasks. Both roles require food safety knowledge but differ in work environment and scope.

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

The most popular types of Restaurant Catering jobs in Washington are:

Restaurant Catering Associate jobs near you

Catering Manager

Restaurant Associates

Washington, DC • On-site

$80K - $850K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Restaurant Associates rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 237 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 68 rated caterers

Job description

Position Title: Catering Manager 

Salary: $80,000 - $85,0000

Other Forms of Compensation:  

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! Voted Glassdoor's Employee Choice Awards- Best Places to Work, This is R/A !

Job Summary
Restaurant Associates is seeking experienced, service-focused Catering Managers to support the World Bank Group’s Washington, D.C. campus. Reporting to the Director of Catering, this role partners closely with catering leadership, culinary teams, and campus stakeholders to plan and execute meetings, conferences, executive functions, and high-profile events in a fast-paced, international setting.
 
This position offers a primarily Monday–Friday schedule with most holidays off, along with occasional early mornings, evenings, or weekends based on event needs and major meeting periods.
 
Key Responsibilities
  • Manage assigned events from initial planning through execution, including billing, documentation, and post-event follow-up to ensure accuracy and client satisfaction
  • Maintain detailed and accurate banquet event orders, including timelines, guest counts, menus, dietary needs, staffing plans, equipment, and service requirements
  • Serve as the on-site operational lead, coordinating event setup, culinary timing, service execution, breakdown, and real-time adjustments
  • Build and maintain responsive, professional communication with clients, meeting organizers, and internal partners throughout the event lifecycle
  • Partner with catering leadership, culinary teams, and campus service groups to ensure seamless coordination across multiple events and locations
  • Direct, brief, and coach regular, union, and temporary staff during events, ensuring clear expectations, service standards, and effective execution
  • Develop event-specific staffing plans that align labor with guest counts, service style, complexity, and financial goals
  • Monitor event costs, including labor, food, and equipment, while accurately capturing billable items and changes
  • Use EMS and related systems to support scheduling, planning, reporting, invoicing, and recordkeeping
  • Anticipate operational challenges, resolve routine service issues, and escalate more complex concerns related to client experience, safety, or execution
  • Uphold Restaurant Associates standards for hospitality, presentation, food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety
  • Support large-scale meetings, tastings, training initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts
What We’re Looking For
  • Experience in catering, banquets, conference services, or event operations within a hospitality or foodservice environment
  • Proven ability to manage multiple events simultaneously while maintaining strong attention to detail and meeting deadlines
  • Hands-on leadership experience directing event teams and managing live event execution
  • Working knowledge of event logistics, staffing, service flow, setup, breakdown, and billing processes
  • Strong client-service mindset with effective communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
  • Comfort using event management systems and Microsoft Office tools
  • Ability to stay composed, adaptable, and solution-oriented in a high-volume, time-sensitive environment
  • Flexibility to support early mornings, evenings, weekends, or extended hours when required
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in high-volume, corporate, or complex catering environments
  • Familiarity working with union teams or on-call/temporary staffing models
  • Experience supporting executive, VIP, diplomatic, or international events
  • Knowledge of EMS, Tripleseat, CaterTrax, Delphi, or similar systems
  • Relevant certifications (e.g., ServSafe, responsible alcohol service) or willingness to obtain
  • Additional language skills or experience supporting a diverse client base
 

Apply to Restaurant Associates today!

Restaurant Associates 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 Restaurant Associates are offered many fantastic benefits.

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Personal Leave

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Restaurant Associates maintains a drug-free 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_RA.pdf

Req ID:  1545493

Restaurant Associates 

Michael Abbey 

[[req_classification]] 

What Restaurant Associates employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Restaurant Associates logo

About Restaurant Associates

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

A chef-driven company with a mission to deliver hospitality excellence. Since the very beginning, we’ve delivered culinary quality and innovation coupled with unparalleled hospitality to some of the most recognizable companies, institutions, and brands in the world. At R/A, food is inspiration. Our reputation is built on our ability to continuously evolve and innovate. Our work goes beyond the excellence of our food and hospitality. It extends to industry-best wellness and sustainability practices and a commitment to integrating human-centered technology.

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

1953

View All Restaurant Associates Jobs