Catering Associate

Catering Associate

At SSA, we believe our work matters because the people do. For more than 50 years, we've helped create experiences that leave people feeling connected, inspired, and reminded that fun still matters. Whether you're looking for your first job, building your career, or bringing years of experience to a new role, you'll be part of a team that values your ideas, supports your growth, and encourages you to make an impact. More than 54% of our leaders are promoted from within, reflecting our commitment to investing in people and creating opportunities to succeed.

SSA at the Dallas Zoo is looking to hire Catering Associates to help with events from setup, serving, bartending, and/or break down. We are preferably looking for candidates with open availability since hours of events can vary! We are excited to have you join our team!

Position Title: Catering Associate

Reports to: Catering Supervisor(s) and Catering Operations Manager

Responsibilities

• Live out 452 Hospitality by delivering warm, welcoming, and memorable experiences for every guest and client.
• Oversee quality, product levels and inventory of product.
• Fulfill guest's needs quickly and efficiently as well as resolve complaints effectively.
• Meet expectations of proper setup, execution, breakdown, and cleanup of each catered event.
• Execute back of the house, front of the house and side work duties for overall productivity of banquet events as assigned.
• Ability to express knowledge of menus, food presentation, and food service techniques with guest service in mind.
• Perform strenuous manual labor as required (equipment storage, event setup, tear down of tables and chairs).
• Support placement, movement and storage of rental orders, buffet cards, and catering items.
• Support Catering Supervisor(s) and Catering Operations Manager with problems during events and provide creative solutions.
• Maintain a friendly and approachable attitude towards the client, guests, and staff.
• Communicate clearly and openly with leaders for overall success.
• Display a sense of urgency at all times.
• Uphold a professional appearance and mannerism.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
• Perform other tasks as deemed necessary.
• Uphold and demonstrate a complete understanding of company policies and procedures.

Job Requirements

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to articulate to our client, General Manager and HQ personnel.
• Excelled problem solving/decision making skills combined with the ability to be organized.
• Demonstrates the ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment.
• Operate all equipment necessary to perform job duties.
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods and to move and handle boxes (35lbs) as necessary to operation, which entails lifting, and perform all functions as set forth above; accommodation upon request, please communicate directly with hiring manager.
• Ability to work varied hours/days, including nights, weekends and holidays, as needed.

IDEA + Belonging

• Promote an inclusive & supportive approach within the Brand team, with networking continuing at all units
• Focuses on removing barriers and empowering growth and opportunity for team members at all levels
• Leads by example through Sustainability/Conservation efforts; displays knowledge of efforts in business application as well as giving adequate opportunity for teaching to unit staff as necessary
• Engages with SSA/Unit in driving community effort through engagement activities and focus. On opportunities of giving back

Previous Experience

• Catering and/or event industry experience a plus.
• All educational backgrounds are eligible.

SSA Group, LLC. is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and equal opportunity through our commitment to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

Compensation and Benefits

• Eligible for overtime pay
• On-Demand Pay Program: Get access to a portion of earned wages before payday.
• Meal Plan & Employee Discounts at applicable locations.
• Participation in a 401(k) program with a 15% company match (must be 21 years or older, eligible after one year of employment with 1,000 hours worked, available to enroll during Open Enrollment Periods).
• Tuition Discount through Partnership College.
• Up to 8 hours of Bereavement Leave
• Holiday pay of 1.5× the regular rate is provided for hours worked on Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day.
• Paid sick leave is provided in accordance with applicable state and local laws. Accrual rates, caps, and usage rules vary by location.

Locations include: Arizona, California, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Washington, D.C.. Colorado : Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours per year, under the Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (HFWA). Maryland : Employees accrue at least 1 hour of paid sick and safe leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year, as required under the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act. Washington : Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked, in accordance with the Seattle Paid Sick and Safe Time.

SSA Holdings and its affiliated companies, including SSA Group, A&F Souvenir, Cinchio Solutions, and Behavioral Essentials, are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to diversity and inclusion in our hiring practices and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. A diverse team strengthens our collective impact.

All California Residents: By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the SSA Group California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Candidate and Employee Privacy Notice ("Notice").

San Francisco Residents: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Please see the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" document for more information. By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" document.

We accept applications for this position on a rolling basis. Apply anytime at thessagroup.com. Applications are reviewed as received, and the position remains open until filled.