Catering Assistant (New York City Metropolitan Area)

Position: Catering Assistant, Client Conference Center

Location: New York City, New York

Employment Type: Full-time

Compensation: $70,000 + overtime

Position Overview

The Catering Assistant will support the day-to-day operations of a high-end client conference center within a leading global investment management firm. This is a hands-on, highly visible role responsible for meeting setup and breakdown, catering, guest service, and maintaining a polished conference center environment.

The ideal candidate is polished, professional, dependable, and proactive, with a strong customer service mindset and a willingness to jump in wherever needed. This person will work closely with executives, external guests, administrative professionals, reception, and the broader conference center team. The role offers strong opportunity for long-term growth within the company and department. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Execute standard and executive meeting setups, including coffee, beverages, food, refreshments, and catering.
• Set up, maintain, and break down conference rooms before and after meetings and events.
• Clear meeting rooms following events, returning dishes and catering items to the kitchen, rinsing and loading dishes into the dishwasher, and ensuring items are properly cleaned and stored.
• Provide polished, professional service to high-profile executives, external guests, and internal employees.
• Maintain the conference center to the highest standards of appearance, cleanliness, and organization.
• Conduct room checks following meetings to ensure credenzas are cleared, chairs are properly arranged, supplies are organized, and rooms are ready for the next meeting.
• Stay on top of emails and meeting requests while maintaining strong relationships with administrative professionals and meeting coordinators.
• Proactively identify what needs to be done and take action without waiting for direction.
• Communicate and coordinate with IT regarding technology setup and meeting requirements.
• Assist guests and employees with basic conference center technology and troubleshooting, escalating issues to the appropriate support team when necessary.
• Communicate with reception and other office services team members regarding maintenance, room conditions, and other conference center needs.
• Support catering vendors and assist with special events, including high-profile internal meetings and Board of Directors meetings.
• Respond to customer questions, comments, and concerns with professionalism and a solutions-oriented approach.
• Provide backup reception coverage when needed.
• Maintain a positive, team-oriented attitude and contribute to a high level of service across the department.
• Take on additional responsibilities and special projects as needed.

Required Experience/Skills

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 6 months to 1+ year of relevant work experience; candidates with 2–3 years of experience are preferred.
• Polished and professional demeanor with excellent customer service skills.
• Dependable, reliable, and committed to following through on responsibilities.
• Hands-on approach with a willingness to take on tasks of all sizes.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proactive and able to recognize what needs to be done without waiting for direction.
• Ability to build strong relationships with administrative professionals, colleagues, and clients.
• Comfortable working in an active, on-your-feet environment.
• Ability to bend, stoop, and stand for extended periods of time.
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Outlook and Excel.
• Positive, can-do attitude and willingness to take on additional responsibilities.

Preferred Experience/Skills

• Previous catering, hospitality, food service, conference center, office services, or customer service experience.
• Experience supporting executive meetings or high-profile clients.
• Strong attention to detail with a natural eye for presentation and organization.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and solutions-oriented in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience working closely with executive assistants or administrative teams.
• Strong understanding of professional office etiquette and high-touch client service.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Hospitality, business, communications, or a related field preferred.

Schedule & Work Environment

• 5 days per week onsite in Lower Manhattan.
• Standard hours are 8:00 AM–5:00 PM or 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
• Business professional dress environment.
• Overtime averages approximately 4–5 hours per month.
• Excellent benefits, PTO, and 401(k) match.
• Strong opportunity for career growth within the department and across the broader organization.