Catering - Associate

For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience journey, freeing our partners to remain mission-focused. We bring together admissions, culinary, and retail with innovation and human connection to shape a seamless guest journey. Our focus is on people, innovation, and operational intelligence as a means to create special moments with lasting impact. We call it 452 Hospitality, the foundation of how we serve our partners and their communities.

About the role

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.
• 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.

Requirements

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to articulate to our client, General Manager, and HQ personnel.
• Excellent 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 (35 lbs) as necessary to operation, which entails lifting. Accommodation available upon request.
• 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.

Qualifications

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

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Flexible scheduling
• Eligible for overtime pay
• On-Demand Pay Program: Get access to a portion of earned wages before payday.
• Reduced meals during shifts
• Free Aquarium passes for family and friends
• 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 for hours worked on Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day
• Paid sick leave in accordance with applicable state and local laws (accrual rates, caps, and usage rules vary by location)