Catering Associate

About the Company

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.

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 and 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.
• Assist 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 clients, General Manager, and HQ personnel.
• Excellent problem‑solving/decision‑making skills combined with the ability to stay organized.
• 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 (up to 35 lb), with accommodations available upon request.
• Ability to work varied hours/days, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed.
• Commitment to IDEA + Belonging: promote an inclusive, supportive approach, remove barriers, empower growth, lead sustainability efforts, and engage in community activities.
• Previous catering and/or event industry experience is a plus.
• All educational backgrounds are eligible.

Benefits

• Eligible for overtime pay.
• On‑Demand Pay Program: access a portion of earned wages before payday.
• Meal plan & employee discounts at applicable locations.
• 401(k) program with a 15 % company match (eligible after one year of employment, 1,000 hours worked).
• 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 state and local laws (e.g., Colorado: 1 hour per 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours/year; Maryland: 1 hour per 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours/year; Washington: 1 hour per 40 hours worked).