A catering assistant works as an administrative assistant in a hotel, restaurant, catering company, or other business that provides food, beverages, and event space. This person, who usually reports to a catering director, assists catering sales managers in securing future business as well as meeting the needs of current clients. A catering assistant’s responsibilities also include screening incoming phone calls, filing, and vendor coordination for upcoming events.
Most people working in the hospitality industry have the ability to work in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment. A successful catering assistant is usually able to change priorities quickly. For example, a wedding that was originally scheduled for 100 guests may be expanded just days before the event. When this occurs, the assistant may be in charge of informing banquet staff and other departments so that they can prepare for the increased number of guests. This could also mean ordering more rental items to meet the increased demand.
A catering assistant position is typically an entry-level position. It’s usually a great way to get started in the hospitality industry. There is often a lot of exposure to different types of functions, all of which necessitate meticulous attention to detail and close communication between caterers and clients. Administrative responsibilities may increase as the contracted events approach. Floor plans are frequently created, menus are chosen, and inter-departmental meetings and event communication increase.
A person in this position usually has a lot of customer contact. He or she can schedule meetings, confirm catering sales staff appointments, and screen incoming calls. Composing and mailing company brochures, as well as sending out timely emails, may be part of a person’s day-to-day job responsibilities.
For the successful catering assistant, there are often excellent opportunities for advancement. Advancement to a catering sales position is one possibility. Many hotels and resorts own multiple properties, making it easy for hospitality professionals to relocate if they so desire while still receiving excellent benefits.
The hospitality industry is typically seasonal, but this varies depending on the company’s location. As a result, the workload of a catering assistant may vary. For example, places that get a lot of snow in the winter get less business during those months, but they get a lot more business in the spring and summer. Tropical areas, on the other hand, which are more likely to experience extreme heat or inclement weather during the summer, are often less busy during that season, but thrive during the winter.