Catering Coordinator

Hy-Vee, Inc.; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Hy-Vee, Inc. is seeking a Catering Coordinator to own the full catering experience from client meetings to detailed orders and cross‑department coordination. The role emphasizes organization, customer service, and delivering exceptional results for weddings, corporate events, and everyday celebrations.

You will ensure pricing accuracy, contract development for exclusive events, and adherence to Hy-Vee standards. A fast‑paced retail catering environment offers growth and teamwork opportunities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 1–3 years of similar or related work experience required.
• Strong customer service orientation and attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate clearly with customers and teammates.

Responsibilities

• Provide prompt, friendly customer service and greet customers with a smile.
• Meet with customers to understand catering needs and write detailed orders.
• Coordinate across kitchen, bakery, deli and other departments.
• Set department standards for service, cleanliness and appearance.
• Prepare invoices, pricing, and bookkeeping procedures.
• Develop and maintain standard catering practices and QC checks.
• Assist with events such as bridal and holiday shows and venue setup.
• Advise customers on equipment purchases with Store Director approval.
• Ensure proper temperatures, storage, and product freshness.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Problem solving

Team leadership

Job description

Additional Considerations (if any): At Hy-Vee our people are our strength. We promise “a helpful smile in every aisle” and those smiles can only come from a workforce that is fully engaged and committed to supporting our customers and each other.

Job Title: Catering Coordinator | Department: Market Grille | FLSA: Hourly | Revision Date: 07/2026

About Hy-Vee At Hy-Vee, we believe the shortest distance between two people is a smile. We're seeking people with a passion for customer service, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to being part of a team that strives to make our customers' lives easier, healthier and happier.

Role and Why It's Important

Our Catering Coordinators are the driving force behind some of our customers' most memorable moments, from weddings and holiday gatherings to corporate events and everyday celebrations. In this role, you'll own the full catering experience, from meeting with customers and writing detailed orders to coordinating across departments and ensuring every event goes off without a hitch. If you're someone who thrives on organization, loves working with people, and takes pride in delivering exceptional results, we'd love to have you on our team.

What You’ll Do

• Provide prompt, friendly customer service, greeting customers with a smile, learning their names, and going the extra mile to make every interaction a great one
• Meet with customers to understand their catering needs, write detailed orders, and coordinate across all departments involved including kitchen, bakery, and deli
• Set and uphold department standards for customer service, employee relations, cleanliness, sanitation, professional appearance, and overall profitability
• Contact businesses and prospective customers to share information about Hy-Vee's catering services and develop contracts for exclusive Hy-Vee catering events
• Determine pricing, prepare customer bills, extend and post invoices, and oversee department bookkeeping procedures
• Develop and maintain standard catering practices and conduct quality control checks for multi-event catering
• Organize store shows and events such as bridal and holiday shows, set up displays, and coordinate with the events coordinator for annual events
• Consult with customers on rental companies and recommend equipment purchases with Store Director approval
• Ensure proper temperatures and storage procedures are maintained to guarantee product freshness and control shrink
• Develop guidelines for department performance in the manager's absence and instruct, assign, and coordinate work of department employees
• Attend department manager meetings, obtain baseline pricing, and ensure competitive pricing in the market area
• Understand and troubleshoot equipment and ensure maintenance is performed as needed
• Maintain strict adherence to personal hygiene, dress standards, and all Hy-Vee policies and store guidelines
• Answer phone calls and return voicemails promptly and professionally
• Report to work when scheduled and work the expected number of hours

Your Skills

• Solve practical problems and work through complex situations with professionalism and good judgment
• Communicate clearly and confidently with customers, team members, and outside vendors in person, by phone, and in writing
• Compose original correspondence and follow technical manuals and guidelines
• Use math skills including fractions, decimals, and percentages for pricing and invoicing
• Lead and motivate a team, maintaining high standards and a positive, energetic work environment

Reporting Relationships

• Accountable and Reports to: Store Director; Store Manager; Assistant Managers of Store Operations, Perishables, and Health Wellness
• Home Direct Reports: Department Employees

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent experience required
• 1 to 3 years of similar or related work experience required

Physical Requirements

• Frequently stand and walk throughout a shift in sales, food service, or delivery areas
• Where applicable to the role: ability to safely use sharp knives and blades for food preparation
• Where applicable to the role: exposure to heat- and burn-related hazards associated with cooking, baking, or grilling equipment
• Where applicable to the role: ability to operate a delivery vehicle in accordance with applicable DOT standards
• Perform repetitive standing, walking, reaching, and bending associated with order fulfillment, POS transactions, and cleaning/sanitation duties

Working Environment

This is a fast-paced role in a retail and catering environment where you'll stay busy and engaged throughout your shift. You'll have frequent exposure to noise and occasional exposure to equipment movement, temperature extremes, dirt, and cleaning chemicals or solvents. Safety is always a priority, and training is provided to help ensure a safe and supportive work environment.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre employment drug screen.