Catering & Events Specialist

Hy-Vee, Inc.; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Hy-Vee, Inc. is seeking a Catering Coordinator for the Market Grille department to own the full catering experience from initial meetings to event execution.

You will coordinate across kitchen, bakery, and deli, write detailed orders, set service standards, and help grow Hy-Vee's catering offerings while consistently delivering outstanding customer service. This fast-paced role emphasizes organization, teamwork, and attention to detail to ensure every event goes smoothly and customers remain

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

Problem solving

Customer communication

Professional writing

Pricing & invoicing

Team leadership

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

1–3 years related work experience

Job description

Hy-Vee, Inc. is seeking a Catering Coordinator for the Market Grille department to own the full catering experience from initial meetings to event execution.

You will coordinate across kitchen, bakery, and deli, write detailed orders, set service standards, and help grow Hy-Vee's catering offerings while consistently delivering outstanding customer service. This fast-paced role emphasizes organization, teamwork, and attention to detail to ensure every event goes smoothly and customers remain