Catering - Lead

SSA Group; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Catering Lead to enhance the guest experience at events. This dynamic role involves overseeing product quality, managing staff, and ensuring seamless communication between teams. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership and problem-solving skills, with a commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. Join a company that values sustainability and community engagement while providing a supportive workplace. If you are passionate about catering and dedicated to excellence, this opportunity is perfect for you!

Benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Get Paid Early

Tuition Discount

Meal Plan & Employee Discounts

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential for this role.
• Proven leadership and team-building skills are required.
• Ability to solve problems effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee quality and inventory of products for events.
• Lead communication between back-of-house and front-of-house staff.
• Supervise and train staff for catering events.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Communication Skills

Leadership Skills

Problem Solving

Team Building

Flexibility

Education

Catering Experience

BEO Knowledge

All Education Backgrounds Eligible

Tools

Catering Equipment

Job description

Houston Zoo, Houston, Texas, United States of America

Job Description

Posted Monday, March 31, 2025 at 5:00 AM

CATERING LEAD

SSA Group works with zoos, aquariums, museums, and other cultural attractions on integrating dining, retail, admissions and more. We increase revenue opportunities for partners across the United States. With 50 years in the business, SSA has refined the basics while pioneering better ways forward. With pillars of focus like sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation, SSA is transforming the cultural attraction industry.

SSA was built by families, for families, with a family’s sense of love and dedication. We don’t just rely on the best practices in our industry, we customize best practices for each partner to set the bar higher and higher, always. We do all we can to further the mission of our partners because their guests and the communities they serve deserve it.

Reporting Relationship

The Catering Lead reports directly to the Catering Manager(s) and Catering Supervisors.

Responsibilities

• Oversee quality, product levels and inventory of product.
• Fulfill guest’s needs quickly and efficiently as well as resolve complaints effectively.
• Oversee proper setup, execution, breakdown, and cleanup of the buffets, stations and any other food & beverage for each event.
• Lead communication between back-of-house and front-of-house to ensure food is correct and out at approved times.
• Supervise buffet attendants and food runners throughout the event.
• Successfully interpret and execute BEOs to the high standards of the organization.
• Possess expert-level knowledge of menus, food presentation, and food service techniques.
• Perform strenuous manual labor as required (equipment storage, event setup, tear down of tables and chairs).
• Work with the catering management team to supervise and train staff for all departments.
• Able to explain and elaborate on event successes or failures.
• Solve problems during events and implement creative solutions.
• Maintain a friendly and approachable attitude towards the client, guests, and staff.
• Communicate clearly and openly with all staff members for overall success.
• Display a sense of urgency at all times.
• Uphold a professional appearance and mannerism.
• Adhere to all company policies and procedures.
• Follow health and safety practices at all times.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
• Perform other tasks as deemed necessary.

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.

Job Requirements

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to articulate to our client, General Manager and HQ personnel.
• Proven leadership skills with an understanding of the importance of team building/development, while fostering partnerships.
• Exceptional 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 (35lbs) as necessary to operation, which entails lifting, and perform all functions as set forth above.
• Ability to work varied hours/days, including nights, weekends and holidays, as needed.

Previous Experience

• One to two years of catering experience preferred.
• BEO knowledge and execution preferred.
• All education backgrounds eligible.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts or working conditions associated with this job description. The General Manager reserves the right to revise the job description or to require that other or different tasks are performed when circumstances change (i.e. emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs or technological developments).

SSA Group, LLC. is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and equal opportunity through our commitment to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

Compensation and Benefits

• Hourly, Non-Exempt. Pay is based on range in consideration of relevant job experience and certification/education.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Get Paid Early.
• Tuition Discount through Partnership College.
• Meal Plan & employee Discounts.