Catering Operations Area Lead (Peninsula)

Zerocater; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k match

PTO

Paid holidays

Sick time

Volunteer time

Health/dental/vision coverage

EAP

Disability insurance

Wellness stipend

Cell phone stipend

Commuter benefits

Equity

Job summary

Zerocater is seeking a Catering Operations Area Lead to manage daily meal operations and onsite teams across a broad Peninsula area. This hands-on leadership role emphasizes customer satisfaction and smooth execution in a fast-paced environment.

You will train onsite staff, oversee inventory transfers, and coordinate with our offices to ensure high standards of service. A proactive, collaborative approach is essential for success.

Qualifications

• Experience training and leading a team.
• Background in hospitality and food service is a must; catering experience is a plus.
• Detail‑oriented and able to stay focused and organized while multitasking.
• True team player, willing to collaborate with others to ensure smooth execution.
• Responsible and able to work effectively with little supervision.

Responsibilities

• Support Onsite Teams: cover planned and unplanned absences.
• Train new On‑Site Specialists and ensure service quality aligns with Zerocater standards.
• Facilitate inventory: ordering and transfer of catering supplies to client sites.
• Enhance Customer Experience: greet guests and respond to requests to ensure satisfaction.
• Perform other tasks as designated by management.

Skills

Training & Leadership

Hospitality & Food Service

Detail‑Oriented

Team Player

Self‑Driven

Job description

The Catering Operations Area Lead will manage daily meal operations for high-profile clients, focusing on logistics at the core of our business. This hands-on role is ideal for those who thrive in fast-paced environments, enjoy problem-solving, and feel proud when customer satisfaction is at its highest. At Zerocater, we promote career growth, offering opportunities in a dynamic industry. Reporting to the Catering Operations Area Manager, you'll play a key role in enhancing workplace dining experiences. If you're a proactive leader eager to make an impact, this is the perfect role for you!

What you will do:

• Support Onsite Teams: Cover planned absences as scheduled and cover unplanned absences as needed
• Train/Lead by Example: Train new On‑Site Specialists and ensure consistency in quality and level of service provided aligns with Zerocater standards
• Facilitate Inventory: ordering and transfer of Catering supplies from the Zerocater office to our various client sites throughout your assigned area
• Customer Experience: Greeting guests, interacting to ensure they are satisfied with the service, responding to requests, and addressing any questions/concerns they may have
• Misc: Other tasks as designated by department management

Qualifications for success:

• Experience training and leading a team
• Background in hospitality and food service is a must; catering experience is a plus
• Detail‑oriented and able to stay focused and organized while multitasking
• True team player, willing to collaborate with others to ensure smooth execution
• Responsible and an attentive candidate that can work effectively with little supervision

Physical requirements:

• Able to lift at least 40 pounds
• Able to kneel, crouch and bend
• Able to walk up and down flights of stairs
• Able to stand & walk for 3–4 hours on shift
• A valid driver’s license and ability to pass a MVR

Location:

The role covers the Peninsula from Foster City to Palo Alto.

Compensation:

• This is a full‑time hourly position at $24.00 per hour
• You must have availability to work Monday through Friday 6am-8pm
• A typical schedule is 30-40 hours per week

What we offer:

Not only will you have the opportunity to grow your career with other food‑obsessed colleagues who have a shared passion for creating delight for customers, but you will also work alongside a highly collaborative team that values leading with trust and respect, and taking smart risks.

• 401k match with immediate vesting (we match up to 3% of up to 6% that you defer)
• 2 weeks of PTO, 11 paid holidays, 5 days of sick time, plus 8 hours of volunteer time
• Low to no‑cost comprehensive health, dental and vision coverage (Anthem Blue Cross)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that addresses the mental and emotional well‑being of our team members
• Employer‑paid life, short‑term and long‑term disability insurance
• $100 monthly wellness stipend
• $35 monthly cell phone stipend
• Commuter Benefits: Pre‑tax money that can be used for parking or public transportation
• Equity

“The shared meal elevates eating from a mechanical process of fueling the body to a ritual of family and community, from the mere animal biology to an act of culture.”

• Michael Pollan

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at [e-mail]