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Caterer Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

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A Caterer, or Catering Service Provider prepares large amounts of food for events, galas and parties. Their duties include planning the menu, arranging the delivery and presentation of food and overseeing staff.

Caterer duties and responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of Caterers vary depending on the event they are catering for. Their main duties generally include:

  • Adhering to regulations for food handling and safety
  • Arranging transportation of all food items
  • Cooking and organising menu items, typically off-site in a kitchen intended for commercial food preparation
  • Plating food with decorative elements, packing and wrapping for transport
  • Communicating with suppliers and equipment rental vendors
  • Consulting with customers about any meal or head count changes prior to the event
  • Planning ingredient amounts to prevent waste or overages
  • Submitting invoices for customers in accordance for company policies
  • Inspecting event sites before the event to check the kitchen facilities and plan the layout
  • Estimating the cost of personnel and food for events, usually quoted at a per-person price

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Caterer Job Description Examples:

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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines
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What does a Caterer do?

Caterers prepare, deliver and present food for various events including parties, corporate events, weddings and other large gatherings. Instead of working in a restaurant and preparing made-to-order food, a Caterer prepares all food items at once, course by course, and serves it at the same time. Caterers may work with special requests to collaborate with the event hosts to plan a menu. Depending on where the event is being held, Caterers may work with mobile food prep stations or in non-kitchen rooms. A Caterer’s work hours vary depending on the special event. They may cook and serve on any day of the week and at all times of the week.

Caterer skills and qualifications

A successful Caterer candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications to perform their duties effectively, these typically include:

  • Cooking skills
  • Business acumen
  • Excellent leadership and communication skills
  • In-depth knowledge of safe food handling procedures
  • Ability to develop a well-balanced and satisfying menu
  • Organisation skills and efficiency
  • Thorough attention to logistical details
  • Ability to follow instructions

Caterer experience requirements

Caterers must have several years of experience working in a relevant role, such as a Server or Line Cook. They must also have experience preparing a single menu item for large events. Large volume businesses prefer candidates who have previous experience working in a high-production kitchen.

Caterer education and training requirements

While it’s not mandatory, many employers prefer candidates who have completed a catering course. They also prefer candidates who have completed an apprenticeship, obtained a food safety certification, or acquired vocational qualifications such as the Vocationally Recognised Qualifications (VRQ), National/Scottish Vocational Qualifications (NVQ/SVQ) and the Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) qualifications. Some employers require candidates to have a higher national diploma (HND), foundation degree or a Level 4 Diploma in Hospitality Management.

Caterer salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the salary of a Caterer in the UK is £24,717 per year. This figure varies depending on factors, including the size of the catering company, its geographical location and the Caterer’s experience.

Job description samples for similar positions

If a Caterer is not quite what you’re looking for, here are other job description samples that may fit your needs:

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Caterer job description FAQs

Two chefs, one wearing a red headband, review a laptop and take notes at a wooden table in a kitchen setting.

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