Temporary Catering Assistant

Fenwick & West•Palo Alto, CA

1d•$51,000 - $69,000•Onsite

About The Position

Our Facilities Department has a temporary (estimated 3 months) opening for a Catering Assistant who will be responsible for the preparation, cleaning and stocking of kitchens, conference rooms and multi-purpose rooms for meetings and/or special events, including the ordering and set up of refreshments and/or meals. In addition, the Catering Assistant will provide back-up support for reception and other Facilities Department positions, as needed. This position requires 100% in-office presence and is based in our Silicon Valley, CA office. The work schedule for this position (non‑exempt) will be 40 hours per week, Monday–Friday, from 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with flexibility and the ability to work overtime as needed.

Requirements

Strong customer service skills.
Ability to follow instructions and procedures.
Ability to work well with others in a team environment.
Willingness and ability to walk between conference rooms, multi-purpose rooms, storage rooms and kitchens throughout the day.
Demonstrated professionalism, diplomacy and tact under pressure.
Ability to effectively and tactfully communicate with staff and vendors regarding set-up and clean-up requirements.
Ability to communicate effectively with and to follow instructions from a diverse group of clients, attorneys, staff and vendors.
The ability to work a flexible schedule, including overtime, early mornings, evenings and/or weekends, as needed, to ensure adequate department coverage.
High level of attention to detail.
Ability to organize, prioritize, multitask and handle interruptions or rush requests.
Computer proficient, with the ability to utilize MS Office applications and EMS software.
Ability to lift, push and pull up to 30 pounds frequently.

Nice To Haves

catering experience, preferably within a law firm, professional services organization, or hospitality setting.
Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Ensures proper and timely set-up of food and refreshments for meetings and/or special events taking place in the conference center, conference rooms and the multi-purpose rooms.
Reconciles catered food deliveries against food ordered.
Alerts catering vendor and supervisor of errors or omissions.
Inspects food, refreshments and groceries for freshness.
Informs caterer/deliverer and supervisor when product does not meet expectations.
Ensures all furniture and requested equipment (including A/V equipment) is properly placed in the conference and multi-purpose rooms.
Prepares signage for conference rooms, confirming with EMS to ensure signage accuracy.
Cleans all conference rooms, multi-purpose rooms, kitchens and catering kitchens.
Performs kitchen sweeps, gym sweeps, set-ups and clean-ups based on assigned schedule.
Stocks and monitors supplies in credenzas of conference rooms and multi-purpose rooms.
Cleans catering carts on a daily basis.
Performs daily sweeps of conference rooms/multi-purpose rooms.
Removes extra equipment (chairs, easels, A/V) and returns equipment to designated location.
Reports any problems to the supervisor.
Stocks and monitors supplies in kitchens including paper supplies, condiments, coffee, etc.
Cleans main catering kitchen daily by washing dishes, returning dishes to designated areas, putting away unused supplies, keeping counters clean, wiping any spills and deep cleaning coffee carafes and water containers.
Restocks paper supplies, snacks and sodas as supply diminishes.
Maintains inventory and places orders for such items as needed.
Stocks snack bars on a daily basis.
Maintains and troubleshoots WMF espresso machines and calls for service when required.
Ensures adequate linen inventory.
Sends soiled linens to cleaners and retrieves them upon delivery.
Provides back-up support for reception, as needed, including answering phones, greeting guests and supporting the Facilities Hotline.
Orders catering services as requested by the supervisor.
Provides back-up support for Copy/Fax/Mail functions as needed, including scanning, faxing, photocopying and mail runs.
Provides catering or cleaning support at events, as requested.
Perform other related duties as assigned.