Head of Catering Operations

Placements24; Hurlingham; On-site; ARS 109,991,000 - 164,986,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive bonus

Health & retirement

Executive coaching

Job summary

Unknown Client in Sandton is seeking a Head of Catering Operations to drive strategic leadership across the catering division, elevate service quality, and steward operational excellence in a premier event environment.

You will lead a high-performing team, manage budgets and supplier relationships, ensure strict food safety compliance, and partner with sales and culinary teams to meet client demands and grow profitability.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in catering or hospitality operations with senior leadership.
• Strong expertise in operational strategy and budgeting.
• Deep knowledge of food safety regulations and quality control.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic plans to enhance efficiency, profitability, and service quality.
• Oversee catering supply chain including procurement, inventory, and vendors.
• Lead and develop the catering ops team with a culture of accountability.
• Manage the department budget to meet cost and profitability targets.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing, and culinary teams to align ops with client needs.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Budget management

Supply chain optimization

Food safety knowledge

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Communication

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious event management and catering company located in the heart of Sandton , seeks an accomplished and strategic Head of Catering Operations . This senior leadership role demands a visionary individual responsible for overseeing all facets of the company's catering division. You will drive operational excellence, manage budgets, optimize supply chains, ensure compliance with all regulatory standards, and lead a team of dedicated catering professionals. This is a critical position for shaping the future of our client's catering services and maintaining their reputation for delivering unparalleled culinary experiences across Gauteng and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic operational plans to enhance efficiency, profitability, and service quality across all catering activities.
• Manage all aspects of the catering supply chain, including procurement, inventory control, and vendor relationships.
• Ensure strict adherence to all food safety, health, and sanitation regulations, maintaining the highest standards of compliance.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the catering operations team, fostering a culture of performance, innovation, and accountability.
• Oversee budget management for the catering department, ensuring cost-effectiveness and profitability targets are met.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing, and culinary departments to align operational capabilities with business objectives and client demands.

Requirements

• Extensive experience in catering or hospitality operations management, with a proven track record in a senior leadership role.
• Demonstrated expertise in operational strategy, budget management, and supply chain optimization.
• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations and quality control standards.
• Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities, with experience managing large teams.

Benefits

• Highly competitive executive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Opportunity to lead and shape the strategic direction of a premier catering operation.
• Comprehensive executive benefits package, including health, retirement, and generous leave.
• Access to professional development and executive coaching.
• Work in a dynamic and prestigious environment within Sandton .