Event Catering Operations Manager

Placements24; Kimberley; Hybrid; CAD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Remote administrative tasks

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Event Catering Operations Manager to oversee all aspects of catering operations for events in the Kimberley region. You will lead kitchen staff, logistics, and service teams, ensuring top-notch quality and client satisfaction.

The role requires strong leadership, problem-solving, and meticulous attention to detail, with flexible hours including evenings and weekends. This hybrid position blends on-site oversight with remote administrative tasks.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years of catering operations or event management experience.
• Proven ability to lead kitchen and service teams.
• Strong understanding of food safety, event logistics, and cost control.
• Excellent organizational, leadership, and communication skills.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Proficiency with operations software is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all catering operations from menu execution to service delivery.
• Lead the operations team including chefs, servers, and logistics staff.
• Coordinate kitchen, service staff and clients for seamless events.
• Manage event logistics, equipment, transport, setup and breakdown.
• Maintain health, safety and food hygiene standards.
• Control food costs and monitor inventory.
• Collaborate with sales/planning teams to ensure event success.
• Resolve operational issues and client concerns promptly.
• Conduct pre- and post-event briefings with the ops team.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Time management

Inventory management

Cost control

Event logistics

Flexibility

Software proficiency

Tools

Operations software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier event catering company serving the Kimberley region, is looking for an experienced and highly organized Event Catering Operations Manager. This vital role ensures the smooth and efficient execution of all catering services for a diverse range of events. You will be responsible for managing the operational aspects from food production through to client delivery, overseeing kitchen staff, managing logistics, and ensuring the highest standards of quality and service. This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated professional with a passion for events and a strong background in catering operations to lead and inspire a team within the Northern Cape . The successful candidate will possess excellent leadership, problem‑solving skills, and a meticulous eye for detail.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of event catering operations, including menu execution, food preparation, and service delivery.
• Manage and lead the catering operations team, including chefs, servers, and logistics staff.
• Ensure efficient coordination between the kitchen, service staff, and event clients.
• Manage event logistics, including equipment, transportation, and setup/breakdown.
• Maintain strict adherence to health, safety, and food hygiene standards.
• Control food costs and manage inventory effectively.
• Collaborate with the sales and planning teams to ensure successful event execution.
• Address and resolve any operational challenges or client concerns promptly and professionally.
• Conduct pre-event briefings and post-event debriefs with the operational team.
• Continuously seek opportunities to improve operational efficiency and service quality.

Requirements

• Minimum of 4 years of experience in catering operations management, event management, or a similar role.
• Proven ability to manage kitchen and service teams effectively.
• Strong understanding of food and beverage operations, safety standards, and event logistics.
• Excellent organizational, time-management, and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong leadership and communication abilities.
• Experience with inventory management and cost control.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as dictated by event schedules in Kimberley.
• A proactive approach and a commitment to delivering exceptional event experiences.
• Proficiency in relevant operational software is a plus.
• Knowledge of the Northern Cape event landscape is advantageous.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, commensurate with experience and the scope of the role, along with opportunities for professional growth and development.
• This hybrid role provides a blend of on-site operational oversight and potential for remote administrative tasks, offering flexibility.
• You will be a key player in a respected catering company, working on memorable events throughout the Kimberley area.
• Benefits include opportunities for career advancement, a supportive team environment, and the chance to contribute significantly to operational success.