Catering Operations Manager (Eastern Cape)

Placements24; O Mente; On-site; EUR 32,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonuses

Career advancement

Professional development

Supportive environment

Impactful work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Catering Operations Manager to oversee expanding catering services in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. You will lead daily operations, coordinate procurement, logistics, and staff management to deliver exceptional events.

The role requires strong leadership, food safety knowledge, budget control, and client liaison. You will drive efficiency, maintain high standards, conduct site reviews, and report insights to senior management while traveling as needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in operations management within catering or food service.
• Qualification in Hospitality Management or Business Administration or related field, or equivalent extensive experience.
• Strong leadership, team management and motivational skills.
• Excellent financial acumen including budgeting and P&L management.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all daily catering operations and service delivery.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to enhance productivity and profitability.
• Oversee inventory, procurement, supplier relations and food safety compliance.
• Recruit, train, schedule and manage catering staff, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Manage budgets, control costs and monitor financial performance of operations.
• Liaise with clients to understand needs and ensure satisfaction across events.
• Maintain and improve service quality standards and conduct site inspections.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Budgeting

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Hospitality Management or Business Administration

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and dynamic Catering Operations Manager to oversee their expanding catering services in Queenstown, Eastern Cape . This critical role involves managing all operational aspects, from procurement and logistics to staff management and client relations, ensuring the delivery of exceptional catering experiences. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of food service operations, and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality and efficiency. This is a significant opportunity to influence and grow catering operations within the Eastern Cape region.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all daily catering operations, ensuring smooth and efficient service delivery.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to enhance productivity and profitability.
• Oversee inventory management, food procurement, and supplier relations.
• Ensure strict adherence to all food safety, health, and hygiene regulations.
• Recruit, train, schedule, and manage catering staff, fostering a high-performance team culture.
• Manage budgets, control costs, and monitor financial performance of catering operations.
• Liaise with clients to understand their needs and ensure satisfaction with services provided.
• Maintain and improve service quality standards across all catering events.
• Conduct regular site inspections and operational reviews.
• Identify opportunities for operational improvements and implement best practices.
• Prepare operational reports and provide insights to senior management.

Requirements

• A relevant qualification in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent extensive experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in operations management within the catering or food service industry, with a proven track record of success.
• Strong leadership, team management, and motivational skills.
• Comprehensive knowledge of food safety, hygiene standards, and relevant legislation.
• Excellent financial acumen, including budgeting, cost control, and P&L management.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Exceptional organizational and planning skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing operational demands.
• Willingness to travel within the Eastern Cape region and work flexible hours as required by event schedules in Queenstown, Eastern Cape .

Benefits

• competitive salary package
• potential for performance-based bonuses
• significant opportunities for career advancement within a growing organization
• ongoing professional development
• supportive work environment
• chance to make a substantial impact on the company's success in the Eastern Cape