Catering Event Director

Placements24; Queenstown; Hybrid; NZD 15,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive health coverage

Generous paid time off

Professional development support

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Catering Event Director to lead strategic planning and execution of large-scale events in the Queenstown area. You will drive business growth, manage budgets, and build strong client relationships while guiding a high-performing catering team.

This senior role requires expertise in culinary trends, event logistics, and service excellence, with travel as needed to deliver memorable experiences for premium clients.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or related field.
• 10+ years in senior leadership in catering/events.
• Proven strategic planning and business development capabilities.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive catering event strategies to drive business growth and market penetration.
• Oversee the planning, execution, and successful delivery of all major catering events.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with key clients, partners, and stakeholders.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire the catering events team, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Manage the catering budget, P&L, and financial forecasting, ensuring profitability and sustainability.
• Set and maintain the highest standards of service quality, food excellence, and operational efficiency.
• Drive innovation in menu development, service delivery, and event concepts.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify new opportunities and trends.
• Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and company policies.
• Represent the company at industry events and build the brand’s reputation.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Business development

P&L management

Budget control

Client relations

Negotiation

Culinary trends

Event logistics

Team leadership

Decision making under pressure

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly strategic and experienced Catering Event Director to spearhead their event operations in the Queenstown, Eastern Cape area and beyond. This senior role requires visionary leadership, exceptional strategic planning, and a proven ability to manage large-scale, complex catering events. You will be responsible for developing and executing catering strategies, building and maintaining key client relationships, overseeing financial performance, and leading a team of event professionals. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of the catering industry, a strong business acumen, and a passion for creating unforgettable event experiences that align with our client's brand and objectives. This is a significant leadership opportunity within the growing market of the Eastern Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive catering event strategies to drive business growth and market penetration.
• Oversee the planning, execution, and successful delivery of all major catering events.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with key clients, partners, and stakeholders.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire the catering events team, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Manage the catering budget, P&L, and financial forecasting, ensuring profitability and sustainability.
• Set and maintain the highest standards of service quality, food excellence, and operational efficiency.
• Drive innovation in menu development, service delivery, and event concepts.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify new opportunities and trends.
• Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and company policies.
• Represent the company at industry events and build the brand’s reputation.

Requirements

• Extensive experience (10+ years) in senior leadership roles within the catering or event management industry, with a strong portfolio of successful large-scale events.
• Demonstrated strategic planning and business development capabilities.
• Proven track record in financial management, P&L responsibility, and budget control.
• Exceptional leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills with high-profile clients and vendors.
• A deep understanding of culinary trends, event logistics, and service excellence.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and make critical decisions.
• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred.
• Willingness to travel and be based in or near Queenstown, Eastern Cape , with a flexible work approach as needed.
• A passion for creating exceptional and memorable event experiences.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly attractive executive compensation package, including a competitive base salary, significant bonus potential, and comprehensive benefits. This role provides a unique opportunity to shape the future of catering events for a respected organization and make a substantial impact on its success. Benefits include executive health coverage, substantial paid time off, and support for professional development. Join a forward-thinking team and lead impactful events in the vibrant Eastern Cape region.