Remote Catering Operations Lead

Placements24; Queenstown; Hybrid; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits

Remote work from home

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly organized Remote Catering Operations Lead to manage our entirely remote catering division. You will spearhead operational excellence, strategic planning, and cross-functional team coordination from a home office, serving clients across multiple locations.

The role demands extensive leadership, deep knowledge of catering logistics, and a proven ability to drive efficiency in a remote-first environment.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in catering/hospitality management, with 4+ in leadership
• Experience managing complex operations and distributed teams
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving for remote teams
• Deep understanding of catering logistics, menu engineering, QA
• Proficiency with digital collaboration tools, PM software, CRM systems
• Ability to develop and implement strategic operational plans
• Financial management skills: budgeting and cost control
• Highly organized, self-motivated, able to work remotely
• Passion for delivering exceptional culinary experiences and operational excellence

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine operational strategies and SOPs for remote catering services
• Lead, manage, and mentor a geographically dispersed team
• Oversee catering lifecycle: onboarding, menu planning, orders, follow-up
• Monitor KPIs for efficiency, quality, and client satisfaction
• Manage relationships with suppliers, tech partners, and delivery services
• Drive innovation in remote catering solutions and new service models
• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, and quality standards
• Manage budgets, control costs, optimize resources for remote division
• Serve as main contact for high-profile clients

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Remote team management

Catering operations

Budgeting

Menu engineering

CRM systems

Tools

Digital collaboration tools

Project management software

CRM systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly organized and experienced Remote Catering Operations Lead to spearhead their entirely remote catering division. This leadership role is critical for managing the operational excellence, strategic planning, and team coordination of our client's expanding virtual catering services. You will be responsible for developing and implementing efficient processes, overseeing a distributed team, and ensuring the highest quality of service delivery to clients across various locations. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional leadership skills, a deep understanding of catering operations, and a proven ability to thrive in a remote-first work environment. You will play a key part in scaling our client's innovative approach to catering for a connected world. This role requires a proactive and results-oriented individual who can drive efficiency and maintain exceptional standards without a traditional office setting. Your focus will be on ensuring seamless execution and client satisfaction through effective remote management strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and refine operational strategies and standard operating procedures for remote catering services.
• Lead, manage, and mentor a geographically dispersed team of catering professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability.
• Oversee the entire catering lifecycle, from client onboarding and menu planning to order fulfillment and post-event follow-up.
• Implement and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track operational efficiency, service quality, and client satisfaction.
• Manage relationships with suppliers, technology partners, and delivery services to ensure smooth operations.
• Drive innovation in remote catering solutions, exploring new technologies and service models.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant food safety, hygiene, and quality standards.
• Manage budgets, control costs, and optimize resource allocation for the remote catering division.
• Serve as a key point of contact for high-profile clients, ensuring their unique needs are met.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in catering or hospitality management, with at least 4 years in a leadership or senior operational role.
• Demonstrated success in managing complex operations and teams, preferably in a remote or distributed environment.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills suitable for remote team management.
• Strong understanding of catering logistics, menu engineering, and quality assurance.
• Proficiency with digital collaboration tools, project management software, and CRM systems.
• Proven ability to develop and implement strategic operational plans.
• Excellent financial management skills, including budgeting and cost control.
• Highly organized, self-motivated, and capable of working independently in a fully remote setting.
• A passion for delivering exceptional culinary experiences and driving operational excellence.

Benefits

This fully remote position offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and the unique opportunity to lead and shape a cutting-edge catering operation. You will enjoy the flexibility and autonomy of working from home, with the chance to make a significant impact on a growing business. Our client provides access to advanced tools and technologies to support remote work and foster innovation. Join us and be part of a forward-thinking company that is redefining the standards of excellence in the catering industry, all managed from your home office location, including the Queenstown region.