Remote Catering Operations Manager - Client Relations

Placements24; Queenstown; Hybrid; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote

Competitive salary

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a dedicated Remote Catering Operations Manager to oversee a portfolio of corporate clients. You will coordinate end-to-end catering, supervise on-site teams and partner caterers, and act as the primary liaison from a remote location.

The ideal candidate has 4+ years in catering/hospitality or account management, outstanding client relations, and strong organizational and negotiation skills. A related bachelor’s degree is preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years in catering/hospitality or account management, with remote or client-facing experience.
• Proven track record in client relationships and satisfaction.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• Strong understanding of catering operations and food safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Serve as main contact for a portfolio of corporate catering clients and manage service agreements.
• Understand client needs and tailor catering solutions.
• Oversee planning/execution of catering for daily operations, meetings, and events.
• Proactively update clients on schedules, menus, requests, and changes.
• Manage relationships with on-site teams and third-party vendors.
• Monitor client satisfaction, collect feedback, and drive improvements.
• Address client issues promptly while maintaining satisfaction.
• Analyze data and feedback to identify trends and improvements.
• Collaborate with sales and culinary teams to support retention and upselling.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and food hygiene standards.

Skills

Client relationship management

Remote communication

Organizational skills

Negotiation skills

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading provider of corporate catering services, is seeking a dedicated and experienced Remote Catering Operations Manager with a strong focus on client relations. This role is crucial for managing the end-to-end catering experience for a portfolio of corporate clients, ensuring exceptional service delivery, proactive communication, and satisfaction, all managed from a remote location. The ideal candidate will excel at building rapport with clients, understanding their unique needs, and translating those requirements into flawless catering operations executed by our network of on-site teams and partner caterers. You will be the primary liaison, managing expectations, resolving issues, and driving continuous improvement in service quality. This position demands excellent organizational skills, a strategic mindset, and the ability to thrive in a fully remote, client-centric environment, ensuring our client's reputation for excellence is maintained and enhanced across all managed accounts. Success in this role hinges on fostering strong, long-term partnerships and delivering consistent, high-quality catering solutions remotely.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the main point of contact for a portfolio of corporate catering clients, managing all aspects of their service agreements.
• Develop deep understanding of client needs, preferences, and operational requirements to tailor catering solutions.
• Oversee the planning and execution of catering services for daily operations, meetings, and special events, ensuring seamless delivery.
• Proactively communicate with clients regarding service schedules, menu updates, special requests, and any operational changes.
• Manage relationships with on-site catering teams and third-party vendors, ensuring adherence to service standards and company policies.
• Monitor client satisfaction levels, actively seeking feedback and implementing service improvements.
• Address and resolve client issues and concerns promptly and effectively, maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Analyze operational data and client feedback to identify trends and opportunities for enhancing service efficiency and quality.
• Collaborate with internal sales and culinary teams to support client retention and identify upselling opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and food hygiene standards across all managed sites.

Requirements

• Minimum of 4 years of experience in catering management, hospitality management, or account management within the food service industry, with significant experience in a remote or client-facing role.
• Proven track record of successfully managing client relationships and ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills, with the ability to build strong rapport remotely.
• Strong understanding of catering operations, food safety, and service standards.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities, with a keen eye for detail.
• Ability to manage multiple accounts and prioritize tasks effectively in a remote work environment.
• Proficiency in CRM software, MS Office Suite, and virtual collaboration tools.
• A proactive and results-oriented approach with a strong sense of ownership.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a distributed team.
• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred.

Benefits

This position offers the distinct advantage of being fully remote, providing exceptional flexibility and the ability to work from anywhere. Our client provides a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. You will have the opportunity to manage key client relationships and contribute to the success of a leading corporate catering provider, gaining valuable experience in remote operations management. The company fosters a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, offering opportunities for professional development and career advancement within a supportive, technology-driven environment. This role allows you to make a significant impact on client satisfaction and retention through expert remote management and dedicated service.