Remote Food Service Director (Specialty Catering)

Placements24; Queenstown; Hybrid; NZD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary package

Performance-based bonus

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Generous paid time off

Professional development budget

Fully remote work

Opportunity to shape strategic方向

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Remote Food Service Director to oversee our specialty catering division from a fully remote setup. You will define culinary direction, manage dispersed teams, and drive profitability across diverse locations including Queenstown and beyond.

Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a deep culinary background are essential as you shape high-end menus and client experiences.

Qualifications

• Requires 8–10 years in food service management or catering leadership.
• Experience leading dispersed teams remotely.
• Strong culinary knowledge across global cuisines.
• Proven budgeting, P&L, and cost-control abilities.
• Excellent leadership and strategic thinking.
• Proficient with online collaboration and project management tools.
• Reliable high-speed internet and dedicated home office.
• Degree or diploma in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, or Business Admin preferred.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive the culinary vision and strategy for specialty catering services across all managed locations.
• Oversee all aspects of food service operations remotely, including menu planning, quality control, and food safety standards (HACCP).
• Manage and mentor culinary teams and catering staff located in various regions, fostering a collaborative remote work culture.
• Develop and manage budgets, financial forecasting, and cost control measures to ensure profitability.
• Source and manage relationships with suppliers and vendors to secure high-quality ingredients and ensure supply chain efficiency.
• Develop innovative and diverse menu offerings that cater to a wide range of client needs and dietary requirements.
• Implement and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track operational efficiency and service quality.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, competitor activities, and emerging culinary innovations to maintain a competitive edge.
• Ensure seamless coordination between culinary development, client services, and operational delivery teams.
• Lead initiatives for continuous improvement in food quality, service delivery, and operational processes.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Remote team leadership

Budget management

Food service management

Culinary knowledge

Communication skills

Education

Diploma/Degree in Culinary Arts or Hospitality Management

Tools

Online collaboration tools

Project management software

Culinary software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a rapidly expanding provider of bespoke catering solutions, seeking a visionary and experienced Remote Food Service Director to oversee their specialty catering division. This role is designed for a strategic leader who can manage operations, culinary development, and client relations entirely from a remote setting, serving clients across diverse locations including Queenstown, Eastern Cape. You will be instrumental in defining and executing the culinary direction, ensuring exceptional quality, innovation, and operational efficiency. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of various cuisines, food trends, and the logistics involved in delivering high-end catering experiences, adapted for remote management. We are looking for a self-motivated, results-oriented professional with outstanding leadership and communication skills, capable of inspiring and managing a dispersed team. This is a key leadership position within our forward-thinking organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and drive the culinary vision and strategy for specialty catering services across all managed locations.
• Oversee all aspects of food service operations remotely, including menu planning, quality control, and food safety standards (HACCP).
• Manage and mentor culinary teams and catering staff located in various regions, fostering a collaborative remote work culture.
• Develop and manage budgets, financial forecasting, and cost control measures to ensure profitability.
• Source and manage relationships with suppliers and vendors to secure high-quality ingredients and ensure supply chain efficiency.
• Develop innovative and diverse menu offerings that cater to a wide range of client needs and dietary requirements.
• Implement and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track operational efficiency and service quality.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, competitor activities, and emerging culinary innovations to maintain a competitive edge.
• Ensure seamless coordination between culinary development, client services, and operational delivery teams.
• Lead initiatives for continuous improvement in food quality, service delivery, and operational processes.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in food service management, culinary leadership, or catering operations, with a significant focus on specialty or high-end catering.
• Demonstrated experience managing operations remotely and leading dispersed teams effectively.
• Strong culinary background with a comprehensive understanding of global cuisines, food trends, and presentation techniques.
• Proven financial acumen, including budget management, P&L responsibility, and cost optimization.
• Excellent leadership, strategic thinking, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in using advanced online collaboration tools, project management software, and culinary software.
• Must have a reliable high-speed internet connection and a dedicated home office setup.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and influence across different platforms.
• A degree or diploma in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, or Business Administration is highly preferred.
• Previous experience or familiarity with operations in the Eastern Cape region is a plus, but not mandatory.

Benefits

• Competitive executive salary package.
• Performance-based bonus structure with significant upside potential.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Professional development budget for conferences, training, and certifications.
• Opportunity to shape the strategic direction of a key division in a growing company.
• Fully remote work flexibility, promoting excellent work-life integration.