Senior Catering Operations Manager

Placements24; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 107,000 - 193,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonus

Health insurance

Leadership development opportunities

Company vehicle or travel allowance

Generous paid time off

Retirement savings plan

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Catering Operations Manager to lead and optimize all catering operations in Queenstown. The role focuses on delivering high-quality meals, seamless event execution, and stringent safety standards while driving cost efficiency and client satisfaction.

The successful candidate will manage a large team, oversee budgets, and partner with sales and events teams to ensure outstanding experiences for a wide range of functions.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in catering operations management.
• 5+ years in a senior leadership role.
• Strong leadership, team management and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all daily catering operations, including food production, service delivery, event execution, and inventory management.
• Lead and develop a high-performance catering team with a culture of excellence and accountability.
• Develop and implement policies to improve efficiency, quality, and safety.
• Manage budgets, control costs, and seek opportunities for revenue growth.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, hygiene and HACCP regulations.
• Oversee procurement and vendor relationships for quality and cost control.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing, and events teams to deliver exceptional client experiences.
• Monitor performance metrics and drive continuous improvements.

Skills

Catering operations management

Leadership

Budgeting & P&L

Food safety / HACCP

Event planning software

Vendor management

Education

Hospitality Management degree

Tools

Event planning software

Operational management tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading hospitality and catering provider, is seeking a highly experienced and results-driven Senior Catering Operations Manager to oversee and optimize all catering operations in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. This strategic role demands exceptional leadership, operational acumen, and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and client satisfaction. You will be responsible for managing a diverse team, controlling costs, driving efficiency, and ensuring the seamless execution of catering services for a wide range of events, from intimate gatherings to large-scale functions. This is an on-site position in Queenstown, offering a significant opportunity to shape the operational landscape and contribute to the growth of our client's business in the Eastern Cape. The successful candidate will be a forward-thinking manager adept at problem-solving and fostering a high-performance culture within the operations team.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all aspects of daily catering operations, including food production, service delivery, event execution, and inventory management.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of catering professionals, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and implement operational policies and procedures to enhance efficiency, quality, and safety standards.
• Manage operational budgets, control costs, and identify opportunities for revenue enhancement and profit maximization.
• Ensure strict adherence to all health, safety, hygiene, and food safety regulations (e.g., HACCP).
• Oversee procurement and vendor relationships, ensuring quality ingredients and competitive pricing.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing, and event planning teams to ensure seamless client experiences and successful event outcomes.
• Monitor operational performance, analyze key metrics, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Drive innovation in operational processes and service delivery to maintain a competitive edge.

Requirements

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in catering operations management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale catering operations and complex events.
• Exceptional leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Strong financial acumen, including P&L management, budgeting, and cost control expertise.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety standards, sanitation regulations, and kitchen management best practices.
• Experience with event planning software and operational management tools.
• A degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field is highly preferred.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required by operational demands.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make decisive actions in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

• A competitive salary package commensurate with extensive experience.
• Performance-based bonus structure and potential for annual raises.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Opportunities for advanced professional development and leadership training.
• A stimulating work environment with significant operational responsibility.
• Company-provided vehicle or travel allowance.
• Generous paid time off and retirement savings plan.