Catering Operations Manager

Independent Food Company; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in catering services seeks a Catering Operations Manager to oversee daily operations, ensuring high standards in service delivery and client relationships. The successful candidate will balance leadership and hands-on management, guiding a team and maintaining compliance with food safety regulations while driving profitability across events.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in a related field.
• 5+ years in catering, hospitality, or food service; 2 years in management.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage catering operations and logistics, ensuring compliance with standards.
• Supervise team, recruit and train staff for quality service.
• Develop budgets for event profitability and track financial performance.

Skills

Leadership

Organization

Customer Service

Financial Acumen

Food Safety Knowledge

Education

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

Job description

Position Summary

The Catering Operations Manager oversees the daily operations of catering services, ensuring exceptional service delivery, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction. This role requires a balance of leadership, planning, and hands-on management to execute events seamlessly and maintain the company’s high standards.

Key Responsibilities

1. Operations Management

• Oversee all catering operations, from planning to execution, ensuring smooth and efficient workflows.
• Manage catering logistics, including menu development, equipment, and staffing requirements.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, food hygiene standards, and company policies.

2. Team Leadership

• Supervise and manage the catering team, including chefs, servers, and support staff.
• Recruit, train, and develop team members to deliver high-quality service.
• Schedule and assign tasks to ensure adequate staffing for all events.

3. Client Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients during the planning and execution phases.
• Collaborate with clients to understand their needs, customize menus, and provide tailored solutions.
• Address and resolve client concerns promptly to ensure satisfaction.

4. Financial Oversight

• Develop and manage catering budgets, ensuring profitability for each event.
• Track expenses, negotiate vendor contracts, and optimize cost efficiencies.
• Prepare reports on financial performance, event feedback, and operational metrics.

5. Event Coordination

• Work closely with the sales and event planning teams to align catering services with client expectations.
• Ensure timely delivery and setup of catering services, including food, beverages, and equipment.
• Handle unexpected challenges during events, ensuring minimal disruption to service.

6. Continuous Improvement

• Evaluate operations to identify areas for improvement in efficiency and quality.
• Stay updated on industry trends and incorporate best practices into operations.
• Innovate menus and service offerings to meet evolving client needs.

Key Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field (preferred).

Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in catering, hospitality, or food service operations, with at least 2 years in a managerial role.

Skills:

• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking skills.
• Exceptional communication and customer service skills.
• Financial acumen with experience in budgeting and cost management.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and catering logistics.

Personal Attributes:

• Attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Problem-solving mindset with the ability to work under pressure.
• Passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences.