Catering Events Planner

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 180,000 - 340,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Professional development

Employee discounts on catering

Supportive team environment

Diverse range of events

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein is seeking a Catering Events Planner to design and manage a wide range of events, from intimate gatherings to large corporate functions and weddings. The role blends remote planning with on-site client meetings and event oversight within the Bloemfontein area.

The ideal candidate will have strong event logistics, menu planning, client relations and budget management, with excellent communication and a passion for delivering exceptional culinary and service

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in event planning, preferably catering or hospitality.
• Ability to manage multiple events simultaneously from conception to completion.
• Excellent organizational, time management and multitasking skills.
• Strong communication, interpersonal and negotiation abilities.
• Proficiency in event planning software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with budget management and financial tracking.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed for events.
• Must be located in or near Bloemfontein to fulfill hybrid work requirements and on-site duties.

Responsibilities

• Consult with clients to understand event vision, requirements, budget and guest count.
• Develop comprehensive event plans with timelines, floor plans and staffing schedules.
• Create innovative menu proposals aligned with client preferences and dietary needs.
• Coordinate with vendors, venues, decorators, entertainers and rental companies.
• Manage event budgets, track expenses and ensure profitability.
• Conduct site inspections of venues to plan logistics.
• Oversee on-site event execution, ensuring smooth operations and timely service.
• Handle client inquiries and resolve issues before, during and after events.
• Gather client feedback post-event to identify areas for improvement and maintain relationships.
• Stay updated on event trends, catering innovations and industry best practices.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished catering and event management company operating in Bloemfontein , seeks a creative and detail-oriented Catering Events Planner to join their vibrant team. This role offers a hybrid work model, blending remote planning capabilities with essential on-site client meetings and event oversight within the Bloemfontein area. You will be responsible for conceptualizing, planning, and executing a wide array of events, from intimate social gatherings to large-scale corporate functions and weddings. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of event logistics, menu planning, client relations, and budget management. Your ability to translate client visions into memorable and seamless events will be paramount. This position requires a proactive individual with excellent communication skills and a passion for delivering exceptional culinary and service experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Consult with clients to understand their event vision, requirements, budget, and guest count, providing expert guidance.
• Develop comprehensive event plans, including timelines, floor plans, staffing schedules, and menu selections.
• Create innovative and appealing menu proposals tailored to client preferences and dietary needs, working closely with the culinary team.
• Coordinate with vendors, including venues, decorators, entertainers, and rental companies, to ensure all event elements are seamlessly integrated.
• Manage event budgets effectively, tracking expenses, processing invoices, and ensuring profitability.
• Conduct site inspections of venues to assess suitability and plan logistics.
• Oversee event execution on-site, ensuring smooth operations, timely service, and adherence to the event plan.
• Handle client inquiries and resolve issues that may arise before, during, or after events.
• Gather client feedback post-event to identify areas for improvement and maintain strong client relationships.
• Stay updated on event trends, catering innovations, and best practices in the industry.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in event planning, preferably with a focus on catering or hospitality.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple events simultaneously, from conception to completion.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and multitasking skills.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and negotiation abilities.
• Proficiency in event planning software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• A creative flair for design and menu conceptualization.
• Experience with budget management and financial tracking.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed for events.
• Must be located in or near Bloemfontein to fulfill hybrid work requirements and on-site event duties.
• A passion for creating exceptional experiences and a commitment to client satisfaction.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility and work-life balance.
• Opportunity to work on a diverse range of unique and exciting events in Bloemfontein .
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• A supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Employee discounts on catering services.