Catering Operations Manager

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Career development

Leadership role

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Catering Operations Manager to lead their East London catering services. This senior role covers menu execution, logistics, team management, and financial performance, aiming to deliver quality, efficiency and client satisfaction across a diverse events portfolio.

You will oversee a high-performing team, ensure compliance with safety standards, and drive innovation within a prestigious hospitality operation in the Eastern Cape region.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in catering operations management or senior role in hospitality.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex logistics, large teams and financial responsibilities.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• In-depth knowledge of food and beverage operations, event planning and industry best practices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with ability to influence and motivate.

Responsibilities

• Manage and optimize catering operations across events from start to finish.
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance service quality, efficiency and profitability.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a diverse catering staff.
• Oversee budget management, cost control, inventory and resource allocation to meet targets.
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety and health regulations.
• Build strong relationships with clients, suppliers and stakeholders.

Skills

Catering operations management

Team leadership

Budget management

Food safety

Stakeholder management

Education

Hospitality management degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a seasoned and strategic Catering Operations Manager to lead their comprehensive catering services in East London . This senior role involves overseeing all aspects of operational delivery, from menu execution and logistics to team management and financial performance. You will be responsible for ensuring the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and client satisfaction across a diverse portfolio of events. This is a leadership position for an experienced professional aiming to drive excellence and innovation within a prominent hospitality organization, making a significant contribution to their success in the Eastern Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and optimize all catering operations, ensuring seamless execution of events from start to finish.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to enhance service quality, efficiency, and profitability.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a diverse team of catering staff, fostering a culture of high performance and accountability.
• Oversee budget management, cost control, inventory, and resource allocation to meet financial targets.
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety, hygiene standards, and all relevant health and safety regulations.
• Cultivate strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to ensure alignment and operational success.

Requirements

• Significant experience in catering operations management or a senior role within the hospitality industry.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex logistics, large teams, and financial responsibilities.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• In-depth knowledge of food and beverage operations, event planning, and industry best practices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and motivate others.
• Relevant qualifications in hospitality management or a related field are highly regarded.

Benefits

• A highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Significant opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• Leadership role with substantial impact and autonomy.
• Work within a dynamic and prestigious catering operation.
• Contribute to memorable events and client satisfaction in East London .