Catering Operations Manager

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary package

Medical aid and retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay seeks an experienced Catering Operations Manager to lead and optimize catering services. The role requires strategic oversight of event management, food and beverage operations, logistics, and team leadership to deliver exceptional client experiences.

You will drive profitability, manage budgeting and P&L, oversee staff scheduling and vendor relations, ensure compliance with health and safety standards, and mentor a high-performing team across multi-site events.

Qualifications

• 7+ years catering/hospitality operations experience.
• Budgeting, P&L analysis, and cost control.
• Ability to lead large teams in demanding environments.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety standards and event logistics.
• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Admin, or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic operational plans to enhance service quality, efficiency, and profitability.
• Manage all aspects of catering operations, including staff scheduling, inventory control, budget management, and vendor relationships.
• Oversee the execution of events from setup to breakdown, addressing operational challenges promptly.
• Lead, train, and motivate the catering team, fostering high performance and accountability.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and sanitation regulations.
• Analyze operational performance data, identify trends, and implement corrective actions to optimize resource utilization and customer satisfaction.

Skills

Leadership

Financial management

Budgeting

P&L analysis

Food safety

Event logistics

Supply chain management

Strategic planning

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Catering Operations Manager to oversee and optimize their catering services in Richards Bay . This leadership role requires a comprehensive understanding of event management, food and beverage operations, logistics, and team leadership. You will be responsible for driving operational efficiency, ensuring profitability, and maintaining the highest standards of service delivery across all catering functions. The ideal candidate is a results-oriented professional with a proven track record in managing complex catering operations, focused on achieving excellence and exceeding client expectations in a diverse market.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and implement strategic operational plans to enhance service quality, efficiency, and profitability. Manage all aspects of catering operations, including staff scheduling, inventory control, budget management, and vendor relationships. Oversee the execution of events, ensuring seamless coordination from setup to breakdown, and addressing any operational challenges promptly. Lead, train, and motivate the catering team, fostering a culture of high performance, accountability, and continuous improvement. Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation regulations, maintaining impeccable standards in all operational areas. Analyze operational performance data, identify trends, and implement corrective actions to optimize resource utilization and customer satisfaction.

Requirements

Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in catering or hospitality operations management. Demonstrated expertise in financial management, including budgeting, P&L analysis, and cost control. Proven ability to lead and manage large teams in a demanding operational environment. In-depth knowledge of food safety standards, event logistics, and supply chain management. Excellent strategic planning, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred.

Benefits

Attractive executive salary package with bonus potential. Comprehensive benefits including medical aid and retirement fund. Significant opportunities for career advancement and leadership development. Responsible for a high-profile catering operation with significant impact. A dynamic and challenging work environment with a focus on excellence.