Catering Operations Manager

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Bonuses

Professional development

Flexible schedule

Dynamic virtual environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a proactive Catering Operations Manager to lead our remote catering services from a centralized, virtual setting. You will drive strategic initiatives, ensure top-tier service quality, and oversee distributed teams across all aspects of culinary delivery and client management.

Ideal candidates will have 5+ years in senior catering management, strong menu planning and food safety knowledge, plus proven ability to optimize remote operations and vendor relationships for cost

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in senior catering management or operations.
• Proven remote team management experience.
• Strong grasp of culinary trends, menu planning, event coordination, and food safety.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic plans to enhance operational efficiency and profitability for all remote catering services.
• Manage and mentor a distributed team of catering staff, ensuring adherence to quality standards and performance metrics.
• Oversee inventory management, supply chain logistics, and vendor relationships to ensure cost-effectiveness and timely delivery.
• Client relationship management, including handling inquiries, contract negotiations, and ensuring client satisfaction for all events.
• Maintain strict compliance with health, safety, and hygiene regulations across all operational aspects, despite the remote nature of management.
• Analyze performance data and generate reports to identify areas for improvement and future growth opportunities.

Skills

Remote team leadership

Catering operations

Budget & cost control

Vendor management

Health & safety compliance

Menu planning

Event coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality/Business

Tools

Scheduling tools

Virtual collaboration platforms

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a proactive and experienced Catering Operations Manager to spearhead their remote catering operations. This pivotal role involves overseeing all aspects of culinary service delivery, client relations, and operational efficiency, entirely from a remote setting. You will be instrumental in maintaining our client's high standards of quality and customer satisfaction while driving growth and innovation within the catering division. This position is ideal for a results-oriented leader who excels in managing distributed teams and possesses a deep understanding of the catering industry, with a proven ability to adapt to a virtual work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic plans to enhance operational efficiency and profitability for all remote catering services.
• Manage and mentor a distributed team of catering staff, ensuring adherence to quality standards and performance metrics.
• Oversee inventory management, supply chain logistics, and vendor relationships to ensure cost-effectiveness and timely delivery.
• Client relationship management, including handling inquiries, contract negotiations, and ensuring client satisfaction for all events.
• Maintain strict compliance with health, safety, and hygiene regulations across all operational aspects, despite the remote nature of management.
• Analyze performance data and generate reports to identify areas for improvement and future growth opportunities.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a senior catering management or operations role.
• Proven experience in successfully managing remote teams and operations.
• Strong understanding of culinary trends, menu planning, event coordination, and food safety standards.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a remote workforce.
• Proficiency in operations management software, scheduling tools, and virtual collaboration platforms.
• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary package.
• Opportunity to work in a fully remote capacity, offering flexibility and work-life balance.
• Performance-based bonuses and incentives.
• Professional development opportunities and continuous learning support.
• A dynamic and supportive virtual work environment.