Catering Operations Manager - Industrial & Corporate

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

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Company vehicle

Fuel allowance

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 partners with a leading national catering services provider to recruit a Catering Operations Manager for Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. You will oversee day-to-day catering operations across industrial sites, corporate offices and events, ensuring service excellence and profitability.

Lead a dedicated team, manage budgets and cost controls, uphold HACCP and food safety standards, and build strong client relationships in a fast-paced, corporate environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of progressive catering management experience, preferably in industrial, mining, or corporate services.
• Strong budget management, cost control, and financial reporting capabilities.
• Excellent understanding of food safety regulations, HACCP principles, and quality management systems.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop teams, and manage client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day catering operations for industrial sites, corporate offices, and events.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of catering staff including chefs and service personnel.
• Oversee budgeting, cost control, and financial performance to meet profitability targets.
• Ensure adherence to health, safety, and HACCP standards with regular audits.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships and address client needs.
• Manage inventory, procurement, and stock control to optimize costs.
• Implement procedures to enhance efficiency and service quality.
• Collaborate with sales/marketing to identify new business opportunities and support renewals.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Budget management

Cost control

HACCP knowledge

Client relationship management

Negotiation

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

MS Office

Education

Hospitality Management degree

Business Administration degree

Tools

MS Office

Catering management systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading national catering services provider, is seeking a results-oriented and experienced Catering Operations Manager to oversee their growing operations in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This pivotal role involves managing all facets of catering service delivery, from contract execution and client relations to team leadership and financial performance within a demanding industrial and corporate sector. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring efficient operations, maintaining the highest standards of food safety and quality, and driving profitability. You will lead a dedicated team, ensuring operational excellence and client satisfaction in a complex and fast-paced environment. This is an opportunity to make a significant impact on our client's presence in the strategic industrial hub of Richards Bay , contributing to their reputation for reliability and quality in the KwaZulu-Natal region.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day catering operations for industrial sites, corporate offices, and special events, ensuring timely and efficient service delivery.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of catering staff, including chefs, kitchen assistants, and service personnel.
• Oversee budget management, cost control, and financial performance of the catering operations, ensuring profitability targets are met.
• Ensure strict adherence to all health, safety, and food hygiene standards (e.g., HACCP), conducting regular audits and implementing corrective actions.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, addressing their needs and ensuring a high level of satisfaction.
• Manage inventory, procurement, and stock control to optimize costs and minimize waste.
• Implement and monitor operational procedures to enhance efficiency and service quality.
• Collaborate with the sales and marketing teams to identify new business opportunities and support contract renewals.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and company policies.
• Oversee fleet management and logistics for catering deliveries and services.

Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in catering management, preferably within the industrial, mining, or corporate services sector.
• Proven experience in managing large-scale operations and significant budgets.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire staff.
• Excellent understanding of food safety regulations, HACCP principles, and quality management systems.
• Demonstrated experience in cost control, inventory management, and financial reporting.
• Strong client relationship management and negotiation skills.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing operational demands in Richards Bay .
• Proficiency in relevant software, including MS Office Suite and catering management systems.
• A relevant qualification in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, including a substantial annual bonus, reflecting the importance of this role.
• The position comes with a company vehicle and fuel allowance, along with opportunities for extensive professional development and career advancement within a leading national organization.
• Employees will benefit from a challenging yet supportive work environment, contributing to the success of operations in the key industrial region of Richards Bay , KwaZulu-Natal .
• This role provides the chance to shape and grow a significant business unit and to lead a dedicated team committed to operational excellence and client satisfaction.