Catering Service Director

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa is seeking a visionary Catering Service Director to lead service delivery for clients across Mahikeng, North West and surrounding areas. This executive role requires strategic leadership in hospitality, and a track record of managing large-scale catering operations with a focus on client satisfaction.

You will oversee service standards, mentor a diverse team, coordinate with culinary and sales units, manage staffing and budgets, and drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 10 years in hospitality management with at least 5 years in a director or senior leadership role focused on service delivery.
• Proven success in managing large teams and high-volume catering or event operations.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate teams.
• Strong understanding of event logistics, food and beverage service, and client relationship management.
• Experience developing and implementing effective service training programs.
• Financial acumen including budget management and cost control.
• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• Willingness to work irregular hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain exceptional service standards across all catering events and client interactions.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a diverse team of catering staff, including supervisors, servers, and support personnel.
• Oversee event execution from a service perspective, ensuring seamless delivery, timely service, and adherence to client specifications.
• Manage staffing levels, scheduling, and training programs to ensure a highly skilled and professional service team.
• Address and resolve client feedback and service issues promptly and effectively, maintaining high levels of client satisfaction.
• Collaborate with culinary and sales teams to ensure a unified approach to client experiences.
• Monitor service performance, gather feedback, and implement strategies for continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Manage the budget for service operations, controlling costs while upholding quality standards.
• Stay abreast of industry trends in service delivery and event management to keep our client at the forefront.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier catering and events company, is seeking a visionary Catering Service Director to lead and elevate the service experience for clients across Mahikeng, North West, and surrounding areas. This executive-level position requires a strategic leader with extensive experience in hospitality, a passion for delivering unparalleled customer service, and a proven ability to manage large-scale operations. This is a challenging and rewarding opportunity for a dedicated professional to make a significant impact on a highly reputable brand within the North West region. The hybrid work model offers a balance between strategic planning, team management, and direct client engagement, allowing for comprehensive oversight of all service-related activities. We seek an individual committed to service excellence and continuous operational improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain exceptional service standards across all catering events and client interactions.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a diverse team of catering staff, including supervisors, servers, and support personnel.
• Oversee event execution from a service perspective, ensuring seamless delivery, timely service, and adherence to client specifications.
• Manage staffing levels, scheduling, and training programs to ensure a highly skilled and professional service team.
• Address and resolve client feedback and service issues promptly and effectively, maintaining high levels of client satisfaction.
• Collaborate with culinary and sales teams to ensure a unified approach to client experiences.
• Monitor service performance, gather feedback, and implement strategies for continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Manage the budget for service operations, controlling costs while upholding quality standards.
• Stay abreast of industry trends in service delivery and event management to keep our client at the forefront.

Requirements

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in hospitality management, with at least 5 years in a director or senior leadership role focused on service delivery.
• Demonstrated success in managing large teams and high-volume catering or event operations.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with a talent for motivating teams.
• Strong understanding of event logistics, food and beverage service, and client relationship management.
• Proven ability to develop and implement effective service training programs.
• Financial acumen, including budget management and cost control.
• A bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred.
• Flexibility to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required by event schedules.
• A passion for creating memorable experiences and delivering outstanding service.

Benefits

• A highly competitive executive salary and bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health, wellness, and retirement benefits package.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.
• A dynamic and challenging role with substantial autonomy and impact.
• Access to industry-leading training and development resources.
• Opportunity to work with a prestigious company and high-profile events.
• Generous vacation and leave policy.