Catering Services Director

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive-level compensation

Performance bonuses

Car allowance

Health and retirement benefits

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Catering Services Director in Bloemfontein to lead a large catering division across diverse events, from banquets to corporate functions. You will shape strategy, optimize operations, and drive profitability while maintaining exceptional service standards.

The role requires a decade of senior catering management experience, strong financial acumen, and outstanding leadership. You will build cross-functional partnerships and mentor senior staff in a well-established

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of senior management experience in catering or hospitality.
• Proven track record of leading and growing a significant catering division or business unit.
• Strong strategic planning, financial management and team leadership skills.
• Deep understanding of event management, food & beverage operations and logistics.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the strategic vision for the catering services division.
• Oversee all operational aspects including event planning, F&B management and logistics.
• Mentor a team of catering managers, chefs and staff to high performance.
• Drive revenue growth through innovative services and partnerships.
• Ensure budgeting, cost control and profitability targets are met.
• Uphold quality, service and safety standards including hygiene and compliance.
• Implement best practices and new technologies to optimize operations.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing and culinary teams for cohesive delivery.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and strategic planning for the division.

Skills

Senior management

Team leadership

Strategic planning

Financial management

Operations leadership

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Customer experience

Education

Hospitality Management degree

Business Administration (optional)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished hospitality group in Bloemfontein, is seeking a strategic and experienced Catering Services Director. This senior leadership role is responsible for the overall strategic direction, operational excellence, and financial performance of the company's extensive catering division. The ideal candidate will possess a proven ability to lead large teams, drive innovation, and deliver exceptional service across a wide spectrum of events, from large-scale banquets to bespoke corporate functions. This is a significant opportunity to shape the future of catering services in Bloemfontein and to lead a division that is integral to the client's success. You will be instrumental in maintaining and enhancing the company's reputation for quality and reliability.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the strategic vision for the catering services division, aligning with overall company goals.
• Oversee all operational aspects, including event planning, execution, food and beverage management, and logistics.
• Manage and mentor a team of catering managers, chefs, and operational staff, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Drive revenue growth through innovative service offerings, strategic partnerships, and exceptional client relations.
• Ensure strict adherence to financial targets, including budgeting, cost control, and profitability management.
• Uphold and enhance the company's reputation for quality, service, and safety standards, including food hygiene and compliance.
• Identify and implement best practices and new technologies to optimize catering operations.
• Collaborate closely with sales, marketing, and culinary departments to ensure cohesive service delivery.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and strategic planning sessions for the catering division.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of senior management experience in the catering or hospitality industry, with a strong focus on operations and business development.
• Proven track record of leading and growing a significant catering division or business unit.
• Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, financial management, and team leadership.
• Comprehensive understanding of event management, food and beverage operations, and logistics.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• A passion for delivering outstanding customer experiences and maintaining brand integrity.
• Relevant degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience working in Bloemfontein or a similar major South African city is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Executive-level compensation package including base salary and performance bonuses.
• Significant influence over the strategic direction of a major catering operation.
• Opportunity to lead and develop a talented team in Bloemfontein.
• Work within a well-established and reputable hospitality group.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• Car allowance and other executive perks.
• Professional development opportunities at the highest level.