Corporate Events & Catering Director

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Performance bonuses

Remote work flexibility

Travel opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban seeks a Corporate Events & Catering Director to lead strategic planning and execution of all corporate catering services and events.

You will oversee a dedicated team, ensuring seamless, high-quality experiences that align with client expectations and brand standards while driving growth and profitability.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years in event management, corporate hospitality, or catering management.
• At least 4 years in a director or senior leadership role.
• Proven success with large-scale corporate events and strategic catering plans.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and client relationship skills.
• Strong budgeting, forecasting, and profitability analysis.
• Proficiency in event management software and CRM systems.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Understanding of event logistics, catering operations, and vendor management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic plans for corporate catering services and event management.
• Oversee lifecycle of corporate events from concept through post-event evaluation.
• Lead a team of event coordinators, catering staff, and support personnel.
• Maintain strong relationships with corporate clients and tailor solutions.
• Develop and manage catering budgets, ensuring profitability.
• Source and negotiate with vendors and suppliers for services and venues.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and licensing regulations.
• Drive sales and business development to expand the client base.
• Create and present proposals, contracts, and event plans.
• Monitor industry trends and implement innovative practices.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Client relationships

Negotiation

Presentations

Communication

Vendor management

Strategic planning

Event management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management

Tools

Event management software

CRM systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished corporate catering and hospitality services provider operating in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal , is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Corporate Events & Catering Director. This key leadership position will be responsible for the strategic planning, development, and execution of all corporate catering services and events. The role demands exceptional organizational skills, a keen business sense, and a proven ability to manage complex projects and client relationships. You will oversee a dedicated team, ensuring the delivery of seamless, high-quality catering experiences that align with our client's brand and client expectations. We are looking for an individual who can drive innovation, optimize operational efficiency, and contribute to the growth of the business through exceptional service delivery in the bustling Durban market and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic plans for corporate catering services and event management.
• Oversee the entire lifecycle of corporate events, from conceptualization and budgeting to execution and post-event evaluation.
• Manage and lead a team of event coordinators, catering staff, and support personnel, ensuring high performance and professional development.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with corporate clients, understanding their needs and delivering tailored solutions.
• Develop and manage catering budgets, ensuring profitability and cost-effectiveness.
• Source and negotiate with vendors and suppliers for event services, catering supplies, and venue rentals.
• Ensure all events and catering operations comply with health, safety, and licensing regulations.
• Drive sales and business development efforts to expand the corporate client base.
• Create and present proposals, contracts, and event plans to clients.
• Continuously monitor industry trends and implement innovative practices to enhance service offerings.

Requirements

• A minimum of 8 years of experience in event management, corporate hospitality, or catering management, with at least 4 years in a director or senior leadership role.
• Demonstrated success in managing large-scale corporate events and developing strategic catering plans.
• Exceptional leadership, team management, and client relationship management skills.
• Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting, and profitability analysis.
• Proficiency in event management software and CRM systems.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• A comprehensive understanding of event logistics, catering operations, and vendor management.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and perform effectively under pressure in a dynamic environment.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to exceeding client expectations.
• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field is highly preferred.

Benefits

• Attractive annual salary package designed to reward experience and performance.
• A leading role within a reputable corporate catering organization in Durban .
• Opportunity to shape and deliver high-impact corporate events.
• Professional growth and leadership development opportunities.
• A dynamic work environment focused on innovation and client satisfaction.
• Potential for remote work flexibility, with occasional travel to client sites as needed.
• Company benefits including medical aid and performance bonuses.