Corporate Events Catering Director

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Executive salary package

Bonus scheme

Generous leave

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, seeks a Corporate Events Catering Director to lead strategy, operations and financial performance for the corporate catering division. You will manage a team of event professionals, ensure flawless execution from intimate lunches to large conferences, and drive growth through strong client relationships.

The role requires 8+ years in catering management, senior leadership experience, and a passion for culinary excellence.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years in catering management with corporate/events focus.
• Experience in director-level or senior management within hospitality or events.
• Strong understanding of corporate events landscape and client expectations.
• Proven budgeting/financial management, pricing, and P&L experience.
• Excellent leadership, team-building and negotiation skills.
• Outstanding communication and presentation abilities.
• Passion for culinary excellence and innovative menu design for corporate settings.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement catering strategies to meet corporate clients' needs.
• Oversee all operational aspects: menu planning, logistics, staffing, client service.
• Build and maintain relationships with key corporate clients as their main contacts.
• Lead and mentor the catering team to drive high performance and client satisfaction.
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, pricing, and profitability for the division.
• Ensure high standards of quality, safety, and hygiene across services.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing to identify opportunities and proposals.
• Stay updated on industry trends and supplier partnerships.
• Oversee vendor selection and negotiate favorable terms.

Skills

Leadership

Business acumen

Client relationships

Budgeting/P&L

Event management software

MS Office

Negotiation

Communication

Team building

Creative catering

Education

Hospitality or Business degree

Tools

Event Management Software

MS Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading corporate event management and catering company based in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga , is seeking a highly accomplished and visionary Corporate Events Catering Director. This senior leadership position is responsible for the strategic direction, operational oversight, and financial performance of our corporate catering division. The ideal candidate will possess a sophisticated understanding of the corporate events market, a proven ability to cultivate strong client relationships, and a passion for delivering exceptional culinary and service experiences. You will lead a dedicated team of event professionals, ensuring flawless execution of events ranging from intimate executive luncheons to large-scale conferences and galas. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of corporate catering in Nelspruit and drive significant growth for our esteemed organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement innovative catering strategies to meet and exceed the evolving needs of corporate clients.


• Oversee all operational aspects of corporate catering, including menu planning, logistics, staffing, and client service.


• Build and maintain strong, long-lasting relationships with key corporate clients, acting as their primary point of contact and trusted advisor.


• Lead, mentor, and inspire the corporate catering team, fostering a high-performance culture focused on excellence and client satisfaction.


• Manage the financial performance of the corporate catering division, including budgeting, forecasting, pricing, and profitability analysis.


• Ensure all catering services adhere to the highest standards of quality, safety, and hygiene.


• Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to identify new business opportunities and develop compelling proposals.


• Stay current with industry trends, competitor activities, and emerging technologies to maintain a competitive edge.


• Oversee vendor selection and management, negotiating favorable terms and ensuring reliable supply chains.


• Handle client feedback and resolve any issues with professionalism and efficiency to ensure complete satisfaction in Nelspruit .

Requirements

• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in catering management, with a significant focus on corporate events and B2B services.


• Proven track record of success in a director-level or senior management role within the hospitality or event industry.


• Exceptional understanding of the corporate event landscape and client expectations.


• Strong business acumen, with demonstrated experience in financial management, budgeting, and P&L responsibility.


• Excellent leadership, team-building, and motivational skills.


• Outstanding communication, presentation, and negotiation abilities.


• A passion for culinary excellence and innovative menu design tailored for corporate settings.


• Proficiency in event management software and MS Office Suite.


• Ability to work under pressure and manage complex projects simultaneously in a dynamic environment in Nelspruit .


• A degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client is pleased to offer a competitive executive salary package, starting at ZAR per annum, reflective of the seniority and scope of this role.


• This position comes with significant autonomy and the opportunity to make a tangible impact on business growth in Nelspruit .


• You will enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, a performance-driven bonus structure, and a generous leave allowance.


• Our client is committed to employee development and provides opportunities for further training and career progression.