Elite Event Operations Lead – Catering & Logistics

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 720,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Highly competitive salary

Performance-based incentives

Career advancement opportunities

Travel and accommodation allowances

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Senior Event Operations Manager for its premier event management and catering operations in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. You will oversee end-to-end planning and execution of catering and events, ensuring flawless delivery and exceptional client satisfaction.

The role requires 7+ years in event operations, strong budgeting, vendor negotiations, people leadership and risk management in high-volume environments; you will lead cross-functional teams and drive

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive experience in event operations management, with catering or hospitality background.
• Proven ability to manage complex, large-scale events from conception to completion.
• Strong budgeting, risk assessment and vendor management experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end operational planning and execution of all catering and events.
• Develop and manage event budgets, ensuring targets are met and costs controlled.
• Oversee vendor selection, negotiation and relationship management.
• Create comprehensive logistics plans including staffing and scheduling.
• Perform site inspections and risk assessments with mitigation strategies.
• Manage on-site operations during events and troubleshoot issues.
• Motivate and lead operational teams with clear direction.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, security and licensing regulations.
• Conduct post-event evaluations and identify improvements.
• Collaborate with sales/client relations to meet and exceed expectations.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Vendor negotiation

Team leadership

Risk assessment

Tools

Event management software

MS Office Suite

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Senior Event Operations Manager for its premier event management and catering operations in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. You will oversee end-to-end planning and execution of catering and events, ensuring flawless delivery and exceptional client satisfaction.

The role requires 7+ years in event operations, strong budgeting, vendor negotiations, people leadership and risk management in high-volume environments; you will lead cross-functional teams and drive