Event Catering Director

Placements24; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive pay package

Autonomy

Prestigious events

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria, Gauteng, is seeking an accomplished Event Catering Director to lead our premier catering and events division. This executive role focuses on strategic direction, high-end event management, and delivering exceptional client experiences.

You will mentor a diverse team of event managers, chefs, and service staff, drive growth, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with health and safety standards while upholding top-tier service.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in event management and catering, with leadership experience.
• Proven track record in large-scale, high-profile events.
• Strong leadership, planning, and business development skills.
• Budgeting, forecasting, and cost control expertise.
• Knowledge of culinary trends, menu planning, and event logistics.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and client relationship skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic plans to drive growth and profitability of the catering division.
• Oversee end-to-end management of all catering events for flawless execution.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing team of event managers, chefs, and service staff.
• Collaborate with clients to understand needs and develop bespoke catering solutions.
• Manage budgets, control costs, and optimize financial performance of operations.
• Ensure adherence to health, safety, and food hygiene standards and regulations.
• Foster relationships with clients, vendors, and suppliers; drive innovation in menus and service styles.
• Monitor market trends to identify opportunities for business development.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Budgeting

Client Relations

Negotiation

Communication

Team Mentorship

Decision Making

Event Management Software

Education

Hospitality/Event Management degree

Tools

Event management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier catering and events company based in Pretoria, Gauteng, is seeking an accomplished and visionary Event Catering Director. This executive role is responsible for leading the strategic direction and operational execution of all catering events. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record in high-end event management, exceptional leadership qualities, and a deep understanding of the culinary landscape. You will be instrumental in driving growth, ensuring unparalleled client satisfaction, and maintaining the highest standards of service and quality. This is a unique opportunity to spearhead catering initiatives for a distinguished organization in the heart of South Africa's administrative capital, Pretoria.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic plans to drive the growth and profitability of the catering division.
• Oversee the end-to-end management of all catering events, ensuring flawless execution and exceptional client experiences.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing team of event managers, chefs, and service staff.
• Collaborate with clients to understand their needs and develop bespoke catering solutions that exceed expectations.
• Manage budgets, control costs, and optimize financial performance of the catering operations.
• Ensure adherence to all health, safety, and food hygiene standards and regulations.
• Foster strong relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, vendors, and suppliers.
• Drive innovation in menu development, service styles, and event concepts.
• Monitor market trends and competitor activities to identify opportunities for business development.
• Uphold the company's reputation for excellence and superior service delivery.

Requirements

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in event management and catering, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Demonstrated success in managing large-scale, high-profile events and complex catering operations.
• Exceptional leadership, strategic planning, and business development skills.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control expertise.
• In-depth knowledge of culinary trends, menu engineering, and event logistics.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and client relationship management skills.
• Proficiency in relevant event management software and tools.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, demanding environment and make critical decisions under pressure.
• A passion for delivering outstanding experiences and maintaining impeccable service standards.
• Relevant degree or certification in hospitality management, event management, or a related field.

Benefits

• An executive-level compensation package including base salary and performance incentives.
• Significant autonomy and the opportunity to shape the future of a leading catering business.
• Work on prestigious events for a wide range of clients in Pretoria.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Opportunities for continued professional development and industry recognition.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment with a talented team.