Event Catering Operations Director

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Performance bonuses

Retirement contributions

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Event Catering Operations Director to lead and optimize catering operations across multiple sites in the Soweto/Gauteng region. The role demands strategic oversight of service delivery, cost control, and team leadership.

The candidate will drive growth, ensure regulatory compliance, and collaborate with sales and culinary teams to meet business goals, delivering exceptional client experiences in a dynamic events environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in catering and event management.
• At least 5 years in a senior leadership or director-level role overseeing significant operations.
• Strong financial acumen with P&L, budgeting and cost control experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement operational strategies to enhance efficiency, quality, and profitability of catering services.
• Oversee planning, execution, and delivery of all catering events from conception to completion.
• Manage, train, and mentor a diverse team of catering staff including managers, supervisors, chefs, and service personnel.
• Control budgets, manage food and beverage costs, and implement cost-saving measures without compromising quality.
• Ensure adherence to health, safety, sanitation, and licensing regulations.
• Build and maintain relationships with vendors, suppliers, and clients.
• Drive improvements through innovation and technology adoption.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing, and culinary departments to align with business goals.
• Manage logistics for multiple events to ensure seamless resource coordination.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Financial acumen

P&L management

Budgeting

Cost control

Communication

Negotiation

Team development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading and highly respected catering and events company serving the Soweto and greater Gauteng region, is seeking an experienced and strategic Event Catering Operations Director. This senior leadership role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of catering operations, ensuring exceptional service delivery, driving operational efficiency, and managing a large team of staff across multiple event sites. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in large-scale event management and catering operations, strong financial acumen, and a proven ability to lead and inspire teams. You will be pivotal in maintaining and enhancing our client's reputation for quality and reliability, driving growth, and achieving strategic objectives in the competitive Soweto market and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement operational strategies to enhance efficiency, quality, and profitability of catering services.
• Oversee the planning, execution, and successful delivery of all catering events, from conception to completion.
• Manage, train, and mentor a diverse team of catering staff, including managers, supervisors, chefs, and service personnel.
• Control operational budgets, manage food and beverage costs, and implement cost-saving measures without compromising quality.
• Ensure strict adherence to all health, safety, sanitation, and licensing regulations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key vendors, suppliers, and clients.
• Drive operational improvements through innovation, technology adoption, and best practice implementation.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide feedback to direct reports and operational teams.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing, and culinary departments to ensure alignment with business goals.
• Manage logistics for multiple events simultaneously, ensuring seamless coordination of resources and personnel.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in catering and event management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership or director-level role overseeing significant operations.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale, high-volume catering operations and diverse teams.
• Strong financial acumen, including P&L management, budgeting, and cost control expertise.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Flexibility to work varied hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays, as required by business needs in the Soweto region.
• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to drive operational excellence and innovation.

Benefits

• This executive position offers a highly competitive salary, commensurate with experience and leadership responsibilities, along with a comprehensive executive benefits package including health insurance, performance bonuses, and retirement contributions.
• You will have the opportunity to lead a significant operation within a well-established company and influence its strategic direction.
• Career advancement opportunities within the organization are substantial.
• Our client provides a challenging yet rewarding work environment that fosters professional growth and development.
• Join a team dedicated to culinary excellence and unparalleled event experiences in the vibrant Gauteng market.
• This role offers the satisfaction of leading a key division and contributing to the company's continued success and market leadership.