Event Catering Operations Director

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive benefits

Hybrid work model

Career growth

Job summary

Placements24 in Upington is seeking an Event Catering Operations Director to oversee strategic and on-site management across multiple venues in the Northern Cape, ensuring service quality, profitability, and regulatory compliance.

You will lead a large team of operations managers, chefs, and service staff, develop robust operating plans, manage budgets, and partner with sales for new business opportunities, all within a hybrid model.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in hospitality and event catering operations, with at least 5 years in senior leadership.
• Proven track record managing multi-venue catering operations with P&L responsibility.
• Strong knowledge of health, safety, and sanitation regulations in food service.
• Excellent financial acumen with budgeting, cost control, and reporting.
• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic operational plans to enhance efficiency, profitability, and service quality.
• Oversee and manage multiple venue-based catering operations from planning to execution.
• Lead and develop a team of operations managers, chefs, and support staff.
• Set and enforce standards for food safety, hygiene, quality control, and customer service.
• Manage budgets, costs, and financial performance for all catering operations.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing to ensure operational readiness for new business.
• Oversee procurement and vendor relationships for cost-effectiveness.
• Implement and refine policies and best practices for consistent service.
• Analyze data and metrics to identify opportunities and drive improvements.
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements for food service and venue ops.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Strong communication

Problem solving

Financial acumen

People management

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a premier event catering and hospitality group operating across multiple prestigious venues in the Northern Cape , including Upington . We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic Event Catering Operations Director to oversee and optimize all operational aspects of our catering services. This is a leadership role with a hybrid work arrangement, requiring significant on-site presence for venue oversight and team management, complemented by remote work for strategic planning, financial analysis, and administrative duties. The Director will be responsible for ensuring the highest standards of service delivery, operational efficiency, profitability, and client satisfaction across all events. You will lead a large team of operational managers, chefs, and service staff, driving continuous improvement and maintaining our reputation for excellence. The ideal candidate possesses exceptional leadership, a deep understanding of the hospitality and catering industry, and a proven ability to manage complex operations in a multi-venue environment. Your strategic vision will be critical in guiding the company’s growth and operational success in the Northern Cape region.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic operational plans to enhance efficiency, profitability, and service quality across all catering operations.
• Oversee and manage multiple venue-based catering operations, ensuring seamless execution of events from planning to completion.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of operations managers, chefs, and support staff, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Establish and enforce stringent standards for food safety, hygiene, quality control, and customer service.
• Manage budgets, control costs, and optimize financial performance for all catering operations.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to ensure operational readiness for new business opportunities and client events.
• Oversee inventory management, procurement, and vendor relationships to ensure cost-effectiveness and quality.
• Implement and refine operational policies, procedures, and best practices for consistent service delivery.
• Analyze operational data and performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and drive innovation.
• Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements related to food service and venue operations.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in hospitality and event catering operations management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role (Director, VP, or similar).
• Demonstrated success in managing large-scale, multi-venue catering operations with a strong focus on P&L responsibility.
• Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• In-depth knowledge of catering operations, food and beverage management, event logistics, and staff management.
• Strong understanding of health, safety, and sanitation regulations within the food service industry.
• Excellent financial acumen, with experience in budgeting, cost control, and financial reporting.
• Proficiency in using relevant operational and financial management software.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, balancing remote strategic work with extensive on-site operational oversight.
• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field is highly preferred.

Benefits

• This hybrid role offers a highly competitive salary, executive-level benefits, and significant opportunities for career advancement within a leading hospitality group.
• Enjoy the flexibility of a hybrid work model while playing a pivotal role in the operational success and strategic direction of our catering services across the Northern Cape .
• Join a dynamic and innovative company committed to delivering exceptional experiences in Upington and beyond.