Event Catering Operations Manager

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based incentives

Career development opportunities

On-site role in Mossel Bay

Job summary

Placements24 in Mossel Bay, Western Cape seeks an experienced Event Catering Operations Manager to oversee all operational aspects of our catering business. The role covers kitchen operations, event setup, service delivery and post-event wrap-up, with a focus on leadership, efficiency, and adherence to food safety standards.

The ideal candidate will have strong operational, budgeting and team-management skills, and be willing to work on-site in Mossel Bay, with flexibility for evenings and

Qualifications

• 6+ years of progressive catering operations management or similar leadership role.
• Proven experience in managing kitchen operations, events logistics and service teams.
• Strong understanding of food safety standards and regulations.
• Excellent organizational, planning and time-management skills.
• Demonstrated leadership with focus on team development and motivation.
• Financial acumen including budgeting and cost control.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day catering operations including kitchen production, event execution and service delivery.
• Develop and implement efficient operational procedures to ensure quality and timeliness.
• Manage and schedule catering staff, provide training, supervision and evaluations.
• Ensure HACCP and health regulations are strictly followed.
• Manage inventory, procurement and supplier relationships to control costs.
• Coordinate with sales and culinary teams to plan and execute events per client specifications.
• Oversee event setup and breakdown ensuring venue readiness and client satisfaction.
• Troubleshoot and resolve operational issues during events.
• Monitor budgets and contribute to financial planning.

Skills

Operational leadership

Budgeting

Food safety

Event logistics

Team management

Planning & time management

Tools

MS Office

Inventory management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a leading provider of bespoke catering services in the picturesque Mossel Bay, Western Cape region, known for delivering unforgettable culinary experiences for diverse events. We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Event Catering Operations Manager to oversee all operational aspects of our catering business. This critical role involves managing logistics, coordinating teams, ensuring quality standards, and optimizing efficiency to guarantee the seamless execution of every event. You will be responsible for the smooth running of kitchen operations, event setup, service delivery, and post-event wrap-up. The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented professional with a strong background in operations management within the hospitality or catering industry, possessing excellent leadership and problem-solving skills. This is an on-site role, crucial for the success of our operations in Mossel Bay.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all day-to-day catering operations, including kitchen production, event execution, and service delivery.
• Develop and implement efficient operational procedures to ensure quality, consistency, and timeliness.
• Manage and schedule catering staff, providing training, supervision, and performance evaluations.
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety, health, and hygiene regulations (HACCP).
• Manage inventory, procurement, and supplier relationships to control costs and maintain stock levels.
• Coordinate with the sales and culinary teams to effectively plan and execute events according to client specifications.
• Oversee event setup and breakdown, ensuring venue readiness and client satisfaction.
• Troubleshoot and resolve operational issues promptly and effectively during events.
• Monitor operational budgets and contribute to financial planning.

Requirements

• A minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in catering operations management or a similar leadership role in the hospitality industry.
• Proven experience in managing kitchen operations, event logistics, and service teams.
• Strong understanding of food safety standards and health regulations.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and time-management skills.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities with a focus on team development and motivation.
• Financial acumen, including experience with budgeting and cost control.
• Proficiency in relevant software, such as MS Office and inventory management systems.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays.
• Must reside in or be willing to relocate to Mossel Bay, Western Cape.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Opportunity to manage operations for a well-regarded catering company.
• Be part of a passionate and professional team.
• Career development opportunities within a growing organization.
• Contribute to memorable events in a beautiful coastal setting.