Event Catering Operations Manager - Upington Exhibition Centre

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 450,000 - 800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Event Catering Operations Manager to lead catering services at the Exhibition Centre in Upington, Northern Cape. You will oversee kitchen operations, supervise a diverse catering team, ensure food quality and service, and maintain safety standards.

This role requires strong leadership, exceptional organizational skills, and a deep understanding of event catering logistics across exhibitions, conferences, and private functions.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 5-7 years of experience in catering management, preferably in large-scale venues, convention centers, or hotels.
• Proven track record of managing high-volume catering operations and diverse event types.
• Strong leadership, team management, and motivational skills.
• Excellent understanding of culinary operations, food safety regulations, and quality control.
• Exceptional organizational, planning, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in budget management and cost control techniques.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing event demands.
• A relevant qualification in Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, or a related field is preferred.
• Must be able to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays, based on event schedules.
• Must be able to reside in or commute to Upington, Northern Cape.

Responsibilities

• Manage and direct all day-to-day catering operations within the Exhibition Centre, ensuring efficiency and quality.
• Lead, train, and schedule a large team of chefs, kitchen staff, and service personnel.
• Oversee menu planning and execution, collaborating with clients and the culinary team to meet diverse event needs.
• Ensure all food preparation, handling, and service meet the highest standards of quality, presentation, and safety (HACCP compliant).
• Manage inventory, procurement, and cost control to achieve financial targets and minimize waste.
• Develop and implement operational procedures to optimize workflow and service delivery.
• Liaise effectively with event organizers, venue management, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless coordination.
• Maintain all catering equipment and facilities, ensuring they are clean, safe, and in good working order.
• Address client feedback and resolve any operational issues promptly and professionally.
• Stay current with industry trends and innovations in event catering.

Skills

Leadership

Operations management

Budgeting

HACCP

Food safety

Team management

Event catering

Education

Hospitality / Culinary Management degree

Tools

Budgeting software

Job description

About the Role Our client seeks an experienced and dynamic Event Catering Operations Manager to lead the catering services at the prominent Exhibition Centre in Upington, Northern Cape . This critical role involves overseeing all operational aspects of large-scale catering for exhibitions, conferences, corporate events, and private functions. You will be responsible for managing kitchen operations, supervising a diverse catering team, ensuring impeccable food quality and service delivery, and maintaining strict health and safety standards. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership capabilities, exceptional organizational skills, and a deep understanding of event catering logistics. This is a significant opportunity to manage high-volume, complex events in a key regional hub. Working in Upington , you'll be at the forefront of delivering exceptional hospitality experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and direct all day-to-day catering operations within the Exhibition Centre, ensuring efficiency and quality.
• Lead, train, and schedule a large team of chefs, kitchen staff, and service personnel.
• Oversee menu planning and execution, collaborating with clients and the culinary team to meet diverse event needs.
• Ensure all food preparation, handling, and service meet the highest standards of quality, presentation, and safety (HACCP compliant).
• Manage inventory, procurement, and cost control to achieve financial targets and minimize waste.
• Develop and implement operational procedures to optimize workflow and service delivery.
• Liaise effectively with event organizers, venue management, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless coordination.
• Maintain all catering equipment and facilities, ensuring they are clean, safe, and in good working order.
• Address client feedback and resolve any operational issues promptly and professionally.
• Stay current with industry trends and innovations in event catering.

Requirements

• A minimum of 5-7 years of experience in catering management, preferably in large-scale venues, convention centers, or hotels.
• Proven track record of managing high-volume catering operations and diverse event types.
• Strong leadership, team management, and motivational skills.
• Excellent understanding of culinary operations, food safety regulations, and quality control.
• Exceptional organizational, planning, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in budget management and cost control techniques.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing event demands.
• A relevant qualification in Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, or a related field is preferred.
• Must be able to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays, based on event schedules.
• Must be able to reside in or commute to Upington, Northern Cape .

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid and a retirement fund. This role provides significant opportunities for professional growth and career advancement within the event and hospitality industry. You will work in a dynamic environment, managing diverse and exciting events at a key venue in Upington . Enjoy the challenge of leading a large team and contributing to the success of major regional events.