Event Catering Specialist

Placements24; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 520,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary plus commission

Comprehensive medical aid

Retirement fund benefits

Access to a variety of events

Training opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Port Elizabeth seeks an Event Catering Specialist to be the face of their catering services. You will engage with clients to capture their event vision and translate it into memorable culinary experiences, managing consultations and tailored menu proposals.

You will oversee on-site execution, coordinate with kitchen and service teams, and ensure flawless delivery while building lasting client relationships through proactive communication and meticulous attention to detail.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years in client-facing roles within catering, hospitality, or events.
• Strong sales and negotiation skills with a proven ability to close deals.
• Excellent presentation and communication, with a flair for understanding client needs.
• Knowledge of food and beverage trends, dietary restrictions, and event etiquette.

Responsibilities

• Conduct client consultations to design bespoke catering packages that meet event needs and budgets.
• Prepare detailed proposals and contracts, clearly outlining services, menus, and pricing.
• Oversee the setup and execution of catering services at event venues, ensuring seamless operation.
• Coordinate with kitchen staff, front-of-house teams, and external suppliers to ensure flawless delivery.
• Gather client feedback post-event and use it to improve service offerings.

Skills

Client-facing

Sales & negotiation

Presentation skills

Communication

Food & beverage trends

Dietary knowledge

Event etiquette

Time management

Multi-project management

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dedicated Event Catering Specialist to be the face of their catering services in Port Elizabeth . This role involves engaging directly with clients to understand their event vision and translating it into a memorable culinary experience. You will manage client consultations, develop tailored menu proposals, oversee event execution, and ensure all catering logistics are handled with precision and care. This position is ideal for someone passionate about food, events, and client satisfaction, who enjoys working hands-on to deliver exceptional service in the Eastern Cape region.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct client consultations to design bespoke catering packages that meet specific event needs and budgets.
• Prepare detailed proposals and contracts, clearly outlining services, menus, and pricing.
• Oversee the setup and execution of catering services at event venues, ensuring seamless operation.
• Coordinate with kitchen staff, front-of-house teams, and external suppliers to ensure flawless delivery.
• Gather client feedback post-event and use it to continuously improve service offerings and client experience.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in client-facing roles within the catering, hospitality, or events industry.
• Strong sales and negotiation skills, with a proven ability to close deals.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills, with a flair for understanding client needs.
• Knowledge of food and beverage trends, dietary restrictions, and event etiquette.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary plus commission on sales.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Access to a variety of exciting events and client projects in Port Elizabeth .
• Paid opportunities for attending industry events and training.
• A rewarding work environment that values creativity and client focus.