Event Manager - Catering Services

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 360,000 - 540,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonuses

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is partnering with a leading Richards Bay catering company to hire an Event Manager. You will oversee the full lifecycle of diverse events, from initial client consultation to post-event follow-up, ensuring impeccable service and profitability.

The role requires strong communication, negotiation and problem-solving skills, and a track record in planning weddings, private parties and corporate functions within KwaZulu-Natal.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years of experience in event management.
• Proven track record of planning and executing events.
• Excellent communication and multitasking abilities.

Responsibilities

• Manage catering event planning from inquiry to final billing.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients, vendors and venues.
• Develop detailed proposals including menus, staffing, logistics and budgets.
• Collaborate with culinary teams to design bespoke menus.
• Coordinate with vendors and venue managers to ensure smooth execution.
• Oversee setup, service and breakdown with high professionalism.
• Track expenses and ensure profitability of events.
• Conduct post-event evaluations and implement improvements.
• Troubleshoot issues during events with calm efficiency.
• Stay updated on event management and catering best practices.

Skills

Event planning

Budget management

Client relationship management

Tools

Vendor coordination

Negotiation

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading and innovative catering company located in **Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal**, is seeking a highly organized and client-focused Event Manager to join their team. This role is central to orchestrating seamless and memorable catering experiences for a diverse range of events, from weddings and private parties to large corporate functions. The Event Manager will be responsible for the entire event lifecycle, from initial client consultation and proposal development to seamless execution and post-event follow-up. The ideal candidate possesses exceptional communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills, combined with a deep understanding of the catering industry and logistics in **Richards Bay**. This is a dynamic role offering the opportunity to work on exciting projects and build strong client relationships within the **KwaZulu-Natal** region. We are looking for a dedicated professional who can manage multiple events simultaneously and ensure client satisfaction at every touchpoint.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of catering event planning and execution, from initial inquiry to final billing, for clients in **Richards Bay**.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, understanding their vision and exceeding expectations.
• Develop detailed event proposals, including menus, staffing, logistics, and budgets.
• Collaborate with the culinary team to create bespoke menus that align with client preferences and event themes.
• Coordinate with vendors, venue managers, and other service providers to ensure seamless event execution.
• Oversee event setup, service, and breakdown, ensuring high standards of presentation and professionalism.
• Manage event budgets effectively, tracking expenses and ensuring profitability.
• Conduct post-event evaluations to gather feedback and identify areas for improvement.
• Troubleshoot and resolve any issues that arise during events in a calm and efficient manner.
• Stay updated on industry trends and best practices in event management and catering.

Requirements

• Minimum of 4 years of experience in event management, preferably within the catering or hospitality industry in **KwaZulu-Natal**.
• Proven track record of successfully planning and executing a variety of events.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and multitasking abilities.
• Strong negotiation, sales, and client relationship management skills.
• Proficiency in budget management and cost control.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaunt effectively with clients, staff, and vendors.
• Ability to remain calm and resourceful under pressure, especially during **Richards Bay** events.
• A creative mindset with a keen eye for detail and a passion for delivering exceptional experiences.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and public holidays as required by event schedules.
• A valid driver's license and own reliable transport are preferred for site visits and event coordination.

Benefits

This **Richards Bay** role offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with opportunities for performance-based bonuses. Our client provides a stimulating and creative work environment, with the chance to manage diverse and exciting events across **KwaZulu-Natal**. You will benefit from professional development opportunities and be part of a highly regarded catering team. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating memorable moments for clients and contributing to the success of a growing business in **Richards Bay**. This is a challenging yet rewarding opportunity for a driven event professional.