Event Planning Assistant - Catering Focus

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Employee wellness programs

Job summary

Placements24 in East London is seeking an organized Event Planning Assistant to support the senior planning team with a focus on catering for events. You will help coordinate menus, manage vendor communications, and prepare client proposals and timelines, ensuring top-notch catering details for a seamless client experience.

The role offers hybrid work arrangements and opportunities to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic events industry within the Eastern Cape.

Qualifications

• Previous administrative or assistant experience in events, hospitality, or catering.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
• A team player with a positive attitude and willingness to learn.
• Passion for event planning and catering industry.
• Based in East London or willing to relocate there.
• Relevant qualification in Hospitality Management, Event Management, or Business Administration is a plus.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the planning and coordination of catering logistics for various events.
• Communicate with clients to gather requirements for menus, dietary needs, and beverage selections.
• Liaise with chefs and kitchen staff to finalize menu details and ensure timely preparation.
• Prepare event-specific documentation, including client proposals, contracts, and timelines related to catering.
• Coordinate with external vendors for rentals, staffing, and other event-related services.
• Manage event-related administrative tasks, including filing, scheduling, and correspondence.
• Assist on-site during events to support the event management team and ensure catering runs smoothly.
• Maintain organized records of client information, event details, and vendor communications.
• Conduct research on new trends in catering and event planning.
• Provide general administrative support to the event planning department.

Skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Written and verbal communication

Multitasking

Team player

Customer service orientation

Attention to detail

Willingness to learn

Passion for events and catering

Education

Hospitality Management, Event Management, or Business Administration (plus)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious event management and catering company based in East London, is seeking an organized and proactive Event Planning Assistant. This role provides crucial support to the senior event planning team, with a specific focus on the catering aspects of events. The ideal candidate will assist in coordinating menus, managing vendor communications, preparing event documentation, and ensuring all catering details are meticulously handled for a seamless client experience. This is an excellent opportunity for an aspiring event professional to gain hands‑on experience in a dynamic industry within the Eastern Cape. You will play a vital part in bringing memorable events to life in East London.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the planning and coordination of catering logistics for various events.
• Communicate with clients to gather requirements for menus, dietary needs, and beverage selections.
• Liaise with chefs and kitchen staff to finalize menu details and ensure timely preparation.
• Prepare event‑specific documentation, including client proposals, contracts, and timelines related to catering.
• Coordinate with external vendors for rentals, staffing, and other event‑related services.
• Manage event‑related administrative tasks, including filing, scheduling, and correspondence.
• Assist on‑site during events to support the event management team and ensure catering runs smoothly.
• Maintain organized records of client information, event details, and vendor communications.
• Conduct research on new trends in catering and event planning.
• Provide general administrative support to the event planning department.

Requirements

• Previous experience in an administrative or assistant role, preferably within the events, hospitality, or catering industry.
• Excellent organizational and time‑management skills, with a strong attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
• A team player with a positive attitude and willingness to learn.
• Passion for event planning and the catering industry.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to East London.
• A relevant qualification in Hospitality Management, Event Management, or Business Administration is a plus.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends, as event schedules require.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive entry‑level salary, opportunities for professional development and training, and a hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility. You will gain invaluable experience supporting diverse events in East London and grow within a supportive team environment. This role includes access to employee wellness programs and the chance to build a promising career in the vibrant event planning and catering sector.