Executive Catering Manager

Placements24; KwaZulu-Natal; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Leadership opportunity

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks an Executive Catering Manager to lead a premier catering division for events of all sizes. You will shape culinary strategy, oversee menus, service delivery and client satisfaction with a focus on excellence.

The role requires a proven leader with extensive catering experience, strong mentorship skills, rigorous HACCP adherence, and a track record in budgeting and profitability. This is a high-impact position within a respected organization.

Qualifications

• Progressive leadership experience in high-end catering or hospitality.
• Strong culinary knowledge and ability to manage diverse teams.
• Excellent understanding of food safety regulations and HACCP.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement innovative catering strategies to meet client expectations.
• Oversee daily catering operations from menu planning to service delivery.
• Mentor chefs, kitchen staff, service personnel, and event coordinators.
• Maintain quality control for food safety, hygiene, and presentation.
• Make client relationships a priority, delivering bespoke catering solutions.
• Control inventory, procurement, and supplier relationships to ensure cost-effectiveness.
• Develop catering budgets and monitor expenditures to achieve profitability.
• Lead new menu concepts and stay ahead of industry trends.
• Coordinate logistics with venues, vendors and stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Budgeting & P&L

Food safety & HACCP

Menu planning & culinary excellence

Education

Diploma or degree in Hospitality Management

Tools

Catering management software

MS Office Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier event services provider in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking a highly experienced and dynamic Executive Catering Manager to lead their dedicated catering division. This pivotal role requires a visionary leader with a deep understanding of culinary excellence, operational efficiency, and client satisfaction. You will be instrumental in shaping the future of our catering services, ensuring seamless execution of events from intimate gatherings to large-scale banquets. The successful candidate will embody a passion for high-quality food and exceptional service, driving innovation and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism. This is an unparalleled opportunity to make a significant impact within a respected organization in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement innovative catering strategies and service models to meet evolving market demands and client expectations.
• Oversee all aspects of daily catering operations, including menu planning, food preparation, presentation, service delivery, and post-event cleanup.
• Manage and mentor a diverse team of chefs, kitchen staff, service personnel, and event coordinators, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Maintain stringent quality control standards for food safety, hygiene, and presentation across all catering activities, adhering to all relevant regulations.
• Build and nurture strong relationships with clients, understanding their unique needs and delivering bespoke catering solutions that exceed expectations.
• Manage inventory, procurement, and supplier relationships, ensuring cost-effectiveness and quality of ingredients and supplies.
• Develop and manage the catering budget, monitoring expenditures and revenue to ensure profitability and financial targets are met.
• Lead the conceptualization and execution of new menu items and culinary experiences, staying abreast of industry trends and innovations.
• Ensure flawless logistical planning and execution for all events, coordinating with venue staff, vendors, and other stakeholders.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in high-end catering management or a similar leadership role within the hospitality industry.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex events and large-scale catering operations.
• Exceptional culinary knowledge and a passion for food artistry, with a strong understanding of various cuisines and dietary requirements.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate, train, and develop staff.
• Excellent understanding of food safety regulations, HACCP principles, and health and safety standards.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience in budgeting, cost control, and P&L management.
• Outstanding interpersonal, communication, and client relations skills, with a professional and polished demeanor.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and maintain composure in demanding situations.
• Proficiency in relevant catering management software and MS Office Suite.
• Relevant diploma or degree in Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, or a related field is preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of R .
• Opportunity to lead and shape the catering division of a reputable company.
• Access to ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• Be part of a dynamic and supportive work environment committed to excellence.
• Potential for career advancement within the organization.