Executive Catering Manager - Fully Remote

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,996,000 - 2,994,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary rewards

Health, dental and vision insurance

Generous paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Remote work tools and support

401k plan with company match

Employee discounts on catering

Supportive virtual work environment

Opportunity to lead remote catering

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Executive Catering Manager to lead a remote catering and events portfolio. This senior role requires strategic vision, strong leadership, and a passion for delivering exceptional culinary experiences to high-profile clients, all managed from a fully remote setup.

You will develop catering strategies, supervise a distributed team, negotiate with vendors, manage budgets, and collaborate with marketing to grow the remote service.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in senior catering or event management.
• Proven ability to lead remote teams and manage distributed staff.
• Strong organizational, project management, and multitasking skills.
• Deep understanding of food and beverage operations, menu planning and execution.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and interpersonal abilities.
• Experience with event management software and virtual collaboration tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement catering strategies aligned with company objectives.
• Oversee all aspects of event planning, execution, and post-event analysis for diverse events.
• Mentor and manage a distributed team of catering professionals.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships and drive repeat business.
• Negotiate contracts and manage vendor relationships to optimize costs and quality.
• Develop and manage budgets ensuring profitability of catering operations.
• Stay updated on industry trends and best practices in catering and events.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and sanitation regulations.
• Collaborate with marketing and sales to develop new service offerings.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues promptly during events or operations.

Skills

Remote team leadership

Budget management

Vendor management

Event planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management or related field

Tools

Event management software

Virtual collaboration tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in the hospitality and events industry, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Executive Catering Manager to join their dynamic team. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to manage operations from anywhere. You will be instrumental in driving growth and ensuring unparalleled service delivery for a diverse portfolio of clients. The ideal candidate possesses a strategic mindset, exceptional leadership skills, and a deep understanding of the catering and event management landscape. This role demands a proactive approach to client relations, team management, and operational excellence, all managed within a virtual environment. You will be the primary point of contact for high-profile clients, ensuring their catering needs are met with precision and creativity. Our client is committed to fostering a collaborative and innovative remote work culture where your contributions are valued and recognized. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of remote catering management and make a significant impact on our client's success.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive catering strategies aligned with company objectives.
• Oversee all aspects of event planning, execution, and post-event analysis for a wide range of events, from intimate gatherings to large-scale functions.
• Manage and mentor a distributed team of catering professionals, fostering a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.
• Build and maintain strong, long-lasting client relationships, ensuring exceptional satisfaction and repeat business.
• Negotiate contracts and manage vendor relationships to optimize costs and quality.
• Develop and manage budgets, ensuring profitability and financial accountability for all catering operations.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, innovations, and best practices in catering and event management.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation regulations.
• Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to develop new service offerings and identify new business opportunities.
• Troubleshoot and resolve any issues that may arise during events or operations promptly and effectively.

Requirements

• Proven experience (minimum 7 years) in a senior catering management or event management role.
• Demonstrated success in leading and managing remote teams.
• Exceptional organizational, project management, and multitasking abilities.
• Strong understanding of food and beverage operations, menu planning, and execution.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency in event management software and virtual collaboration tools.
• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and make sound decisions in a remote setting.
• A passion for delivering outstanding culinary experiences and exceptional customer service.
• Must have a stable internet connection and a dedicated home office space conducive to remote work.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within a growing organization.
• Access to cutting-edge remote work technologies and support.
• The flexibility and autonomy of a fully remote position.
• Employee discounts on catering services.
• Contribution to a 401k plan with company match.
• A supportive and collaborative virtual work environment.
• Chance to lead and innovate in the remote catering sector.