Executive Catering Manager (Remote)

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

Fully remote

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Executive Catering Manager to lead a distributed team from a remote home office. You will craft and execute strategic catering plans, manage client relationships, and ensure flawless delivery of varied events worldwide.

The ideal candidate will have 7+ years in catering/hospitality, strong budgeting and leadership skills, and proficiency with remote collaboration tools. A dedicated home office and high-speed internet are essential.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive catering or hospitality experience with leadership exposure.
• Proven track record of managing complex catering operations and high-volume events.
• Strong remote team leadership and collaboration skills.
• Excellent budgeting, P&L management, and cost-control abilities.
• Excellent communication and negotiation with diverse clients.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic catering plans aligned to client objectives.
• Oversee planning and execution of remote catering events, ensuring quality and timelines.
• Mentor and manage a distributed team of catering professionals.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships and deliver personalized solutions.
• Collaborate with culinary teams on menu development considering dietary trends.
• Conduct market research to identify opportunities and stay ahead of industry practices.
• Maintain compliance with health, safety, and hygiene regulations across operations.
• Lead client presentations and negotiations showcasing capabilities.

Skills

Remote leadership

Budgeting / P&L

Client relationship management

Negotiation

Communication

Strategic planning

Event software proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management or related

Tools

Zoom

Slack

Asana

Event management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier catering and event management firm, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Executive Catering Manager to lead their dynamic team. This is a fully remote, first-choice position, offering unparalleled flexibility and the opportunity to shape high-profile culinary experiences from the comfort of your home office. You will be instrumental in developing and executing innovative catering strategies, managing client relationships, and ensuring the flawless delivery of events across various scales. The ideal candidate possesses a strategic mindset, exceptional leadership qualities, and a deep understanding of the catering industry's nuances, particularly in optimizing operations and client satisfaction through remote management. This role demands a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of service and quality in a virtual environment. We are looking for a leader who can inspire and guide a distributed team, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented culture, regardless of physical location. Your expertise will be key to driving growth and enhancing our client's reputation for excellence in bespoke catering solutions, with a strong emphasis on leveraging technology for seamless communication and coordination.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic catering plans to meet and exceed client expectations and business objectives.
• Oversee the planning and execution of all catering events, ensuring adherence to budget, quality standards, and timelines.
• Manage and mentor a remote team of catering professionals, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with clients, understanding their needs and delivering personalized, high-quality catering solutions.
• Collaborate with culinary teams to create innovative and appealing menu options, considering dietary restrictions and current food trends.
• Conduct market research to identify new business opportunities and stay abreast of industry best practices and competitor activities.
• Implement and manage remote operational protocols for efficient event coordination and client communication.Analyze event performance data to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and hygiene regulations across all managed operations.
• Lead client presentations and negotiations, showcasing our client's capabilities and bespoke offerings.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in the catering or hospitality industry, with at least 3 years in a management or leadership role.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex catering operations and high-volume events.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate remote teams effectively.
• Exceptional organizational, time management, and multitasking skills.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience in budgeting, P&L management, and cost control.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills, with the ability to build rapport with diverse clients.
• Proficiency in event management software and virtual collaboration tools (e.g., Zoom, Slack, Asana).
• A degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred.
• Must have a dedicated home office space with reliable high-speed internet connectivity.
• A passion for food, service excellence, and creating memorable guest experiences is essential.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive compensation package, including a comprehensive benefits plan.
• As a fully remote role, you will enjoy the flexibility and autonomy to manage your work-life balance effectively.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within a leading catering organization are abundant.
• You will have the chance to work on prestigious events and collaborate with a talented, supportive, and geographically diverse team.
• We invest in our employees' growth and provide the resources needed to succeed in a remote-first environment.
• This role offers the unique advantage of contributing to a successful business while maintaining a flexible work arrangement, making it ideal for seasoned professionals seeking a modern approach to leadership in the catering industry.