Executive Catering Operations Manager (Remote)

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Development opportunities

Remote work

Bonuses

Tech tools

Employee assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Executive Catering Operations Manager to lead its remote catering operations team across prestigious events. You will drive profitability, maintain high service standards, and shape remote management practices with a strategic mindset.

The role requires 8+ years in catering management, including 3+ in senior leadership, and strong budgeting, food safety, and supplier relationships. This is a remote, high-impact leadership position with growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in catering management, incl. 3+ years in a senior role.
• Proven ability to lead remote teams.
• Strong culinary, event planning, and food-safety know-how.
• Budgeting, forecasting and cost-control experience.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder skills.
• Experience with catering management software & remote tools.
• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee remote catering ops from planning to delivery.
• Set and implement plans to boost service quality and efficiency.
• Manage budgets, costs and resources to ensure profitability.
• Lead and develop a remote catering team.
• Uphold food safety, hygiene and regulatory compliance.
• Build relationships with clients, suppliers and vendors.
• Drive remote-friendly menu and process innovations.
• Analyze metrics and act on improvements.

Skills

Catering management

Remote team leadership

Budgeting & cost control

Food safety & compliance

Client relationships

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management

Tools

Catering management software

Remote collaboration tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and expanding hospitality group, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Executive Catering Operations Manager to lead their remote operations team. This is a pivotal role for an individual with a passion for exceptional culinary experiences and a proven track record in managing complex catering logistics from afar. You will be instrumental in driving innovation, maintaining impeccable service standards, and ensuring the profitability of our client's catering division across various prestigious events and venues. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership qualities, strategic thinking abilities, and a comprehensive understanding of the catering industry's best practices, adapted for a remote work environment. This position offers the unique opportunity to shape the future of remote catering management within a supportive and forward-thinking organization. We are committed to fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement, and this role is central to that mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and direct all aspects of the catering operations, ensuring seamless execution from planning to delivery, while working remotely.
• Develop and implement strategic operational plans to enhance service quality, efficiency, and client satisfaction.
• Manage budgets, control costs, and optimize resource allocation for catering events to ensure profitability.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a remote team of catering professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Maintain rigorous standards for food safety, hygiene, and compliance with all relevant regulations across all managed operations.
• Cultivate strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and vendors to ensure optimal service delivery and cost-effectiveness.
• Drive innovation in menu development, service delivery, and operational processes tailored for remote oversight.
• Analyze performance metrics, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective actions to achieve operational goals.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in catering management, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven ability to manage remote teams and operations effectively using modern communication and management tools.
• Exceptional understanding of culinary arts, event planning, food safety standards, and supply chain management.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficiency in relevant catering management software and remote collaboration platforms.
• A bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing market demands and client needs in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package reflecting your experience and expertise.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• A supportive and collaborative remote work environment.
• Performance-based bonuses and incentives.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and tools to facilitate remote work.
• Employee assistance program for well-being support.