Global Catering Operations Director

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive compensation package

Performance bonuses

Long-term incentive plans

Flexibility and autonomy

Comprehensive health, dental, andret

Retirement savings plan

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Global Catering Operations Director for a remote leadership role within a leading international catering and hospitality group. You will set strategic direction, standardize practices across regions, and drive efficiency and profitability worldwide.

The role emphasizes virtual leadership, cross-cultural communication, and management of dispersed teams, with travel as needed and a focus on quality assurance and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 10-15 years of progressive leadership experience in global catering or hospitality operations, with a substantial portion in senior management roles.
• Proven expertise in strategic planning, operational efficiency, supply chain management, and quality assurance.
• Exceptional virtual leadership capabilities, with a track record of motivating and managing remote teams effectively.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, P&L management, and financial reporting.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills, with cross-cultural sensitivity.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the global operational strategy for catering services.
• Establish and maintain world-class operational standards across international divisions.
• Oversee and optimize supply chain, procurement, and inventory control for cost-effectiveness and quality.
• Drive continuous improvement to enhance efficiency, service quality and client satisfaction globally.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire diverse regional operations managers and catering directors via virtual leadership.
• Implement robust QA programs and ensure compliance with international health, safety, and food handling regulations.
• Analyze market trends, competitor activities, and customer feedback to identify growth opportunities.
• Manage budgets and profitability of global catering operations with regular executive reports.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing, and culinary teams to develop innovative service offerings.
• Foster relationships with clients, suppliers, and regulatory bodies worldwide.

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a leading international catering and hospitality group looking for an experienced and visionary Global Catering Operations Director to lead their strategic initiatives from a remote position. This senior leadership role demands a comprehensive understanding of global catering operations, supply chain management, quality assurance, and business development within the hospitality sector. The ideal candidate will be responsible for setting the operational direction, standardizing best practices across different regions, and driving efficiency and profitability on a worldwide scale. As a remote employee, you will be expected to excel in virtual leadership, cross-cultural communication, and the management of diverse, dispersed teams. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of a global catering enterprise from the comfort of your home office. We seek a highly strategic thinker with a proven ability to implement large-scale operational improvements and foster a culture of excellence. Your impact will be felt across continents.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the global operational strategy for catering services, ensuring alignment with the company's overall business objectives.
• Establish and maintain world-class operational standards, policies, and procedures across all international catering divisions.
• Oversee and optimize supply chain management, procurement, and inventory control processes to ensure cost-effectiveness and quality.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, service quality, and client satisfaction globally.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a diverse team of regional operations managers and catering directors through effective virtual leadership.
• Implement robust quality assurance programs and ensure compliance with all international health, safety, and food handling regulations.
• Analyze market trends, competitor activities, and customer feedback to identify new business opportunities and areas for strategic growth.
• Manage budgets, financial performance, and profitability of global catering operations, providing regular reports to executive leadership.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing, and culinary teams to develop innovative service offerings and support new contract acquisitions.
• Foster strong relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, suppliers, and regulatory bodies worldwide.

Requirements

• A minimum of 10-15 years of progressive leadership experience in global catering or hospitality operations, with a substantial portion in senior management roles.
• Demonstrated success in managing large-scale, multi-national operations and teams.
• Proven expertise in strategic planning, operational efficiency, supply chain management, and quality assurance.
• Exceptional virtual leadership capabilities, with a track record of motivating and managing remote teams effectively.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, P&L management, and financial reporting.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills, with cross-cultural sensitivity.
• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field; MBA or equivalent preferred.
• Proficiency in using global enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and advanced data analytics tools.
• Ability to travel internationally as required (though the role is remote-based).
• A deep understanding of international food safety regulations and best practices.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive executive compensation package, including a substantial base salary, performance-based bonuses, and long-term incentive plans.
• This remote position provides unparalleled flexibility and autonomy.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, a generous retirement savings plan, and opportunities for continuous professional development are provided.
• You will have the chance to lead transformative initiatives within a globally recognized organization and shape the future of international catering.
• Join a forward-thinking company committed to innovation and excellence, where your strategic vision will drive significant global impact.