Head Caterer - Event Management

Placements24; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 750,000 - 1,150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Career development

Training programs

Dynamic work environment

Prestigious employer

Job summary

Placements24 in Gauteng is seeking an experienced Head Caterer to oversee all catering operations based in Tembisa. You will lead a team of professionals, design menus, manage events from concept to completion, and uphold top-quality service and safety standards.

The role requires a proven track record in event catering management, strong budgeting and client relationship skills, and the ability to adapt menus to diverse dietary needs and themes.

Qualifications

• Six+ years in a senior catering management role.
• Experience in event planning and menu engineering.
• Strong budgeting and P&L management.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• Solid food safety knowledge and compliance.
• Ability to manage multiple events in high-pressure environments.
• Creative flair for menu design and presentation.
• Flexible hours including evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the entire catering team, including chefs, servers, and event coordinators, ensuring efficient operations and exceptional service delivery.
• Develop creative and appealing menus tailored to diverse client needs, including specific dietary requirements and theme-based events.
• Oversee event logistics from conception to completion, ensuring all catering aspects are meticulously planned and executed.
• Manage catering budgets, including cost control, pricing strategies, and supplier negotiations, to maximize profitability and efficiency.
• Maintain stringent health, safety, and hygiene standards throughout all catering activities and facilities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, understanding their vision and ensuring their expectations are met and exceeded.
• Continuously innovate and improve catering services by staying abreast of industry trends and customer feedback.
• Manage inventory, procurement of ingredients, and equipment maintenance to ensure operational readiness.

Skills

Leadership

Menu engineering

Budgeting

P&L management

Food safety

Event planning

Communication

Team management

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned hospitality group, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Head Caterer to oversee all catering operations based in **Tembisa, Gauteng**. This position is crucial for leading a team of catering professionals, ensuring the seamless execution of events, and maintaining the highest standards of food quality and service. You will be instrumental in developing innovative menus, managing budgets, and fostering strong client relationships. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in event catering management and a passion for creating memorable culinary experiences. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to shape the catering division of a growing organization and make a significant impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the entire catering team, including chefs, servers, and event coordinators, ensuring efficient operations and exceptional service delivery.
• Develop creative and appealing menus tailored to diverse client needs, including specific dietary requirements and theme-based events.
• Oversee event logistics from conception to completion, ensuring all catering aspects are meticulously planned and executed.
• Manage catering budgets, including cost control, pricing strategies, and supplier negotiations, to maximize profitability and efficiency.
• Maintain stringent health, safety, and hygiene standards throughout all catering activities and facilities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, understanding their vision and ensuring their expectations are met and exceeded.
• Continuously innovate and improve catering services by staying abreast of industry trends and customer feedback.
• Manage inventory, procurement of ingredients, and equipment maintenance to ensure operational readiness.

Requirements

• A minimum of 6 years of experience in a senior catering management role.
• Demonstrated expertise in event planning, menu engineering, and food and beverage service management.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, cost control, and P&L management.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate a diverse team.
• A thorough understanding of food safety regulations and best practices.
• Proven ability to manage multiple events simultaneously in a high-pressure environment.
• A creative flair for menu design and presentation.
• Flexibility to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, as dictated by event schedules in **Tembisa, Gauteng**.

Benefits

• Attractive salary commensurate with experience and responsibilities.
• Opportunity to lead and shape catering operations in a vibrant sector.
• Access to professional development and ongoing training programs.
• A dynamic work environment with diverse and exciting events.
• Contribution to a well-regarded hospitality group in **Gauteng**.