Head of Catering Procurement & Logistics

Placements24; Graafwater; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement planning

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a strategic Head of Catering Procurement & Logistics for operations in Paarl, Western Cape. You will oversee the entire catering supply chain, from sourcing ingredients and managing supplier relations to executing efficient event logistics.

The role requires 6+ years in procurement or logistics within catering or hospitality, strong negotiation, budgeting, and food safety expertise, and proven leadership to drive cost efficiencies across multiple events.

Qualifications

• 6+ years in procurement or logistics, preferably catering or hospitality.
• Proven ability to manage complex supply chains and negotiate contracts.
• Strong inventory management principles and best practices.
• Budget management and financial performance experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic procurement plans for catering supplies, ingredients, and equipment.
• Negotiate supplier contracts to ensure quality and competitive pricing.
• Oversee inventory systems to minimize waste and maintain stock levels.
• Plan transport and delivery logistics for catering services to event venues.
• Ensure food safety and quality control across the supply chain.
• Collaborate with culinary and events teams to forecast needs and coordinate delivery.
• Monitor market trends for cost savings and process improvements.
• Maintain supplier relationships and manage procurement budgets.
• Lead and mentor procurement and logistics teams.

Skills

Procurement

Supply chain management

Inventory management

Logistics planning

Contract negotiations

Budget management

Leadership

Data analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Food safety knowledge

Education

Degree in Supply Chain Management

Tools

ERP software

Inventory management systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent event management company specializing in large-scale corporate and social functions, is seeking a strategic Head of Catering Procurement & Logistics for their operations in Paarl, Western Cape . This critical role involves overseeing the entire supply chain for their catering division, from sourcing high-quality ingredients and managing supplier relationships to ensuring efficient logistics for event execution. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in procurement, inventory management, and operational logistics within the catering or hospitality industry. You will be instrumental in driving cost efficiencies, ensuring quality control, and maintaining seamless operations across numerous events. This position demands strong analytical skills, excellent negotiation abilities, and a deep understanding of food safety and operational best practices in the Paarl area.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic procurement plans for all catering supplies, ingredients, and equipment.
• Manage and negotiate contracts with suppliers, ensuring competitive pricing and quality standards.
• Oversee inventory management systems to minimize waste and ensure adequate stock levels.
• Develop and manage efficient logistics plans for the transportation and delivery of catering services to event venues.
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety, hygiene, and quality control standards throughout the supply chain.
• Collaborate with the culinary and events teams to forecast needs and coordinate timely delivery.
• Analyze market trends and identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements.
• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key suppliers and vendors.
• Manage budgets related to procurement and logistics, ensuring financial targets are met.
• Lead and mentor a team of procurement and logistics specialists.

Requirements

• Minimum of 6 years of experience in procurement, supply chain management, or logistics, preferably within the catering or hospitality sector.
• Proven track record in managing complex supply chains and negotiating favorable supplier contracts.
• Strong understanding of inventory management principles and best practices.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and financial performance effectively.
• Proficiency in relevant software systems for procurement, inventory, and logistics.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective stakeholder engagement.
• Must be detail-oriented and highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• A relevant degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Logistics, or a related field is essential.
• Must be available to work on-site in Paarl, Western Cape .

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package and comprehensive benefits, including health insurance and retirement planning. This role provides significant opportunities for professional growth and the chance to impact a leading catering operation in the picturesque Paarl region. Employees benefit from a supportive work environment and access to ongoing training and development programs. Join a dynamic team and play a crucial role in ensuring the success of exceptional events.