Hybrid Culinary Operations Leader — Catering Excellence

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Paid leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Culinary Operations Manager to lead catering operations in Pretoria and surrounding regions. This hybrid role combines on-site oversight with remote strategic planning and management.

You will drive culinary quality, cost control, and client satisfaction, guiding kitchen teams and coordinating with events and sales. Strong leadership and HACCP knowledge are essential for success in this senior role.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in professional culinary arts and catering operations management.
• 4+ years in a supervisory/management role.
• Menu development, costing and execution for diverse events.
• Strong leadership and ability to motivate culinary teams.
• Knowledge of HACCP and kitchen hygiene practices.
• Budget control and inventory management.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Hybrid work model experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all culinary operations for catering events, ensuring quality, presentation, and taste standards.
• Manage kitchen staff: hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluations.
• Develop and refine menus in collaboration with clients and the culinary team.
• Enforce food safety, hygiene, and sanitation protocols across kitchen ops.
• Control food costs, manage inventory, and optimize purchasing.
• Collaborate with event planning and sales teams for seamless execution.
• Conduct remote quality checks and provide strategic direction in the hybrid model.
• Maintain supplier relationships and negotiate favorable terms.

Skills

Leadership

Menu costing

Budgeting

Quality control

Communication

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Culinary Operations Manager to lead catering operations in Pretoria and surrounding regions. This hybrid role combines on-site oversight with remote strategic planning and management.

You will drive culinary quality, cost control, and client satisfaction, guiding kitchen teams and coordinating with events and sales. Strong leadership and HACCP knowledge are essential for success in this senior role.