Lead Catering Event Designer

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 550,000 - 850,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Catering Event Designer in Sandton. The role blends remote creative work with on-site client meetings, driving the full design process from concept to execution.

You will lead a design team, collaborate with culinary and event planners, and ensure every detail reflects brand identity and client vision. A strong portfolio and leadership capability are essential.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in event design or creative direction.
• Strong portfolio showcasing successful concepts.
• Ability to translate client needs into compelling designs.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Solid knowledge of culinary trends, food presentation, and decor.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and develop unique catering themes and event designs.
• Collaborate with clients to capture brand and event objectives.
• Create mood boards, sketches, and presentations to communicate concepts.
• Coordinate with culinary teams to align menu with design aesthetics.
• Lead vendors and manage budgets for decor and design elements.
• Provide on-site design direction during events and ensure seamless execution.
• Mentor junior design staff and evolve our design offerings.

Skills

Creative design

Leadership

Budget management

Client communication

Project management

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a sophisticated and innovative catering and event design company located in Sandton , is seeking a visionary and experienced Lead Catering Event Designer . This hybrid role combines remote creative work with on-site client consultations and event coordination. You will be responsible for conceptualizing and executing unique, high-impact catering experiences that align with client visions and brand identities. The ideal candidate possesses exceptional creativity, a keen aesthetic sense, and a thorough understanding of culinary trends, event logistics, and client service. You will lead the design process, collaborating closely with clients, culinary teams, and event planners to ensure every detail contributes to a memorable and cohesive event.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and develop unique catering themes and event designs for a diverse clientele.
• Collaborate with clients to understand their vision, brand, and event objectives, translating them into tangible design plans.
• Create detailed mood boards, sketches, and presentations to effectively communicate design concepts.
• Work closely with the culinary team to ensure menu design complements the overall event aesthetic and theme.
• Oversee the selection and sourcing of decor, floral arrangements, linens, and other event elements.
• Coordinate with external vendors, including florists, rental companies, and production teams, to bring design visions to life.
• Manage design budgets, ensuring creative execution within financial parameters.
• Provide on-site design direction and oversight during events to ensure seamless execution.
• Stay abreast of the latest trends in event design, culinary arts, and hospitality.
• Lead and mentor junior design staff and contribute to the continuous evolution of our design offerings.

Requirements

• Minimum of 6 years of experience in event design, creative direction, or a related field, with a strong portfolio showcasing successful event concepts.
• Exceptional creativity, artistic talent, and a strong understanding of design principles.
• Proven ability to translate client needs and brand identities into compelling event designs.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong knowledge of culinary trends, food presentation, and thematic decor.
• Proficiency in design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite) and standard office applications.
• Experience managing budgets and coordinating with multiple vendors.
• Ability to work effectively both remotely and on-site for client meetings and event execution in the Sandton area.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• A passion for creating extraordinary and unforgettable events.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, commensurate with experience and talent, along with excellent benefits including health insurance and paid time off. This hybrid role provides a stimulating and flexible work environment. You will have the opportunity to work with a prestigious clientele and a talented team, pushing the boundaries of event design and catering in the dynamic Sandton landscape. Join us and shape the future of experiential events.