Lead Catering Event Manager - Premium Client Portfolio

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement contributions

Professional development

Networking events

Staff discounts

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Lead Catering Event Manager to oversee a portfolio of premium events in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. You will lead a team of event professionals, manage budgets, and coordinate all logistical aspects from venue selection to flawless execution.

The role offers a hybrid work model, balancing client-facing activities with strategic planning, and provides opportunities to elevate the brand's reputation for luxury hospitality in Stellenbosch.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years in event management, with luxury catering experience.
• Proven leadership of teams and client accounts.
• Strong budget management and profitability focus.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Bachelor's or higher in Hospitality Management or Event Management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of catering event coordinators and on-site staff.
• Plan and execute high-end catering events for premium clients.
• Develop proposals, timelines, and budgets to ensure profitability.
• Oversee vendor selection and management across multiple suppliers.
• Coordinate venue inspections and on-site operations.
• Liaise with clients to understand needs and exceed expectations.
• Collaborate with culinary teams to tailor bespoke menus.
• Conduct post-event debriefs and financial reconciliations.

Skills

Team leadership

Budget management

Client relations

Negotiation

Event planning

Communication

MS Office Suite

Event management software

Education

Hospitality/Event Management degree

Tools

MS Office Suite

Event management software

Job description

About the Role Our client is seeking an experienced and sophisticated Lead Catering Event Manager to oversee a portfolio of premium clients in the vibrant region of Stellenbosch, Western Cape. This role is critical in ensuring the highest standards of service and client satisfaction for exclusive events. You will lead a team of event professionals, manage budgets, and coordinate all logistical aspects from venue selection to flawless execution. The ideal candidate possesses exceptional leadership qualities, a refined palate, and a deep understanding of luxury hospitality and event management. This position offers a hybrid work model, providing the flexibility to balance client-facing activities and strategic planning with focused work from home, fostering a productive and dynamic work environment. You will be instrumental in shaping memorable experiences for our client's discerning clientele, maintaining and elevating the brand's reputation for excellence in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. Your expertise will ensure that every event reflects the prestige and quality expected by our client's top-tier customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of catering event coordinators and on-site staff.
• Manage the planning and execution of high-end catering events for a portfolio of premium clients.
• Develop detailed event proposals, timelines, and budgets, ensuring profitability and client satisfaction.
• Oversee vendor selection and management, including caterers, florists, entertainment, and rental companies.
• Conduct site inspections and venue assessments to ensure suitability for events.
• Manage on-site event operations, ensuring seamless service delivery and prompt resolution of issues.
• Liaise directly with clients to understand their needs, provide expert advice, and ensure expectations are exceeded.
• Collaborate with culinary teams to create bespoke menus that align with event themes and client preferences.
• Conduct post-event debriefs and financial reconciliations.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in event management, with a significant portion dedicated to high-end catering or luxury hospitality.
• Proven experience in leading and managing teams.
• Demonstrated success in managing budgets and client accounts for premium services.
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong negotiation and vendor relationship management abilities.
• A sophisticated understanding of food, wine, and current event trends.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as dictated by event schedules.
• Proficiency in event management software and MS Office Suite.
• A relevant degree in Hospitality Management, Event Management, or a related field is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with performance-based incentives and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement contributions.
• Employees benefit from professional development opportunities, including advanced training and workshops, and have access to exclusive networking events.
• The hybrid work model promotes a healthy work-life balance.
• Enjoy opportunities for career progression within a respected organization and a supportive team environment.
• Staff discounts on events and access to unique experiences are also part of the package.
• This role is based in the beautiful surroundings of Stellenbosch, Western Cape , offering a challenging and rewarding career path.