Lead Catering Operations Manager (Remote)

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote role

Competitive salary

Impact on national leader

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Catering Operations Manager to oversee fully remote catering services on a national scale in South Africa. You will develop strategies, lead remote teams, and drive quality, efficiency, and profitability across regions.

The role requires 7–10 years in catering/hospitality operations with strong leadership, budget mastery, and a strategic mindset. A Bachelor’s degree is preferred, and home-office readiness with reliable internet is essential.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of progressive catering/hospitality operations experience.
• Experience leading remote or multi-site teams.
• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement operational strategies for remote catering.
• Lead a geographically dispersed team of coordinators and staff.
• Set and enforce standards for food quality, hygiene, and safety.
• Oversee budget, cost control, and financial performance.
• Identify process improvements and leverage technology for efficiency.
• Manage relationships with key vendors and partners.
• Develop and monitor KPIs to track performance.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and company policies.
• Drive innovation in catering offerings and service models.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing, and product teams to support growth.

Skills

Remote leadership

Catering operations management

Budget management

P&L responsibility

Strategic thinking

Team leadership

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

CRM software

Operational management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a national hospitality group specializing in innovative catering solutions, is seeking a strategic and experienced Lead Catering Operations Manager to oversee their remote operations. This fully remote leadership role requires a visionary individual capable of managing and optimizing catering services across various regions without a central physical office. You will be responsible for developing operational strategies, managing remote teams, ensuring quality control, and driving efficiency and profitability. The ideal candidate possesses strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of catering operations, and a proven ability to lead effectively in a distributed, digital environment. This is a unique opportunity to shape and scale remote catering services nationwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive operational strategies for remote catering services, focusing on efficiency, quality, and scalability.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a geographically dispersed team of catering coordinators, supervisors, and support staff.
• Establish and enforce high standards for food quality, service delivery, hygiene, and safety across all operations.
• Oversee budget management, cost control, and financial performance of the catering operations.
• Identify and implement process improvements and leverage technology to enhance operational effectiveness.
• Manage relationships with key vendors and partners to ensure consistent supply and service delivery.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track operational success and identify areas for improvement.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and company policies.
• Drive innovation in catering offerings and service models to meet evolving client needs.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing, and product development teams to support business growth objectives.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in catering or hospitality operations management, with a significant portion involving remote or multi-site leadership.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale catering operations and leading remote teams.
• Strong strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate diverse teams.
• Demonstrated expertise in budget management, P&L responsibility, and cost optimization.
• Proficiency in operational management software, CRM systems, and digital collaboration tools.
• Deep understanding of food safety, quality standards, and regulatory compliance in the food service industry.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and fully remote work environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field is highly preferred.
• Must possess a reliable home office setup with high-speed internet and be legally authorized to work remotely in South Africa.

Benefits

• This is a key leadership role offering a highly competitive salary and the unparalleled flexibility of a fully remote position.
• You will have a significant impact on the strategic direction and operational success of a national catering leader.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development within a forward-thinking organization are abundant.
• Lead and innovate within a company committed to excellence and adapting to the future of the industry.
• Benefit from working autonomously and shaping your own work environment while driving impactful results.