Lead Catering Operations Manager (Remote)

Placements24; Soweto; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Catering Operations Manager to direct nationwide catering operations remotely. Lead a distributed team, optimize logistics, and ensure safety and quality across all engagements.

The role requires 10+ years in catering operations, 5+ in senior leadership, and a Master’s degree in Hospitality Management or MBA. You’ll drive strategy, budgeting, vendor relations and continuous improvement. Strong communication and remote‑team leadership are essential.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in catering operations management
• 5+ years in a senior leadership role
• Strong strategic thinking and financial acumen

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for catering activities nationwide.
• Manage, mentor, and develop a remote team of catering operations managers and staff.
• Develop and implement standardized operating procedures to ensure consistency, efficiency, and quality across all events.
• Oversee budget development, financial performance, and cost control for all catering operations.
• Ensure rigorous compliance with all food safety, health, and sanitation regulations.
• Lead vendor negotiations and manage relationships with key suppliers to secure optimal pricing and service levels.
• Drive innovation in menu development, service delivery, and operational processes.
• Implement and manage robust quality assurance programs.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing, and client relations teams to achieve business objectives.
• Analyze operational data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Serve as a key point of contact for high-profile clients and major catering projects.

Skills

Catering operations management

Remote team leadership

Budget forecasting

Food safety knowledge

Strategic planning

P&L management

Education

Master's degree in Hospitality Management or MBA

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and results-driven Lead Catering Operations Manager to direct and optimize their catering operations in a fully remote capacity. This senior leadership role is essential for driving operational excellence, strategic planning, and the successful execution of catering services across all contracted engagements. You will lead a distributed team of catering professionals, manage complex logistics, ensure adherence to the highest quality and safety standards, and foster innovation in service delivery. The ideal candidate is a seasoned operational leader with a proven ability to manage large-scale catering projects remotely, possessing exceptional strategic thinking, financial acumen, and a passion for client satisfaction. This is a unique opportunity to shape and lead a critical function from Soweto or any authorized remote location, impacting the company's success nationwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for all catering activities nationwide.
• Manage, mentor, and develop a remote team of catering operations managers and staff.
• Develop and implement standardized operating procedures to ensure consistency, efficiency, and quality across all events.
• Oversee budget development, financial performance, and cost control for all catering operations.
• Ensure rigorous compliance with all food safety, health, and sanitation regulations.
• Lead vendor negotiations and manage relationships with key suppliers to secure optimal pricing and service levels.
• Drive innovation in menu development, service delivery, and operational processes.
• Implement and manage robust quality assurance programs.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing, and client relations teams to achieve business objectives.
• Analyze operational data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Serve as a key point of contact for high-profile clients and major catering projects.

Requirements

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in catering operations management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Demonstrated success in managing large-scale catering operations and remote teams.
• Exceptional strategic planning, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong financial management capabilities, including P&L responsibility and budget forecasting.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety regulations, culinary best practices, and supply chain management within the hospitality industry.
• Outstanding leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate diverse teams.
• Proficiency in using advanced project management, operational, and virtual collaboration tools.
• A Master's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to drive operational efficiency and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience in managing multiple complex projects simultaneously from a remote setting.
• Resilience and adaptability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving operational landscape.

Benefits

This role offers the significant advantage of being fully remote, providing exceptional flexibility and work-life balance. Our client provides a highly competitive executive compensation package, including performance bonuses and comprehensive benefits. You will have the opportunity to lead a critical division, influence strategic direction, and drive significant growth. This is a leadership position with substantial responsibility and reward, offering unparalleled career development and the chance to make a lasting impact on our organization, regardless of your location near Soweto or elsewhere.