Lead Corporate Event Caterer

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,476,000 - 2,214,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive day rate

State-of-the-art catering equipment

Diverse high-profile client exposure

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban seeks a Lead Corporate Event Caterer to spearhead our high-end corporate catering division on-site in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. You will conceptualize menus, lead catering teams, and ensure flawless execution of events from intimate luncheons to gala dinners.

The role requires a sophisticated palate, strong event logistics understanding, and budget management to exceed client expectations.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years catering experience with corporate events and leadership responsibility.
• Strong knowledge of culinary trends, menu planning, and beverage service.
• Excellent understanding of event management principles and logistics.
• Strong financial acumen including budgeting, cost control, and inventory management.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple events simultaneously.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to travel to Durban venues.
• Qualification in Culinary Arts or Hospitality Management preferred.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and public holidays.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, development, and execution of all catering aspects for corporate events.
• Create innovative, customized menus based on client needs, dietary restrictions, and budget.
• Recruit, train, and manage a catering staff team to ensure high performance.
• Oversee event setup, service delivery, and breakdown to high standards.
• Manage food and beverage inventory, ordering, and supplier relationships for quality and cost control.
• Collaborate with event planners, clients, and venue staff for smooth coordination.
• Develop and manage catering budgets, track expenses, identify savings opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and hygiene regulations.
• Conduct post-event evaluations and gather client feedback for service improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Event planning

Menu design

Food presentation

Team management

Communication

Education

Culinary Arts

Hospitality Management

Job description

About the Role Our client, a dynamic events management company in Durban, seeks a Lead Corporate Event Caterer to spearhead their high-end corporate event catering division. This role demands creativity, meticulous planning, and an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional culinary experiences for prestigious corporate clients. You will be responsible for conceptualizing unique menus, managing catering teams, and ensuring flawless execution of events ranging from intimate executive luncheons to large-scale gala dinners. The successful candidate will possess a sophisticated palate, a strong understanding of event logistics, and the ability to manage budgets effectively while exceeding client expectations. This is an on-site role, crucial for the seamless coordination of event services in the vibrant city of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. Your expertise will be vital in maintaining and enhancing our client's reputation for excellence in corporate hospitality.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, development, and execution of all catering aspects for corporate events.
• Create innovative and customized menu proposals tailored to client needs, dietary restrictions, and budget considerations.
• Recruit, train, and manage a team of skilled catering staff, ensuring high performance and professional conduct.
• Oversee event setup, service delivery, and breakdown, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of quality and presentation.
• Manage all food and beverage inventory, ordering, and supplier relationships to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate with event planners, clients, and venue staff to ensure smooth event coordination.
• Develop and manage catering budgets, tracking expenses and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
• Ensure strict compliance with all health, safety, and hygiene regulations within the catering operations.
• Conduct post-event evaluations and gather client feedback to continuously improve service offerings.

Requirements

• Minimum of 6 years of experience in catering, with a strong focus on corporate events and a proven track record in a leadership role.
• Extensive knowledge of culinary trends, menu planning, food presentation, and beverage service.
• Excellent understanding of event management principles and logistics.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, cost control, and inventory management.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple events simultaneously.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to travel to event venues across Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
• A qualification in Culinary Arts or Hospitality Management is highly preferred.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and public holidays as required by event schedules.

Benefits

• Competitive day rate or project-based remuneration.
• Opportunity to work with a diverse portfolio of high-profile corporate clients.
• Exposure to cutting-edge event design and execution.
• Potential for repeat business and long-term contracts.
• Access to state-of-the-art catering equipment and resources.
• Be part of a creative and energetic events team in Durban.