Operations Manager

RecruitSmith (PTY) LTD; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 335,000 - 502,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Job summary

RecruitSmith (PTY) LTD in Cape Town seeks an experienced Operations Manager to lead on-site event operations in the Western Cape. The role focuses on meticulous planning, resource management, and team leadership to ensure seamless execution and exceptional client satisfaction.

You will convert orders into production schedules, allocate staff and assets, manage budgets, and uphold HACCP and safety standards while driving continuous improvement across events.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in operations management within hospitality, events, or logistics.
• Proven team leadership and staff training experience.
• Strong background in event planning, budgeting, and operational management.
• Relevant food safety/HACCP training at supervisory or management level, with gas-awareness.
• Excellent communication, coordination, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Convert confirmed orders into detailed production schedules, prep lists, and station plans.
• Allocate resources including crew, drivers, and FOH staff based on event requirements.
• Sign off on each event prior to dispatch, confirming quantities, dietary needs, décor, equipment, vehicles, and staffing.
• Enforce recipe standards, portion control, and plating guidelines.
• Develop contingency plans for load-shedding, water outages, equipment failures, and adverse weather.
• Own and execute the on-site operations plan, managing staffing, load lists, delivery timings, and contingencies.
• Coordinate with stadium management, security, supply chain, and venue staff on access, logistics, and safety protocols.
• Oversee venue readiness walks, product movement, and on-the-day issue resolution.
• Manage vehicle logistics, equipment registers, supplier relationships, and procurement to ensure operational efficiency.
• Monitor budgets including food costs, consumables, labour, fleet, and equipment, ensuring targets are met.
• Maintain HACCP-based food safety standards and compliance with all health, safety, and venue regulations.
• Lead and develop teams through objective setting, performance reviews, discipline, and leadership development.
• Act as the senior operational contact for clients and venues, managing relationships, handling complaints, and collaborating with various internal departments.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimise costs, waste, logistics, and setup time.

Skills

Operations management

Team leadership

Event planning

Budgeting

Food safety HACCP

Communication

Job description

Join a dynamic and established organization in the hospitality, logistics, and event management sectors as we seek a highly skilled Operations Manager to lead our on-site event operations in the Western Cape. This senior role offers the opportunity to impact large-scale events through meticulous planning, resource management, and team leadership, ensuring seamless execution and exceptional client satisfaction.

Duties:

• Convert confirmed orders into detailed production schedules, prep lists, and station plans.
• Allocate resources including crew, drivers, and FOH staff based on event requirements.
• Sign off on each event prior to dispatch, confirming quantities, dietary needs, décor, equipment, vehicles, and staffing.
• Enforce recipe standards, portion control, and plating guidelines.
• Develop contingency plans for load-shedding, water outages, equipment failures, and adverse weather.
• Own and execute the on-site operations plan, managing staffing, load lists, delivery timings, and contingencies.
• Coordinate with stadium management, security, supply chain, and venue staff on access, logistics, and safety protocols.
• Oversee venue readiness walks, product movement, and on-the-day issue resolution.
• Manage vehicle logistics, equipment registers, supplier relationships, and procurement to ensure operational efficiency.
• Monitor budgets including food costs, consumables, labour, fleet, and equipment, ensuring targets are met.
• Maintain HACCP-based food safety standards and compliance with all health, safety, and venue regulations.
• Lead and develop teams through objective setting, performance reviews, discipline, and leadership development.
• Act as the senior operational contact for clients and venues, managing relationships, handling complaints, and collaborating with various internal departments.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimise costs, waste, logistics, and setup time.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in operations management within hospitality, events, or logistics.
• Proven team leadership and staff training experience.
• Strong background in event planning, budgeting, and operational management.
• Relevant food safety/hACCP training at supervisory or management level, with gas-awareness.
• Excellent communication, coordination, and problem-solving skills.

Nice to Have:

• Experience training event staff, FOH teams, or drivers.

What We'll Give You:

• Competitive salary between R30,000 and R45,000 per month (Cost to Company).
• Opportunity to lead large-scale events and influence operational excellence.
• Supportive work environment focused on professional development and growth.
• The chance to join a respected organization committed to high standards and innovation.