Regional Catering Operations Lead

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Travel allowance

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Regional Catering Operations Lead to oversee multi-site catering across Upington and the Northern Cape. You will lead operations, optimize service delivery, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with food safety standards.

Travel across the region is required, with a focus on delivering exceptional culinary experiences and building strong client relationships. A proven track record in multi-site catering management is essential.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of experience in multi-site catering management or regional operations management.
• Strong budgeting, P&L responsibility, and cost-control skills.
• Solid knowledge of food safety, hygiene standards, and operational best practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage catering operations across multiple sites within the assigned region.
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance efficiency, profitability, and client satisfaction.
• Oversee budget management and financial performance for regional operations.
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety and hygiene standards across locations.
• Recruit, train, and mentor regional catering staff.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients, stakeholders, and partners.
• Monitor performance and implement corrective actions.
• Manage supply chain and procurement for timely sourcing of ingredients.
• Conduct site visits and performance reviews to ensure standards.
• Drive innovation in menu offerings and service delivery.

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a major player in the hospitality and catering sector, seeking a skilled and experienced Regional Catering Operations Lead to oversee their operations across a designated region, including **Upington, Northern Cape**. This strategic role demands strong leadership, operational acumen, and a deep understanding of managing multiple catering sites and diverse client needs. You will be responsible for ensuring consistent service quality, driving operational efficiency, managing budgets, and leading teams to achieve excellence. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in multi-site catering management and a passion for delivering outstanding culinary experiences. We are looking for a proactive individual who can optimize performance, foster a positive team culture, and contribute significantly to the company's growth and reputation within the **Northern Cape** region. This position requires regular travel throughout the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage catering operations across multiple sites within the assigned region, ensuring consistent service delivery and quality.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to enhance efficiency, profitability, and client satisfaction.
• Oversee budget management, cost control, and financial performance for all regional catering operations.
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety, health, and hygiene standards across all locations.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and manage regional catering staff, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, stakeholders, and regional partners.
• Monitor operational performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective actions.
• Manage supply chain and procurement processes to ensure timely and cost-effective sourcing of ingredients and supplies.
• Conduct regular site visits and performance reviews to ensure standards are met and exceeded.
• Drive innovation in menu offerings and service delivery to meet evolving market demands.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in multi-site catering management or regional operations management within the hospitality industry.
• Demonstrated experience in managing budgets, P&L responsibility, and operational efficiency.
• Strong understanding of food safety regulations, hygiene standards, and operational best practices.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to develop and implement successful operational strategies.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and experience with catering or operations management software.
• Willingness to travel extensively within the **Northern Cape** region and occasionally beyond.
• Must hold a valid driver's license.
• A degree or diploma in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive regional leadership salary.
• Performance-based bonuses and incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Travel allowances and accommodation provided for regional travel.
• Opportunities for career advancement to senior national roles.
• Exposure to a diverse range of catering operations and client sectors.
• A supportive management structure and collaborative team environment.