Remote Catering Operations Director

Placements24; Soweto; Hybrid; ZAR 2,500,000 - 4,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive health coverage

Performance bonuses

Retirement benefits

Fully remote role

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a visionary and strategic Remote Catering Operations Director to steer nationwide operations from a fully remote capacity. The role requires 10+ years in senior operations leadership within catering, managing multi-site operations, and a passion for food safety and service excellence.

You will set operational strategy, optimize efficiency, lead a dispersed team, and oversee multimillion rand budgets while driving ROI and stakeholder satisfaction from your home office.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of senior operations leadership experience in catering or related hospitality industry.
• Proven track record managing large-scale, multi-site catering operations.
• Strong background in strategic planning, budget management, and operational optimisation.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety regulations, quality management systems, and supply chain best practices.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management with remote teams.
• Data-driven decision making and analytical problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency with advanced operational management software and technology solutions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive operational strategies to enhance efficiency, quality, and profitability across all catering divisions.
• Oversee national catering operations including logistics, supply chain management, quality control, and health & safety compliance.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a geographically dispersed team of operational managers and staff.
• Implement and monitor KPIs to drive operational excellence and achieve business objectives.
• Manage multi-million rand operational budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and ROI.
• Foster relationships with vendors, clients, and internal departments.
• Drive innovation in processes and service delivery through new technologies and best practices.
• Ensure adherence to food safety regulations, certifications, and nationwide quality standards.
• Conduct regular virtual performance reviews and provide strategic guidance to regional teams.
• Develop crisis management plans and ensure business continuity for all operations.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Budget management

Operations leadership

Remote team leadership

Stakeholder management

Data-driven decision making

Problem solving

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Education

MBA or Masters in Hospitality Management

Tertiary qualification in related field

Tools

Operational management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a national leader in innovative catering solutions, is seeking a visionary and strategic Remote Catering Operations Director to steer their nationwide operations from a fully remote capacity. This senior leadership role demands extensive experience in managing large-scale catering logistics, optimizing efficiency, and driving service excellence across multiple locations. You will be instrumental in setting operational strategies, implementing cutting-edge solutions, and ensuring the highest standards of food safety, quality, and client satisfaction. The ideal candidate is a seasoned leader with a profound understanding of the catering industry, exceptional problem-solving capabilities, and a proven ability to manage complex operations remotely. This is a unique opportunity to lead and transform catering operations on a national scale, contributing to our client's continued success and growth from your home office.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive operational strategies to enhance efficiency, quality, and profitability across all catering divisions.
• Oversee all aspects of national catering operations, including logistics, supply chain management, quality control, and health & safety compliance.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a diverse, geographically dispersed team of operational managers and staff.
• Implement and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive operational excellence and achieve business objectives.
• Manage multi-million rand operational budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and maximising ROI.
• Foster strong relationships with key stakeholders, including vendors, clients, and internal departments.
• Drive innovation in operational processes and service delivery through the adoption of new technologies and best practices.
• Ensure adherence to all relevant food safety regulations, certifications, and quality standards nationwide.
• Conduct regular virtual performance reviews and provide strategic guidance to regional operations teams.
• Develop crisis management plans and ensure business continuity for all catering operations.

Requirements

• Extensive experience (10+ years) in senior operations leadership within the catering or a related hospitality industry.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale, multi-site catering operations.
• Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, budget management, and operational optimisation.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety regulations, quality management systems, and supply chain best practices.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with significant experience leading remote teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Proficiency in advanced operational management software and technology solutions.
• A relevant tertiary qualification (e.g., MBA, Masters in Hospitality Management) is highly advantageous.
• Ability to work autonomously and lead effectively in a dynamic, fully remote environment.
• Must be based in South Africa, with the capability to manage operations nationwide, including strategic oversight for regions like Gauteng .

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive executive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including executive health coverage, performance bonuses, and retirement benefits. This role provides the ultimate flexibility of a fully remote position, promoting an exceptional work-life balance. You will have significant autonomy and the opportunity to shape the future of a leading national catering company. Professional development opportunities are extensive, with the potential for advancement within the organisation. Join a forward-thinking industry leader and make a lasting impact on national catering standards from your chosen location.